Vocabulary

Pin: Connects two or more pieces so that they lay flush with one another.
Connector: The parts of the VEX GO Kit that create a right angle connection between two other pieces.
Standoff: Connects two pieces but leaves a space in between. Each kind of standoff has a different width gap that will be created by its use.

Iteration: To plan, test, make changes, then test again.
Engineering Design Process: The Engineering Design Process (EDP) is a structured problem solving process in which students define a problem using a criteria for success and constraints for possible solutions. With the EDP, students should research, explore, and test possible solutions.

Encouraging Vocabulary Usage

The following are additional ways to facilitate vocabulary usage as students are engaged in the activities throughout this Unit.

Students should be encouraged to use the vocabulary terms:

Throughout all of the activities
As they are working in groups
As they are reflecting
As they are sharing their knowledge and experience

Tips for Encouraging Vocabulary Usage

Word Detective/Scavenger Hunt: Teacher will hide words around the room. Students will find a word and work with a partner to define the word, draw a picture and use it in a sentence. Students will use this activity during the middle of the unit.
Digging Deeper Graphic Organizer: Students will identify the key term, information about it, and a memory cue based on their own understanding of the vocabulary term. Write the term or key idea (K) in the left column, the information (I) that goes along with it in the center column, and draw a picture of the idea, a memory clue, (M) in the right column. The key idea may be a new vocabulary word, or a new concept. The information may be a definition or it may be a more technical explanation of the concept. The memory clue is a way for students to fully integrate the meaning of the key idea into their memories. By making a simple sketch that explains the key idea, students synthesize and interpret the new information, making it their own. Then, students can reference their drawings to easily remember new key ideas.
Spot the Word: Engage students in a game of “Spot the Word.” Write the Vocabulary words on the board. Start to give students a clue about the vocabulary word and see if they can identify the right one by your clue. SWITCH! Tell the students to give you a clue about a vocabulary word and see if you can guess based on the students clues. This is a great way to see if students are able to understand and explain the vocab words.
- Example: Sequence
  - I spot a word that can be a set of instructions.
  - I spot a word that has things be in order.

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