Planning and Sketching Solutions gives 2nd grade students three pages of guided notes on NGSS K-2-ETS1-2. They fill blanks on engineers, shape, function, sketches, and labels, and explain what is wrong with the class reading-corner shelf. The notes end with a new problem: carrying six library books to the car in the rain. Students describe the shape of their invention and how that shape helps. Model answers are in the key.
K-2-ETS1-2
“Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem.”
How Shape Helps Function sets out the idea, and the Your idea prompt in Planning a New Solution asks students to explain how their invention's shape helps it work.
Blanks cover engineers designing things to solve a problem. Students then describe the problem with the reading-corner shelf, where books slide off the end.
Three blanks define shape and function and state that a design's shape must help it work.
Students fill in sketch, labels, and share, then explain why it helps to plan and draw before building.
Six library books need to reach the car in the rain. Students note that the solution must keep the books dry and hold their weight, then describe their invention's shape.
Use your own shelf
The notes refer to our reading-corner shelf. If your shelf is fine, swap in a real problem from your room and tell students before they start.
Sketch time
Give students plain paper after the notes to sketch the book carrier. Ask for at least two labels on each drawing.
Share and compare
The key's model answer is a box with a roof. Put two different student ideas side by side and ask which shape keeps the books drier.
Get started today
