JHCM Engineering and Design Lab: Exploring the Properties of Materials
Students investigate and test the properties of different materials using the scientific method at five different stations where they explore the properties of hardness, flexibility, strength, shape and water resistance/ absorbency. They use these observations to design and build doll houses that can withstand different climatic and environmental problems using a variety of recycled materials. Each house is subjected to one of the following environmental stressors: rain, earthquake, high winds or deep snow load.
*Virtual Update- Program can be adapted to a drop-box program with JHCM teacher led zoom instruction.
Materials Labs: Exploring different solid materials for their different properties.
Vocabulary: engineer, architect, material properties, absorbent, water resistant, hardness, flexible, strength, brittle, elastic, Scientific Method plan, design, sketch
Cross Cutting Concepts: Patterns: Patterns in the natural and human designed world can be observed.
Cause and Effect: Events have causes that generate observable patterns; Simple tests can be designed to gather evidence to support or refute student ideas about causes.
Energy and Matter: Objects may break into smaller pieces and be put together into larger pieces, or change shapes.
Science Standards This Program Meets
2-PS1-1 Matter and Its Interactions
- Grade: 2nd Grade
- Discipline: Physical Science
Plan and conduct an investigation to describe and classify different kinds of materials by their observable properties.
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2-PS1-2 Matter and Its Interactions
- Grade: 2nd Grade
- Discipline: Physical Science
Analyze data obtained from testing different materials to determine which materials have the properties that are best suited for an intended purpose.
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2-PS1-3 Matter and Its Interactions
- Grade: 2nd Grade
- Discipline: Physical Science
Make observations to construct an evidence based account of how an object made of a small set of pieces can be disassembled and made into a new object.
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About Jackson Hole Children's Museum
This document outlines how our current JHCM programs align to Wyoming State Standards (and NGSS). As TCSD#1 adopts new science curriculum, we can design programs that better fit the standards. Keep in touch, plan ahead, and we can make STEAMy magic happen! All of our lessons include labs that explore the scientific method and an engaging building challenge using recycled materials! *All programs can be adapted to a drop-box program with JHCM teacher led zoom instruction*
View All Programs Visit Website| Who | K - 5th Grade |
| What | Our two-hour programs begin with interactive, student-centered scientific method lab stations. They end with big, messy, and material heavy building projects where students utilize newly acquired vocabulary and content while also enhancing their engineering literacy skills. |
| When | All year long |
| Where | JHCM, TCSD Classroom or Virtual |
| Why | Our STEAM programs honor self-discovery in learning by providing the “space” for students to explore and express their learning using their own ideas and creative process. |