The Most Magnificent Thing

Lesson Summary

The main character loves to invent, design, and build. She has an idea for a magnificent invention and spends the whole day building and redesigning this invention. All of her hard work and iterations lead her to her final design of a sidecar that attaches to her scooter so that she can travel with her dog.

Challenge: You have to take a pet to the vet, but there isn’t enough room in your family’s vehicle. Design and build an addition/ pet carrier to the vehicle that will transport the pet safely down the hill to the vet. Explore various surfaces of the wheels, ramp, and/or floor that will slow down the vehicle/pet carrier so everyone arrives safely.

ELA Standards

• Comprehension and Collaboration

Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 2 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.

Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions (e.g., gaining the floor in respectful ways, listening to others with care, speaking one at a time about the topics and texts under discussion).

Build on others’ talk in conversations by linking their comments to the remarks of others.

Ask for clarification and further explanation as needed about the topics and texts under discussion

STE or Math Standards/Practices

• 2-PS3-1(MA). Design and conduct an experiment to show the effects of friction on the relative temperature and speed of objects that rub against each other. 

  Clarification Statements: • Examples could include an object sliding on rough vs. smooth surfaces. • Observations of temperature and speed should be qualitative.

Video

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires