Engineering Design Process Gingerbread Houses

Created Feb. 7, 2024 by Marsha Hughes, Ellie Taraborrelli

                

STEAM Gingerbread Houses:

Elementary  Grades K-3

Ellie Taraborrelli, College Square Elementary School

                               Desired Results- Lesson Objectives
Lesson Objectives
  1. To model and teach  the 4 C’s: communication, critical thinking, collaboration and creative skills.
  2. To Introduce the concept of engineering through architecture and the engineering design process: Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, Improve.
  3. To collaborate and create a decorative gingerbread house using cardboard milk or iced tea containers.
  4. To use green screen technology effectively to showcase the gingerbread house in a photographic background of student choice.


Big Idea(s)
Architecture is the practice of designing and building structures. Architecture can vary in its scope from functional bridges, houses and buildings to the  aesthetic principles of landscape architecture. Architecture is a human endeavour that spans thousands of years; from the ancient Egyptian Pyramids  to the contemporary Shanghi Tower, the materials used vary as much as the intentions of the builders and the aesthetics of time and place.


Essential Questions-teacher led discussion topics
What is the main purpose of building a home?   Safety from elements, protection, etc.What function does a bridge serve?  Crossing water or canyons or other structures safely.  Why have humans built large monuments or structures  such as Stonehenge, and the Egyptian and Mayan Pyramids? Ritual, worship, protection of rulers and their possessions in the afterlife. Why did people hundreds of years ago build large castles? Safety, protection, showcase of wealth, influence and power What was the function of the Great Wall Of China?       Keeping invaders out What structures have been built to showcase engineering expertise or aesthetic allure?      Eiffel Tower, Paris France, Guggenheim Museum, New York,  Opera House, Sydney Australia What are fictional structures popular in movies  books or cartoons?     Disney castle, Gingerbread house, star wars death star, minecraft buildings, lego buildings, etc

https://static.pdesas.org/content/documents/PA%20Core%20Standards%20Mathematics%20PreK-12%20March%202014.pdf

9.1.3.H.1Handle materials, equipment and tools safely at work and performance spaces: Identify materials used
9.1.3.B.4. Recognize, know, use and demonstrate a variety of appropriate arts elements and principles to produce, review and revise original works in the arts. Visual Arts: paint; draw; craft; sculpt; print; design for environment, communication, multimedia
ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions(K-2-ETS1-2)Designs can be conveyed through sketches, drawings, or physical models.


Students Will KnowStudents Will Be Doing
Architecture is the process of designing and building structures. Students will be working collaboratively to build a gingerbread house. They will decorate, cut and glue decorative elements. Student will follow the Design Process: Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, Improve.

Stage 2 - Evidence of Understanding

Assessments (Formative and Summative):Performance Task(s)
Formative Assessment Checkpoints: Are students decorating and coloring pieces using patterns, color scheme and line design?Are students communicating effectively within their group to coordinate colors and designs?-Students will work in small groups to  create roof top pieces, windows, doors, candy decorations, etc. -Students will work together to build and add decorative elements to their gingerbread house.

Stage 3 - Lesson Learning Targets

Lesson Objectives
  1. To model and teach communication, critical thinking, collaboration and creative skills.
  2. To Introduce the concept of engineering through architecture and the engineering  design process. To understand that plans can be engineered then modified to have a better outcome.
  3. To collaborate and create a decorative  gingerbread house.
Learning Activities: Learning targets are written from the students perspective. I can…Identify architectural structures and discuss their intended purpose.I can….Use paper, found objects and decorations to build a gingerbread house.         

Sequence

Week 1:   Introduce Architecture as a concept:

Big Ideas and Essential Questions  Discussion

Gallery Walk: Look at images of architectural structures and discussion

Write out Plan sheet and draw a picture.  Use Worksheet template

Share out ideas and discuss in groups / as a class.

Week 2

Review big ideas and essential questions.

Assign Groups

Demonstrate coloring and cutting of house pieces: gingerbread house windows, doors, etc.

Glue cut template brown paper to carton. Glue carton to the base. Add rooftop pieces

Week 3

Demonstrate coloring and cutting of house pieces: gingerbread house windows, doors, etc.

Glue windows and doors to houses.

Week 4

Discuss design process and working together.

Add candy decorations and decorate base.

Discuss projects last portion  of class.

What problems did we have ? What can we change?

gingerbread house pieces

google slides for gingerbread lesson

 Activity Links Online

make a gingerbread house onlinebuild a gingerbread house
cooking class gingerbreadtrim a small gingerbread house
gingerbread man

ASSESSMENT

The following items will be assessed:

Participation: Involved in classroom discussions. Offers insight and ideas about architecture big ideas and essential questions.   Collaboration: Students work together in small groups. Students have positive interactions, help each other and offer suggestions in a constructive way. Ability to make changes as needed based on what is working and what is not. Design work and following directions: Students safely use materials and tools.


  • = proficiency         Oval O = not observed                  X mark = not demonstrated

 

Return to top