Exploring Seasons with 3D Printing
Created byLynette Leonard
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Exploring Seasons with 3D Printing

Grade 1ScienceTechnology5 days
The 'Exploring Seasons with 3D Printing' project for 1st graders integrates science and technology to teach students about the four seasons, using Earth's tilt, orbit, and weather patterns as a basis. Through activities such as creating a mini-weather station, investigating weather patterns, using 3D printing to sculpt seasonal models, and comparing global weather variations, students gain a comprehensive understanding of seasonal changes. The project emphasizes hands-on learning, creative expression, and scientific inquiry, culminating in a variety of visual and data-driven projects such as correlation charts and 3D models. It leverages standards from Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core to reinforce concepts around weather, Earth's motion, and technological application in education.
Seasons3D PrintingWeather PatternsEarth's Tilt and OrbitScience and TechnologyHands-on LearningGlobal Weather Comparison
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we use 3D printing to create representations of the four seasons and understand the impact of Earth's tilt, orbit, and weather patterns on these seasons, especially in different regions?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • How do different weather patterns affect the creation of seasons?
  • What role does the Earth's tilt and orbit play in the changing of seasons?
  • How can technology like 3D printing help us learn about and display different seasons?
  • What characteristics define each of the four seasons?
  • How do weather patterns differ across various regions?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Understand how weather patterns create seasons in a particular region and time.
  • Identify the four distinct seasons and their characteristics.
  • Explain the role of Earth's tilt and orbit in the changing of seasons.
  • Use 3D printing technology to visually represent and learn about different seasons.
  • Compare weather patterns across various regions to understand how they affect seasonal characteristics.

Next Generation Science Standards

1-ESS-1.2
Primary
Seasons are created by weather patterns for a particular region and time. Local patterns create four distinct seasons.Reason: This standard directly addresses understanding seasons and weather patterns, which are essential to the project's focus on how seasons are created.
1-ESS1-1
Secondary
Use observations of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can be predicted.Reason: While this standard is more broadly about celestial observations, understanding sun patterns links to how Earth's orbit affects seasons.
K-2-ETS1-2
Primary
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.Reason: This standard aligns with the use of 3D printing to create models for understanding seasons, linking technology and science.

Common Core Standards

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.5
Supporting
Add drawings or other visual displays to descriptions when appropriate to clarify ideas, thoughts, and feelings.Reason: Creating visual displays through 3D printing aligns with communication and expression, enhancing understanding of seasonal concepts.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Weather Station Maker Challenge

The class is challenged to create a mini-weather station using 3D printing technology. Students investigate how weather affects seasonal changes and present their findings and models to a panel of guest meteorologists.
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Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

Weather Investigators

Students become weather detectives, exploring different weather patterns and how they form the seasons through scientific inquiry and research.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Introduce the students to the concept of weather patterns and how they form the basis for seasons. Show examples of weather maps and videos describing different weather conditions.
2. Guide students to collect weather data for a week using basic weather instruments (like thermometers and wind vanes) and log the findings in a journal.
3. Discuss the importance of weather data and relate it to particular seasonal changes. Encourage students to share their findings in small groups.
4. Have students create a season-weather correlation chart by indicating which types of weather belong to which season and what characteristics each season has.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA collaborative season-weather correlation chart that maps out weather conditions associated with each of the four seasons.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with 1-ESS-1.2 by helping students understand how weather patterns contribute to seasonal changes.
Activity 2

Tilt-and-Orbit Explorers

Students explore the Earth's tilt and orbit using simple models to comprehend how these factors contribute to seasonal changes.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Introduce the students to Earth's tilt and orbital path, using simple diagrams and a globe as visual aids.
2. Construct a basic model using a globe and a flashlight to simulate the sun. Demonstrate how the angle of light affects different parts of the globe as it tilts and orbits.
3. Have students in small groups replicate the experiment and jot down observations about how the tilt and orbit affect sunlight exposure and thus influence seasons.
4. Discuss and compile the observations as a class to draw conclusions. Let students relate their findings to changes in daylight and climate across seasons.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA class reflection chart detailing the impact of Earth's tilt and orbit on seasons and daylight.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with 1-ESS1-1 by helping students understand the science behind the Earth's motion and how it affects seasons.
Activity 3

3D Printing Season Sculptors

Students use 3D printing technology to create models representing each of the four seasons, enhancing their understanding through visual and hands-on learning.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Introduce students to the basics of 3D printing, highlighting how this technology can be used to bring abstract concepts to life.
2. Allow students to brainstorm and sketch simple designs for models that represent distinct features of winter, spring, summer, and fall.
3. Guide the students in pairs to convert their sketches into 3D models using beginner-friendly software.
4. Supervise as students print their models and encourage peer feedback throughout the design and printing processes.
5. Let students present their 3D printed models to the class, explaining what elements of the season they've captured and why.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA set of 3D printed models representing distinctive characteristics of each of the four seasons.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with K-2-ETS1-2 and CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.5 by encouraging the use of technology for model creation and effective communication of ideas.
Activity 4

Regional Weather Comparers

Students investigate and compare weather patterns from different regions to understand how these patterns shape distinct seasonal characteristics.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Introduce students to a variety of global climates and weather patterns using videos and presentations.
2. Assign different regions to student groups and provide resources for research on the local climate and weather patterns of assigned regions.
3. Guide each group to create a poster or digital presentation comparing their assigned region's weather patterns and seasons with local ones.
4. Have each group present their findings to the class, promoting discussion on weather diversity and its effect on seasonal characteristics globally.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityDigital or physical presentation comparing regional weather patterns and how they affect seasons.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with 1-ESS-1.2 by encouraging a comparison of seasonal weather patterns globally, building a deeper understanding of local and global seasonal phenomena.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Seasons and Weather Mastery Rubric

Category 1

Understanding of Weather Patterns

Assesses student's understanding of how weather patterns influence seasons and daily weather tracking competence.
Criterion 1

Weather Pattern Comprehension

Evaluates student's ability to explain how weather patterns contribute to seasonal changes, using data and examples.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of weather patterns and can explain their roles in seasonal changes with clear and detailed examples.

Proficient
3 Points

Shows thorough understanding and appropriate explanation of how weather patterns contribute to seasons, supported by examples.

Developing
2 Points

Shows emerging understanding with basic explanation and limited examples of weather patterns' impact on seasons.

Beginning
1 Points

Shows limited understanding and struggles to explain how weather patterns relate to seasons.

Criterion 2

Weather Data Collection Skills

Evaluates the student's ability to accurately collect and utilize weather data in their portfolio activities.

Exemplary
4 Points

Collects and logs comprehensive, accurate weather data consistently and uses it skillfully in presentations and discussions.

Proficient
3 Points

Collects and adequately logs weather data, using it effectively in parts of their portfolio activities.

Developing
2 Points

Collects weather data with some accuracy but shows inconsistent log entries and data use.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to collect and log weather data accurately, with little use in activities.

Criterion 3

Seasonal Correlation Chart

Evaluates the quality and accuracy of a chart mapping weather to seasonal changes.

Exemplary
4 Points

Creates a highly detailed, accurate, and organized season-weather correlation chart that uses evidence effectively.

Proficient
3 Points

Produces a detailed and accurate season-weather correlation chart with minor errors.

Developing
2 Points

Presents a basic chart with several errors or missing elements relating weather to seasons.

Beginning
1 Points

Creates an incomplete or inaccurate chart with little correlation between weather and seasons.

Category 2

Understanding Earth's Motion

Assesses student's grasp of how Earth's tilt and orbit contribute to seasonal changes.
Criterion 1

Comprehension of Earth's Tilt and Orbit

Evaluates student's understanding of Earth's tilt and orbit's role in affecting seasons, based on their participation in activities.

Exemplary
4 Points

Exhibits a deep understanding of Earth's tilt and orbit, explaining their impacts on seasons with clear examples from experiments.

Proficient
3 Points

Demonstrates a solid understanding of how Earth's tilt and orbit affect seasons, supported by class activities.

Developing
2 Points

Shows basic understanding of Earth's motion with limited connections to seasonal effects.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to comprehend how Earth's tilt and orbit relate to seasons, needing guidance.

Criterion 2

Experimental Participation and Observation

Assesses student's active involvement in experiments and quality of observations.

Exemplary
4 Points

Actively participates and conducts experiments with precise and insightful observations, contributing to class discussions richly.

Proficient
3 Points

Participates and makes accurate observations during experiments, contributing well to discussions.

Developing
2 Points

Participates in experiments but makes basic and fewer observations.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to participate actively in experiments or make significant observations.

Category 3

3D Modeling and Communication

Assesses the ability to use technology to create models and communicate ideas effectively.
Criterion 1

3D Model Creation

Evaluates the student's ability to use 3D printing technology to create accurate and representative models of seasonal characteristics.

Exemplary
4 Points

Designs and prints exceptional 3D models that accurately reflect seasonal characteristics, showing creativity and precision.

Proficient
3 Points

Successfully designs and prints functional 3D models that capture essential season traits.

Developing
2 Points

Creates basic 3D models with limited accuracy or reflection of seasonal characteristics.

Beginning
1 Points

Faces challenges in designing and printing 3D models, with little reflection of seasonal attributes.

Criterion 2

Communication of Ideas

Assesses student's ability to explain and present models to peers, expressing ideas clearly and effectively.

Exemplary
4 Points

Communicates and presents ideas clearly with confidence, engaging peers through detailed and well-explained presentations.

Proficient
3 Points

Presents and communicates ideas effectively with some depth, ensuring peers understand the concepts.

Developing
2 Points

Shares basic ideas with limited clarity during presentations, occasionally needing prompting.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to present ideas clearly, requiring assistance to communicate concepts effectively.

Category 4

Global Weather Pattern Comparison

Assesses research and comparison skills related to understanding of weather patterns globally.
Criterion 1

Regional Research and Comparison

Evaluates student's research skills and ability to compare regional weather patterns, linking to global seasonal impact.

Exemplary
4 Points

Conducts thorough research and makes insightful comparisons across regions, demonstrating a deep understanding of global weather impacts on seasons.

Proficient
3 Points

Performs solid research and produces effective regional weather comparisons, with relevant insights.

Developing
2 Points

Conducts basic research with emerging comparisons, showing limited understanding of global weather impacts.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to conduct research and compare regional weather patterns, displaying little comprehension of global contexts.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

Reflect on how your understanding of weather patterns and their role in the creation of seasons has evolved through the 'Weather Investigators' activity.

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Question 2

How confident do you feel in explaining the impact of Earth's tilt and orbit on seasons after participating in the 'Tilt-and-Orbit Explorers' activity?

Scale
Required
Question 3

In what ways has learning to use 3D printing technology in the '3D Printing Season Sculptors' activity helped you to better understand and visualize the distinct features of each season?

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Question 4

Which region's weather patterns most intrigued you during the 'Regional Weather Comparers' activity, and why?

Multiple choice
Required
Options
Arctic Region
Tropical Region
Temperate Region
Desert Region
Question 5

Overall, how has this unit changed your perspective on the relationship between Earth's movements, technology, and our understanding of seasons?

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Required