Leanna Casale Date: Thursday, November 16th

Mrs. Evans Time: 12:40 PM

Grade: 3
Subject: Science/STEM
Thanksgiving STEM Challenge: Mini Mayflower

Essential Question: What is the best way to build an aluminum foil boat that will float and hold
pennies?

Standards
3-5- Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified
ETS1-1. criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.
3-5- Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well
ETS1-2. each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

Learning Objectives and Assessments

Objectives
SWBAT construct a boat made out of
aluminum foil that will float.
SWBAT use their problem-solving skills to
troubleshoot and create a successful
boat.
Assessments
Teacher will evaluate the students boats
by seeing if they float or sink with
pennies in them.
Teacher will read over challenge sheets to
see if students were successful and how
they would improve their design next
time.

Materials
The Voyage of the Mayflower by Paul Perro
5 sheets of aluminum foil
5 buckets with water
Pennies
Challenge sheet

Prior Knowledge: Students understand the scientific method and have participated in a STEM
activity like this before.

Lesson Beginning: Teacher will read The Voyage of the Mayflower by Paul Perro.

Instructional Plan
Teacher will give the students the directions of the challenge.
Teacher will explain the sheet they need to fill out before, during, and after building.
Students will have 15-20 minutes to think of a plan and create their Mayflower.
Each group will take turns explaining how they built their boat.
 Teacher will see if their boat can hold 15 pennies. This will determine if their group was
successful or not.
Students will discuss with the class ways they can improve their boat for next time.

Differentiation: Groups will be heterogeneous based on level. If students are struggling, their
team members can assist them.

Questions
How will you use the scientific method to create your Mayflower?
What is the best way to build a boat that will not sink?
How will you improve your design for next time?

Classroom Management: The teacher will use classroom protocol and enforce the classroom
rules. Teacher will determine groups prior to the lesson.

Transitions: Teacher will give students reminders about timing. Teacher will use clapping and
the chime to gather students attention.

Conclusion: Students will present their mini Mayflower and share with the class how they
created it and whether it was successful or not. They will discuss ways to improve their boat for
next time.
The Voyage of the Mayflower
By Paul Perro

The pilgrims wanted to move home

To live in a far off country.
They had heard of a brand new world
On the other side of the sea

They said goodbye to all their friends

Who said Bon Voyage, and farewell.
Then they sailed off in two big boats,
The Mayflower and the Speedwell.

They set out from England happy

With lots of singing and laughter
But then the Speedwell sprung a leak
And started to fill with water!

As the water was gushing in

They said Were sinking, were sinking!
Well never get to the new world
I dont know what we were thinking!

The pilgrims were very worried

But suddenly they heard a voice!
It was the Mayflower's captain,
And what he said made them rejoice.

Do you think I would leave you sinking

When theres room in my boat for you?
Climb aboard, well soon be sailing,
We've room for 102.

And all of them did go on board,

Even though was quite a squeeze.
For many days and weeks and months,
The pilgrims sailed across the seas.
 Storms blew hard and the Mayflower
Was tossed around on waves and foam,
But the pilgrims were determined
That they would get to their new home.

After 66 days and nights,

They finally sighted some land,
Although it was not actually
The original place they'd planned.

They sailed around for a bit more

Looking for somewhere safe to dock,
Eventually they settled down
At a place they called Plymouth Rock.

They found some natives living there

Who all seemed to be kind and good.
The pilgrims were very hungry
And the natives gave them some food.

They gave them some pumpkin, some corn,

Some venison, and some turkey.
The thanksgiving meal that they shared
Became a part of history.
The Mayflower and the pilgrims
Survived their big relocation,
And their childrens childrens children
Became a mighty nation.
Name:

Mission: Mini Mayflower

Directions: Build a mini Mayflower using only one sheet of
aluminum foil. See how many pennies your boat can hold.

Imagine: What are my ideas?

Draw them in the box.

Plan: This is the plan I will follow.

Be sure to include detailed steps of how you will create your
mini Mayflower, and describe the materials you will use.

Create: This is how my completed mini Mayflower looks:

Prediction: I think my mini Mayflower will hold
pilgrims (pennies)

Actual: My mini Mayflower actually held pilgrims

(pennies).

Difference: The difference between my prediction and the

actual total was pilgrims (pennies).

Improve: This is how I could improve my mini Mayflower.