Grade Level: K-1st GradeTime Frame: 50 minutesSubject: STEM (Engineering, Mathematics, Science, Technology)Lesson Objectives:By the end of this lesson, students will:Apply basic engineering and mathematical concepts related to balance, measurement, and structure.Use creativity and teamwork to solve an authentic challenge.Follow the steps of the engineering design process to create a solution.Construct and test a simple tower design with provided materials.STEM Concepts Covered:Science: Understanding balance and stability in structures, exploring gravity.Technology: Using building tools and measuring devices to test and improve designs.Engineering: Problem-solving through the engineering design process.Mathematics: Measurement, comparison of heights, basic geometry (shape of structures).Materials:Plastic building blocks (LEGO® or similar)Straws, paper, and tape for prototypingRuler or measuring tapeVisuals of famous towers (e.g., Burj Khalifa, Leaning Tower of Pisa)Tablets or laptops (optional for extension activity)Whiteboard and markersLesson Plan Outline:Introduction (10 minutes):Hook: Show images of famous towers and initiate discussion by asking:What makes these towers stand up?Why do some towers lean (e.g., Leaning Tower of Pisa)?What would happen if a tower’s base isn’t strong enough?Objective: Explain that today’s challenge is to use the engineering design process to build the tallest and most stable tower.Engineering Design Process Overview (5 minutes):Ask: What makes a tower stand tall and not fall?Imagine: Have students discuss and imagine how to build the tallest tower.Plan: Each group draws a quick plan of how they will build their tower using the materials provided.Create: Students will work in teams to build their towers.Improve: After testing, they will discuss how they can improve their designs.Building Activity (20 minutes):Divide students into groups of 3-4.Provide each group with materials (LEGO blocks, straws, tape, etc.).Students will build their towers while considering balance, stability, and height.Encourage problem-solving and collaboration. Circulate around the room to ask guiding questions:How can you make your tower taller and stronger?Does your base support the height of your tower?Testing and Reflection (10 minutes):After building, students will measure the height of their towers using rulers/tape measures.Conduct a stability test by gently tapping the towers or placing small objects on them.Have students reflect on what they would change if they had more time. Encourage them to sketch potential improvements.Class Reflection and Discussion (5 minutes):Discuss the results with the class:What was the tallest tower? What made it stable?How many different ways did groups solve the challenge?What materials worked best for building a stable tower?Link their findings to real-world engineering (e.g., how engineers design buildings to withstand earthquakes or high winds).Assessment:Formative: Observe teamwork and collaboration during the activity. Look for critical thinking as students solve problems.Summative: Evaluate the tower design based on:Height and stabilityTeamwork and use of the engineering design processExtensions:Technology Integration: Use a tablet or laptop to take pictures of the towers and use measurement apps to compare heights.Home Connection: Students can try building a tower at home with everyday materials like books or blocks and report back.STEM Lesson Checklist Alignment:Aligned to Grade-Level Standards:Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS): K-2-ETS1-2 (Develop a simple model to illustrate how shape helps function).Common Core Mathematics: K.MD.A.1 (Describe measurable attributes of objects, such as length or height).Multidisciplinary:Science: Exploring gravity and balance.Mathematics: Measuring tower heights and comparing results.Technology: Use of measuring tools and optional tablets for recording results.Engineering: Using the design process to solve the challenge.Addresses Authentic Challenges:Students face a real-world engineering problem—building a stable structure with limited materials.Integrates 21st Century Skills:Encourages teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving as students collaborate to design and test their towers.More Than One Solution:There are multiple ways to construct a stable tower, and each group will approach the challenge differently.Uses the Engineering Design Process:Students follow the steps: Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, and Improve to develop their designs.Hands-On:Students build and test physical towers using a variety of materials.Integrates Technology:Measurement tools and optional tablet apps to extend learning and document tower height and stability.