How To Disguise a Turkey

Challenge: Can you build a trap to catch a

turkey?
Rules:
o Be Creative
o Use ONLY materials provided.
o Record your work!
o Use kind words and compromise.
ASK Set the purpose! Present the challenge, Materials:
rules, objective and constrictions (time, o Small boxes/ bags
(whole group materials, etc.). Introduce and discuss o Tape
discussion): materials. o String
o Pipe cleaners
o Cardboard rolls
o Tissue paper
o Glue
o Scissors
o Crayons
o Markers
IMAGINE activate prior knowledge about the topic.
Explore printed materials, images, and Watch Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano
videos online to build schema.
(whole group Brainstorm ideas together. https://www.storylineonline.net/books/turkey-trouble/
discussion):
PLAN students groups or pairs continue to
brainstorm and plan. Then come Brainstorm together on anchor chart paper.
together to sketch ideas, list materials,
(student-led): and describe their idea.
pairs or groups will build and create. Group students based on ability: above,
CREATE Then test, improve, and retest as time approach, and below average
allows. Teacher will question, guide,
(student-led): prompt, and challenge during this time
providing intentional feedback. (Groups of 4)
REFLECT students will reflect in a group. How has
their design changed? How did they First, reflect as a group. Progress monitor
improve their idea or how would they and guide mini discussions as necessary.
(student-led): improve it going forward.
teacher facilitates a whole class
Discuss discussion. What went well, what were
the challenges? How did you cope with Then, discuss as a whole group.
DISCUSS:
the challenges? This is also a good time
for student modeling.

LESSON

 Name: ___________________________________________________________ Date: _________________________
Name: ___________________________________________________________ Date: _________________________

brainstorming
Brainstorm different ways to catch a turkey!
how to catch a turkey
Write and illustrate directions explaining how to use your trap to catch a turkey!

______________ ______________ ______________

First ______________
Next
______________ ______________ ______________ ______________

______________ ______________ ______________

Then ______________
Last
______________ ______________ ______________ ______________
© 2016 The Curious Catfish
© 2016 The Curious Catfish

SAMPLE IDEAS RECORDING SHEET SAMPLE RECORDING SHEET (STEP BY STEP)

1. Prepare Materials ahead of time. Fold & Glue Fol

2. Build schema beforehand listing or brainstorming

possible traps.
3. Pair students up to begin their design process by
reviewing materials, planning with a partner,
recording on a recording sheet. Give them time to
explore and discuss! Encourage them to try again
and again, celebrating both their successes and
“flops!”
4. After students have planned and completed the
Ask, Imagine, and Plan steps on the planning
page or journal have them begin construction.
5. Once they assemble their trap, have them test it
Fold & Glue Fol
out using one of the turkey cutouts! Students can Turkey Cutout
test and revise as needed until time is up.
6. Have students complete the reflection portion of their recording
page or journal.
7. Facilitate a whole class discussion about challenges and
successes. This is also a good time for students to model their
trap!

Guiding Questions Discussion Questions

• What are the best materials to
use?
• Share your thinking
• What gave you this idea?
• How will this help you solve the
problem?
o How and Why questions
push students to justify
their thinking.
• What was the best idea you came
with during this challenge?
• What was the most difficult part of
this challenge?
• Did your idea work the first time?
What did you do next?
• Were you successful in this
challenge? Why/Why not?
• What did you learn during this
challenge?
 i n g
Name: ____________________________________________ Date: ___________________________

Re co rd List materials and

Plan details about your idea.

Write the question or

Ask task here. Imagine
Sketch your idea.

Create
Draw your creation.
Improve How can you improve your idea?
___________________
___________________
___________________
___________________
© 2016 The Curious Catfish

SAMPLE INDIVIDUAL RECORDING SHEET

Download Lesson from “How to Catch a Turkey” by Jessica Ehlinger

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/How-to-Catch-a-Turkey-STEM-
Challenge-and-Writing-Craft-2873408