This engineering-focused STEAMvestigation focuses on motion, rolling, and simple machines while investigating geometry of sails. Pet the Hamster needs a safe and speedy land-sailing cart to travel across Polygon Island with supplies. Students use the engineering design cycle to collect data and determine the best shape and size for their hamster-sized vehicles.
The engineering design cycle takes learners on a journey from asking questions through dreaming, drawing, designing, constructing, testing, and redesign. The process encourages testing to failure, where failing becomes part of the cycle. STEAMvestigations Digital Downloads include:
- Read Aloud Story
- Teacher's Guide
- Student Instructions and Handouts
- Design Journal Page
- Extension Lesson
- Printable Geometric shapes
*You add straws, round lids or stiff cardboard circles, scrap papers, glue, tape scissors, and decorative materials.
Camp and classroom materials kits are available for this STEAMvestigation as part of the STEAMstart: Polygon Island Unit.
"Set Sail with Pet" is included in the STEAMstart: Polygon Island Unit as one of the 5 subject-focused STEAMvestigations leading to a culminating Unit Challenge.