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Inventor's Workshop: Build Your Own Toy

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Lesson Plan

Inventor's Workshop: Build Your Own Toy

Explore basic engineering principles

In this lesson, students will engage in a hands-on activity to design and construct their own simple toys using everyday materials. They will learn about motion, balance, and creativity, fostering an understanding of basic engineering principles. This lesson is important as it encourages creativity, problem-solving, and an understanding of how things work, which are foundational skills in STEM education.

Audience

Kindergarten and 1st Grade

Time

1 hour

Approach

Explore basic engineering principles

Materials

Everyday materials (cardboard, string, tape, etc.), Scissors, Markers, Glue, Printable Cards: Toy Design Ideas, and Worksheet: Toy Design Reflection

Step 1

Introduction

10 mins

  • Begin with a brief discussion on what toys are and how they work.
  • Introduce the concepts of motion and balance using simple examples (e.g., a spinning top, a seesaw).
  • Explain the activity: students will design and build their own toy using provided materials.

Step 2

Design and Build

30 mins

  • Distribute materials and the "Toy Design Ideas" printable cards to each student.
  • Encourage students to brainstorm and sketch their toy ideas on paper.
  • Allow students to select materials and start building their toys.
  • Circulate the room to provide guidance and support as needed.

Step 3

Show and Tell

10 mins

  • Have students present their toys to the class, explaining how they work and what they learned about motion and balance.
  • Encourage classmates to ask questions and provide positive feedback.

Step 4

Reflection

10 mins

  • Distribute the "Toy Design Reflection" worksheet.
  • Guide students to reflect on their design process, what worked well, and what they might change next time.
  • Collect worksheets for assessment and feedback.
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Worksheet

Toy Design Ideas

These cards provide inspiration and ideas for students to design their own toys using everyday materials.




Spinning Top







Balancing Bird







Rolling Car







Jumping Frog







Flying Kite




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Worksheet

Toy Design Reflection

This worksheet helps students reflect on their toy design process and what they learned about motion and balance.

What toy did you design and build?








What materials did you use?








How does your toy move or balance?








What was the most fun part of building your toy?








What would you do differently next time?








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Inventor's Workshop: Build Your Own Toy • Lenny Learning