Staircase Model: Design, Argument, and Informative Writing
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design and explain the construction of a functional and safe staircase model, using informational texts to inform our design choices and explanatory writing to communicate our process?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How do informational texts help in understanding structure design?
- How can I effectively communicate the design and construction process of a staircase model through writing?
- What makes a staircase design functional and safe?
- How does tracing an author's argument help in the design process?
- How can I use explanatory writing to describe the features of my staircase model?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to design and build a model staircase.
- Students will be able to use informational texts to inform design choices.
- Students will be able to write clear, explanatory texts describing their design process.
- Students will be able to evaluate and trace arguments and claims in informational texts.
- Students will be able to apply safety and functionality principles to staircase design.
- Students will be able to communicate the design and construction process effectively through writing.
- Students will be able to understand and apply structural design principles.
- Students will be able to describe the features of their staircase model using explanatory writing.
- Students will be able to understand the relationship between informational texts and structural design.
- Students will be able to trace an author's argument to inform the design process.
- Students will be able to use evidence from informational texts to support design choices.
- Students will be able to create a functional and safe staircase model based on research and design principles.
- Students will be able to explain the steps and considerations involved in the construction of a staircase model.
- Students will be able to present the design and construction process of the staircase model in a clear and organized manner.
Reading Informational Text
Writing
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsStaircases Around the World
The teacher presents a series of images depicting staircases from diverse cultures and historical periods, prompting a discussion on the cultural significance and functional adaptations of staircases. Students are tasked with creating a staircase model inspired by a specific culture or time period, along with a written presentation that traces the historical and cultural context of their design, supporting their claims with evidence from research.The Accessible Staircase Design
The class participates in a 'blindfolded staircase challenge' where they navigate a simple staircase with altered sensory input, followed by a reflective discussion on the importance of accessibility in design. Students are then challenged to design a model of a staircase that prioritizes accessibility for individuals with visual or mobility impairments, accompanied by a detailed written explanation of the features they incorporated and the research that informed their decisions.Staircase Illusions
Students watch a captivating video showcasing optical illusions related to staircases, followed by a class discussion on how our perception can be manipulated. They then receive a challenge: to design a staircase model that incorporates an element of optical illusion, requiring them to research and understand the principles of visual deception and clearly explain the science behind their design choices.The Case of the Faulty Staircase
The class receives a mysterious letter from a historical society detailing the structural failures of a famous staircase in their town, accompanied by blueprints. Students must analyze the provided documents, identify the flaws in the original design using informational texts about structural engineering, and then propose a redesigned model with a written justification explaining how their design addresses the original issues and meets modern safety standards.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Informational Text Navigator
Students will read several informational texts about staircase design, safety, and historical examples. They will then summarize the key points of each text, focusing on the arguments and claims made by the authors.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA summary of each informational text, highlighting the main arguments and claims, and a synthesis of the key design principles learned.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCovers RI.6.8 (Trace and evaluate an author’s argument and claims) by requiring students to analyze texts about staircase design and W.6.2 (Write informative/explanatory texts with clear organization) by asking students to summarize key points from the texts.Blueprint Creator
Students will create a detailed plan for their staircase model, including sketches, measurements, and a list of materials. They will justify their design choices based on information gathered from the informational texts.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed design plan for the staircase model, including sketches, measurements, materials list, and a written justification of design choices.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCovers W.6.2 (Write informative/explanatory texts with clear organization) by focusing on writing a detailed description of the staircase model and RI.6.8 (Trace and evaluate an author’s argument and claims) by requiring students to support their design choices with evidence from research.Construction Documentarian
Students will build their staircase model according to their design plan. As they build, they will document the construction process with photos and written descriptions of each step.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA completed staircase model and a photo journal documenting the construction process, with written descriptions of each step and justifications for design choices.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCovers W.6.2 (Write informative/explanatory texts with clear organization) by requiring students to explain the construction process step-by-step and RI.6.8 (Trace and evaluate an author’s argument and claims) by justifying each step with reference to safety and design principles from the texts.Design Showcase & Reflection
Students will create a presentation showcasing their staircase model and explaining their design process. They will discuss the challenges they faced, the solutions they implemented, and what they learned from the project.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA presentation (oral, written, or multimedia) showcasing the staircase model, explaining the design process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and lessons learned.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCovers RI.6.8 (Trace and evaluate an author’s argument and claims) by critically reflecting on the design’s success based on initial research and W.6.2 (Write informative/explanatory texts with clear organization) by requiring a cohesive and clear presentation of the entire project.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioStaircase Design Challenge Rubric
Informational Text Analysis
This category assesses the student's ability to extract, summarize, and synthesize information from informational texts related to staircase design, safety, and historical examples.Accuracy of Summaries
Summaries accurately capture the main arguments and claims of each informational text.
Exemplary
4 PointsSummaries are exceptionally clear, concise, and accurately represent the author's arguments and claims with sophisticated insight.
Proficient
3 PointsSummaries are clear, concise, and accurately represent the author's arguments and claims.
Developing
2 PointsSummaries capture some of the author's arguments and claims but may lack clarity or conciseness.
Beginning
1 PointsSummaries are incomplete, inaccurate, or fail to capture the author's arguments and claims.
Synthesis of Information
Synthesis effectively identifies common design principles and safety considerations across multiple texts.
Exemplary
4 PointsSynthesis demonstrates an exceptional ability to integrate information from multiple texts to identify nuanced and complex design principles and safety considerations.
Proficient
3 PointsSynthesis effectively integrates information from multiple texts to identify common design principles and safety considerations.
Developing
2 PointsSynthesis identifies some common design principles and safety considerations but may lack depth or integration.
Beginning
1 PointsSynthesis fails to identify common design principles and safety considerations or relies heavily on one text.
Understanding and Application
The synthesis demonstrates a clear understanding of the relationship between informational texts and staircase design.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates a sophisticated understanding of how informational texts directly inform and shape innovative staircase design with perceptive insights.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates a thorough understanding of how informational texts inform staircase design.
Developing
2 PointsShows an emerging understanding of the connection between informational texts and staircase design.
Beginning
1 PointsShows limited understanding of how informational texts relate to staircase design.
Staircase Design Plan
This category assesses the student's ability to create a detailed design plan for their staircase model, including sketches, measurements, materials list, and a justification of their design choices based on information gathered from informational texts.Design Detail and Accuracy
Design plan includes detailed sketches with accurate measurements and dimensions.
Exemplary
4 PointsDesign plan includes exceptionally detailed and accurate sketches with precise measurements and dimensions, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of spatial relationships.
Proficient
3 PointsDesign plan includes detailed sketches with accurate measurements and dimensions.
Developing
2 PointsDesign plan includes sketches with some measurements and dimensions, but may contain inaccuracies or omissions.
Beginning
1 PointsDesign plan lacks detailed sketches or accurate measurements and dimensions.
Evidence-Based Justification
Justification of design choices effectively references and applies information from informational texts.
Exemplary
4 PointsJustification of design choices is exceptionally thorough, insightful, and demonstrates a masterful application of information from informational texts.
Proficient
3 PointsJustification of design choices effectively references and applies information from informational texts.
Developing
2 PointsJustification of design choices references some information from informational texts, but the application may be superficial or incomplete.
Beginning
1 PointsJustification of design choices lacks references to informational texts or demonstrates a misunderstanding of the information.
Material Comprehensiveness
Materials list is comprehensive and includes specifications for each item.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe materials list is exceptionally detailed, including precise specifications and quantities, and demonstrates a deep understanding of material properties and their suitability for the design.
Proficient
3 PointsMaterials list is comprehensive and includes specifications for each item.
Developing
2 PointsMaterials list includes most necessary materials, but may lack specific quantities or specifications.
Beginning
1 PointsMaterials list is incomplete or lacks essential materials and specifications.
Staircase Construction & Documentation
This category assesses the student's ability to build their staircase model according to their design plan and document the construction process with photos and written descriptions of each step, referencing safety and design principles from the informational texts.Construction Documentation
Photo journal documents the construction process with clear and descriptive captions for each step.
Exemplary
4 PointsPhoto journal provides an exceptionally clear, detailed, and insightful record of the construction process, with captions that demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of each step and its significance.
Proficient
3 PointsPhoto journal documents the construction process with clear and descriptive captions for each step.
Developing
2 PointsPhoto journal documents some of the construction process, but captions may lack clarity or detail.
Beginning
1 PointsPhoto journal is incomplete or lacks clear captions describing the construction process.
Application of Principles
Justifications for design choices in each step reference and apply safety and design principles from the informational texts.
Exemplary
4 PointsJustifications are exceptionally insightful, demonstrating a masterful command of safety and design principles from the informational texts, and are seamlessly integrated into each step of the construction process.
Proficient
3 PointsJustifications for design choices in each step reference and apply safety and design principles from the informational texts.
Developing
2 PointsJustifications reference some safety and design principles, but the application may be superficial or incomplete.
Beginning
1 PointsJustifications are lacking or fail to connect design choices to safety and design principles from the informational texts.
Model Accuracy
Model is constructed accurately and reflects the design plan.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe model is constructed with exceptional precision and artistry, demonstrating a deep understanding of structural integrity and aesthetics.
Proficient
3 PointsModel is constructed accurately and reflects the design plan.
Developing
2 PointsModel shows some resemblance to the design plan, but may contain minor inaccuracies or flaws.
Beginning
1 PointsModel deviates significantly from the design plan or is incomplete.
Design Presentation & Reflection
This category assesses the student's ability to create a presentation showcasing their staircase model, explaining their design process, discussing challenges faced, solutions implemented, and lessons learned.Clarity of Explanation
Presentation clearly explains the design choices and references the informational texts used for research.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresentation provides an exceptionally clear, insightful, and compelling explanation of the design choices, seamlessly integrating evidence from informational texts and demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of their application.
Proficient
3 PointsPresentation clearly explains the design choices and references the informational texts used for research.
Developing
2 PointsPresentation explains some of the design choices and references informational texts, but may lack clarity or depth.
Beginning
1 PointsPresentation fails to clearly explain the design choices or reference the informational texts.
Problem-Solving
Presentation effectively discusses challenges faced during construction and solutions implemented.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresentation offers an exceptionally insightful and detailed discussion of the challenges faced during construction and the innovative solutions implemented, demonstrating a deep understanding of problem-solving strategies.
Proficient
3 PointsPresentation effectively discusses challenges faced during construction and solutions implemented.
Developing
2 PointsPresentation mentions some challenges faced during construction and solutions implemented, but may lack detail or clarity.
Beginning
1 PointsPresentation fails to adequately discuss challenges faced during construction or solutions implemented.
Reflective Insights
Reflection demonstrates a deep understanding of staircase design principles, safety, and the learning process.
Exemplary
4 PointsReflection demonstrates an exceptionally deep, insightful, and nuanced understanding of staircase design principles, safety, and the learning process, with a focus on personal growth and future application.
Proficient
3 PointsReflection demonstrates a deep understanding of staircase design principles, safety, and the learning process.
Developing
2 PointsReflection demonstrates some understanding of staircase design principles, safety, or the learning process, but may lack depth or insight.
Beginning
1 PointsReflection lacks understanding of staircase design principles, safety, or the learning process.