Pacing Guide

This unit should be implemented to supplement student learning on the concepts of using the iterative Engineering Design Process to build, test, and modify games.

STEM Labs can be adapted in various ways to fit into any classroom or learning environment. Each STEM Lab includes the following 3 sections: Engage, Play, and Share (optional).

Each STEM Lab in this unit can be completed in as little as 40 minutes

Section Summary

The Engage and Play sections, which contain the primary learning activities, can be completed within 40 minutes. The Share section, which enables students to express their learning is optional, but estimated at around 3-5 minutes per group.

Click on the tabs below to view descriptions of the Engage, Play, and Share sections of the STEM Lab.

The Pacing Guide

The pacing guide for each Lab provides step-by-step instructions on What, How, and When to teach. The STEM Lab Pacing Guide previews the concepts that are taught in each section (Engage, Play, and Share (optional)), explains how the section is delivered, and identifies all the materials that are needed.

Making This Unit Fit Your Unique Classroom Needs

Not every classroom is the same, and teachers face a variety of implementation challenges throughout the year. While each VEX GO STEM Lab follows a predictable format, there are things that you can do in this Unit to help make it easier to meet those challenges when they arise.

• Implementing in less time:
  • Lab 1 can be completed in less time by combining Play Parts 1 and 2. Complete challenges 1-3 as a whole class, then have students complete challenges 4-6 and 10 with their group. If time allows, have groups complete challenge 8 as well. Focusing on these challenges will give students a guided exploration of the build while also preparing them for Lab 2.
  • Implement Lab 2 in less time by combining Play Parts 1 and 2. If students still have their Pendulum builds from Lab 1, have them build the characters for their game during Engage. Then, have students play one round of the Pendulum Kerplunk Game as described in the instructions (Google Doc / .pptx / .pdf). Once they have completed one round, have them change either the objective, goal, or directions and experiment with their new variation. As time allows, let students to continue to iterate on their game. 
• Reteaching Strategies:
  • For additional support to illustrate how the Pendulum moves and how to use it, have students watch the animation in the Image Slideshow (Google Doc / .pptx / .pdf), then have them complete one of the first two Pendulum Challenges (Google Doc / .pptx / .pdf) for hands-on experimentation with the build. Once students can use the Pendulum, have them move on to additional challenges or play the Pendulum Kerplunk Game.
  • If students need additional support identifying VEX GO pieces as they iterate on the Pendulum build, use the Interactive Parts Parts Poster to help them learn the names and categories of parts. 
  • To help students focus on the movement of the Pendulum, provide them with the Pendulum Game setup image from the Image Slideshow (Google Doc / .pptx / .pdf), and have them place their pieces as shown in the image. This image can be printed and accessible to students throughout the Lab as well.
• Extending this Unit: 
  • You can extend this Unit with the Build It, Make It, Engineer It Activity (Google Doc / docx / .pdf) to have students practice designing and building a structure with specific goals and constraints. Add an additional focus on using spatial language and descriptions by having students create build instructions for their structures.  Then, have students switch build instructions and assemble each others' builds.  Students will need to use spatial language effectively to describe the steps and the position of objects as they write their build instructions, and as they follow the instructions from other groups.
  • Have students complete the Pendulum Time Activity (Google Doc / .docx / .pdf) to experiment with additional changes that they can make to the Pendulum build.
  • Set up a Pendulum Learning Center with a printout of the Pendulum Challenges (Google Doc / .pptx / .pdf) to encourage students' continued exploration of the build and to work through the challenges at their own pace. 
  • Use the Choice Board activities to extend the Unit, while allowing students to express their voice and choice in what activities they want to complete.
• If students get done building at different times, there are a number of meaningful learning activities early finishers can participate in as the rest of the group finishes building. View this article for several suggestions about how to plan for engaging students who finish building earlier than others. From establishing classroom helper routines to completing short activities, there are many ways to keep all students engaged throughout class building time.