Building Strong Foundations
Students will explore how the base of a structure affects its stability and ability to support weight through hands-on building challenges.
Key Questions
- Explain how a wide base helps a tower stand tall.
- Compare the stability of a structure with a narrow base to one with a wide base.
- Design a foundation that can support a heavy object.
Ontario Curriculum Expectations
Suggested Methodologies
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Planning templates for Science
5E Model
The 5E Model structures lessons through five phases (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate), guiding students from curiosity to deep understanding through inquiry-based learning.
unit plannerThematic Unit
Organize a multi-week unit around a central theme or essential question that cuts across topics, texts, and disciplines, helping students see connections and build deeper understanding.
rubricSingle-Point Rubric
Build a single-point rubric that defines only the "meets standard" level, leaving space for teachers to document what exceeded and what fell short. Simple to create, easy for students to understand.
More in Materials, Objects, and Structures
Observing Material Properties
Students will use their senses to describe and classify various materials based on observable properties like color, texture, and flexibility through hands-on stations.
3 methodologies
Testing Material Strength
Students will conduct simple tests to determine which materials are strong, weak, bendable, or rigid using various objects and tools.
3 methodologies
Materials and Their Uses
Students will connect the properties of materials to their appropriate uses in everyday objects through gallery walks and concept mapping.
3 methodologies
Shapes in Structures
Students will identify common geometric shapes used in structures and understand how they contribute to stability through building activities and observation.
3 methodologies
Designing and Testing Structures
Students will design, build, and test simple structures to meet specific criteria, focusing on stability and strength through iterative design challenges.
3 methodologies