Saved by the Jacket

During this challenge, students will engage in an immersive engineering design challenge that scaffolds the Engineering Design Process (EDP) for both students and teachers. Students take on the role of engineers to design and build a life jacket that keeps an action figure safely afloat. As students work through the challenge, they will develop essential skills in time management, adaptability, and innovative thinking—connecting classroom learning to real-world careers and applications in science and engineering.

Acknowledgements:
This collection was created in collaboration with JASON Learning and the Region 4 Education Service Center in Houston, TX.

Keeping it Cold!

In this STEM Design Challenge, you will design and build a life jacket that will prevent an action figure from drowning. The team will present and demonstrate the final prototype and complete a class data table.

Target Audience:

Grades 3-5

Key Concepts and Vocabulary:

Float, sink, physical properties, mass, volume, life jacket, and personal flotation device

Included Materials

Students gain access to a design challenge module featuring teacher- and student-facing materials that guide them through the Engineering Design Process. 

The module includes an overview of the challenge, a launch activity to introduce the task, and step-by-step instructions for each phase: Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create/Test/Improve, and Communicate.

While suggested materials for the challenge are provided, they are not included.

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