Simple & Powered Machines Set

Make a Puppet

Use your imagination to make a Puppet that can be used for a play or tell a story!

45-90 min.
Intermed.
Year 5 to 8
lego-maker-puppet

1. Introduction/Discussion

Hand out the Student Worksheets and allow the students to interpret the activity themselves, or read the Maker “Connect” text aloud to set the scene.

2. Defining the Problem

As students look at the “connect” images and questions, facilitate a discussion to steer them toward a problem or new design opportunity. Once they have decided upon a problem to solve, ensure that they record this in some way. They can use the worksheet to help structure their project documentation, or use their own preferred method to record their design journey.

3. Brainstorm

Students should initially work independently, spending three minutes to generate as many ideas as they can to solve the problem. They can use the bricks from the LEGO® set during the brainstorming process, or sketch out their ideas in the space provided on the worksheet.

It is important for students to spend time tinkering with the LEGO® bricks in order to generate ideas. The goal of tinkering is to explore as many solutions as possible. You can use the tinkering examples at the end of these materials for inspiration, or as a means for getting started.

Students can now take turns sharing their ideas within their groups. Once all of the ideas have been shared, each group should select the best idea(s) to make. Be prepared to help facilitate this process, ensuring that the students choose an idea that is possible to make. Encourage diversity, not all groups have to make the same thing.

Tinkering Examples

Some students may need a little inspiration and scaffolding to help them get started. Students can remix an existing model, or invent a new design.
Note: You are advised not to share these images with students.

POSSIBLE SOLUTION

Explore Large Motor – to – Large Motor movement

lego-maker-puppet

Or use this program with the Programmable Brick and Large Motor.

lego-maker-puppet
DOWNLOAD SAMPLE CODE16 KB, REQUIRES EV3 LAB SOFTWARE

4. Define the Design Criteria

Students should record up to three design criteria on their worksheets. They will refer to this again as they review and revise their solutions.

5. Go Make

Now the students will make one of their group’s ideas using the LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Education EV3 Core Set, and other materials as needed.

Reinforce that students do not have to come up with the whole solution from the start.

During the making process, remind students to test and analyse their idea as they go, making improvements where necessary. If you want students to submit their documentation at the end of the lesson, ensure that they use sketches and photos of their models to record their design journey during the making stage of the lesson.

6. Review and Revise Your Solution

Students will test and evaluate their designs against the design criteria they recorded before they started making their solutions. They can record notes on their Student Worksheets.

7. Communicate Your Solution

Allow time for each student or student group to present what they have made to the class. A good way to do this is to set out a table large enough to display all of the models. If time is short, pair off the groups and have them present to each other.

8. Assessment

Students will use the Student Worksheet assessment rubric to evaluate their design work according to the learning goals. Each rubric includes four levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The intention of the rubric is to help students reflect on what they have done well in relation to the learning goals and what they could have done better. Each rubric can be linked to the Australian Curriculum: Design and Technologies.

9. Tidy Up

Ensure that you leave approximately 10-15 minutes at the end of the lesson to break down the models and sort them back into the LEGO boxes.

Teacher Support

After completing this lesson, students will have:
• Used and understood the design process
• Defined a clear design need
• Developed their ability to iterate and improve design solutions
• Developed their problem-solving and communication skills

LEGO® MINDSTORMS Education EV3 Core Set
LEGO® MINDSTORMS Education EV3 Lab or EV3 Programming

Use craft materials that you already have in your classroom to add another dimension to this activity. Some materials could be:

  • Rubber bands
  • Pipe cleaners
  • Thin cardboard
  • Construction paper
  • Thin wire
  • Thin plastic sheets
  • Recycled materials
  • Foam

Pupil Material

Student Worksheet

Download to view and share the student worksheet.

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