Engage
Launch the Engage Section
ACTS is what the teacher will do and ASKS is how the teacher will facilitate.
ACTS | ASKS |
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Getting the Students Ready to Build
If we were to repeat the experiment, would you make the same prediction? Let’s test out some of our ideas with our own cars.
Facilitate the Build
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InstructInstruct
students to join their groups, and have them complete the Robotics Roles & Routines sheet. Use the Suggested Role Responsibilities slide in the Lab Image Slideshow as a guide for students to complete this sheet.
Super Car - DistributeDistribute build instructions, Robotics Roles & Routines, and Data Collection Sheets to each team. Journalists should gather the materials on the build instructions checklist.
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FacilitateFacilitate
building process.
- Builders can begin building. If there are multiple builders, they should alternate steps to complete the build.
- Journalists should set up the Data Collection Sheet for the Play portion, and assist with build instructions as needed.
- OfferOffer suggestions and note positive team building and problem solving strategies as teams build together.

Teacher Troubleshooting
- If students are having trouble with the pins, offer the Pin Tool as a support.
- Give rubber bands out as each group gets to that step, in order to prevent distractions earlier in the build.
- If students are having trouble with their trials, ensure that they are running their Super Car on a flat, hard surface, like a part of the classroom floor. The car may not drive as straight on a carpeted surface.
Facilitation Strategies
- Encourage students to use descriptive, spatial language when talking about how to assemble the build. Model this for students whenever possible.
- Have students use spatial relation vocabulary (across, in front of, below, behind, on top of, etc) to explain where pieces go during the build.
- Point out the “Questions” section of the Data Collection Sheet. Direct students to write out questions that they may have during the Lab.
- Offer in-the-moment observation as groups work well, and invite them to share teamwork strategies with the class.