Pacing Guide

This unit should be implemented to supplement student learning on the concepts of the frog life cycle and how organisms adapt to their environment.

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.

Engage (20 minutes)

The Engage section is the introductory section designed to capture the student’s attention. This section is intended to be a whole-class activity. It includes a hook, a leading question that personalizes the learning for students, and the build that will be utilized to create a hands-on, exploratory learning experience that places STEM into the hands of young learners.

Play (20 minutes)

The Play section is split into 3 parts in order to structure learning while maintaining student interest: Part 1, Mid-Play Break, and Part 2. In Play Part 1, students will run an investigation, test, and/or make predictions about scientific phenomena using their build as it relates to the key concepts of the unit. The Mid-Play Break includes a discussion of Part 1 and transition to Part 2. In Play Part 2, students will continue to explore their builds and deepen their understanding of key concepts by applying their knowledge in new ways.

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.

Lab 1 - Tails and Tadpoles

Total Time: 40 minutes

Engage	Play	Share
20 mins	20 mins	Optional 3-5 mins per group

Build
Frog Life Cycle

Engage

Students will discuss the life cycle and habitat of a frog. Using the VEX GO Kit and classroom materials, students will construct a frog habitat.

Play

Using the VEX GO Build Instructions, students construct models of tadpoles. They will place their tadpoles in the habitat and photograph it for their Field Journal pages. They will write a description of that phase of the frog’s life cycle from either a scientific or a creative perspective. Then, in Play Part 2, students add onto their build to create a tadpole with legs. They will photograph and describe it in their Field Journal pages.

Share

Students share their Field Journal pages, and engage in dialogue about them. How does having a tail help the tadpole in its environment? Why do you think frogs are born in the water rather than on land? Why does the tadpole grow only one set of legs at a time?

Main Focus
How does a frog’s life begin?

Materials Needed

VEX GO Kit
VEX GO Tile
Pin Tool
Build Instructions
Lab 1 Slideshow
Robotics Roles & Routines
Camera, iPad, or other device
Field Journal Page
Paper
Pencils
Classroom Craft Materials

Lab 2 - I'm a Big Frog Now

Total Time: 40 minutes

Engage	Play	Share
20 mins	20 mins	Optional 3-5 mins per group

Build
Frog Life Cycle

Engage

Students discuss what other organisms are a part of the frog’s habitat, and construct some of these animals and insects using the VEX GO Kit.

Play

Students use VEX GO Build Instructions to build onto their previous builds in Lab 1. Students will first build a froglet, and photograph it in its habitat. They will write a description of that phase of the frog’s life cycle from a scientific or creative perspective in their Field Journal pages. Finally, students will construct models of adult frogs, photograph them in their habitat, and write about them in their Field Journal pages.

Share

Students will share their Field Journal pages and engage in dialogue about them. How do the frog’s legs change as they grow? How does being an amphibian help the frog live in its habitat? Are there any similarities between the different phases of the frog’s life cycle?

Main Focus
How does a frog change as it grows?

Materials Needed

VEX GO Kit
VEX GO Tile
Pin Tool
Build Instructions
Lab 2 Slideshow
Robotics Roles & Routines
Camera, iPad, or other device
Field Journal Page
Paper
Pencils
Classroom Craft Materials

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