Module 3
Mission to Mars

STEM Challenges for Grades 3-4

SEL Focus: Brain Science
STEM Focus: Space Exploration

Elementary school STEM challenges should be interactive, engaging, and enriching. Imagineerz@School’s Mission to Mars module blends space exploration with brain science, helping students develop critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while strengthening SEL competencies.

Video Lessons

Objectives

SEL Objectives

Apply their knowledge of the human brain to make better choices by utilizing these social-emotional strategies:

  1. Understand Brain Anatomy & Physiology to learn the roles and interactions between the amygdala and pre-frontal cortex in the human brain
  2. Apply Inhale-Calm Down-Adapt-Now Try (i-Can!) to reset after a setback
  3. Use Amygdala Calming Actions (ACA) & Amygdala Calming Thoughts (ACT) to overcome obstacles

STEM Objectives

Assist NASA in completing their maiden journey to Mars by applying these physics concepts and protective measures:

  1. Use Thrust & Gravity to get a rocket into orbit
  2. Incorporate Air Resistance & Drag to ensure a space ship’s safe landing
  3. Create Hermetic Seals to allow astronauts to survive in extreme weather conditions
Module 3
M3 Scope & Sequence

Materials

Materials Needed

1st-4th Grade SEL Materials

8 Builders

20-30 pieces of Each Per Student for All 10 Lessons

  • Construction Paper
  • Jumbo Craft Sticks
  • Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil
  • Cut-Up Cereal Boxes or Thick Cardstock (5×7)
  • 3 oz. Dixie Cups
  • Bendy Straws
  • Twine
  • Paper Towel Rolls (Optional)

2 Tools

1 per 2-3 Students for All 10 Lessons

  • .94 in. Masking Tape
  • Scissors

Tester

1 Per Student

  • Wiffle Balls

Note: Used in Lesson 4. For testing stations, set up 4-5 bins (10-15 qt. each) and some beads or beans for each bin. If running the class online, every student will need their own bin and beads.

Ordering Materials

Click here to order materials on Amazon

  • The quantities on the Amazon list reflect what you will need for one classroom of 20-24 students. Please adjust quantities if ordering for more or fewer students.
  • Remember to ask classroom parents for donations of cereal boxes and paper towel rolls. All other materials can be ordered from the list above.

Best Practices

  • You do not need to give each student their own set of materials. Just lay out all the materials and let them select what they would like to use — the video will tell them how many they can use.
  • Spread materials throughout the classroom to avoid crowding.
  • In addition to cereal boxes and paper towel rolls, you can ask classroom parents for other recycled materials, like egg cartons, but we suggest you avoid the following:
    • Styrofoam — Classroom forecast: Snow showers!
    • Cardboard — You’ll spend all your time helping cut cardboard, rather than i-Can! coaching!
  • Request that classroom parents cut recycled cereal boxes in half, both lengthwise and crosswise.

Set Up and Tips

Quick and Easy!

  1. Lay Out Our Standard Set of Materials:
    • Students use the same communal materials across all 10 lessons, so you never need to assemble individual material kits!
    • Simply lay out our standard set of materials before each lesson and replenish individual materials as needed.
  2. Set Up Testing Stations (If Needed):
    • A few lessons require additional set up, such as creating a square with blue tape to use as a target area.
    • We include all special instructions in the Set Up and Tips for each module.

 

Print this document and keep it handy to take a quick look before each lesson.
Set Up and Tips
M3

Resources

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