Electric Motors Catalyst Classroom Module (Developed by Tinkering Labs)
This elementary school module allows students to follow their curiosity to wonder, design, test, tinker, and invent while providing a deeply engaging STEM learning experience. The Electric Motors Catalyst has been thoughtfully designed so that all students (and teachers!) can be successful in formal or informal settings -- schools, clubs, camps, and more!
The Electric Motors Catalyst was designed by a team led by Gever Tulley, founder of the award-winning, independent, Brightworks School in San Francisco, California.
Five introductory lessons help students gain valuable experience with how the equipment works, safety precautions, and some of the basic principles of electric circuits. These lessons are designed to be done under a teacher’s direction with students working in pairs to build each project.
Lessons build in complexity with NGSS-aligned lessons tied to ten engineering design challenges. The challenges are deliberately open-ended, and students are encouraged to invent their own solutions. To support both teachers and students, these lessons include directions for one way to complete each challenge. However, the step-by-step directions for each challenge does not mean it should be done as a teacher-directed activity
The Classroom Module contains all materials needed for 15 teams. (Except for 30 AA batteries.)
More Info
The materials in the Classroom Module accommodate 30 or more students, are non-consumable and re-usable, and store neatly in a sturdy wooden cabinet along with safety equipment and spare parts - making materials management easy!
Two curriculum guides include support for each lesson, including a goal, a materials list, step-by-step directions for one way to achieve the goal, teacher tips, discussion starters, and suggestions for extending the Challenge, ELA support, and formative assessment.
Scientific Concepts
- Ideal for programs focusing on NGSS and Engineering
- Unit 1 Grades K-2 NGSS Performance Expectations
• K-2-ETS1-1: Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change todefine a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
• K-2-ETS1-2: Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps itsfunction as needed to solve a given problem.
• K-2-ETS1-3: Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengthsand weaknesses of how each performs.
• 1-PS4-1: Plan and conduct investigations to provide evidence that vibrating materials can make sound and thatsound can make materials vibrate.
• 1-PS4-4: Use tools and materials to design and build a device that uses light or sound to solve the problem ofcommunicating over a distance.
- Unit 2 Grades 3-5 NGSS Performance Expectations
• 3-5-ETS1-1: Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or want that includes specified criteria for successand constraints on materials, time, or cost.
• 3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet thecriteria and constraints of the problem.
• 3-5-ETS1-3: Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered toidentify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.
- Unit 3 Grades 3-5 NGSS Performance Expectations
• 3-PS2-1: Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the effects of balanced and unbalanced forceson the motion of an object.
• 3-PS2-2: Make observations and/or measurements of an object’s motion to provide evidence that a pattern canbe used to predict future motion.
• 3-5-ETS1-1: Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or want that includes specified criteria for successand constraints on materials, time, or cost.
• 3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet thecriteria and constraints of the problem.
• 3-5-ETS1-3: Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered toidentify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.
- Unit 4 Grades 3-5 NGSS Performance Expectations
• 4-PS3-2: Make observations to provide evidence that energy can be transferred from place to place by sound,light, heat, and electric currents.
• 4-PS3-4: Apply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a device that converts energy from one form to another.
• 4-ESS3-1: Obtain and combine information to describe that energy and fuels are derived from natural resourcesand their uses affect the environment.
• 3-5-ETS1-1: Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or want that includes specified criteria for successand constraints on materials, time, or cost.
Guides & Student Sheets
Our kits and modules provide you with everything you need so you can open, review, and teach the material confidently the next day.
- Full downloadable Teacher Guide with background information, detailed instruction, example data and answers
- Downloadable Student Sheets with age appropriate background information, full procedure(s), and analysis questions
- All materials necessary to carry out the investigation
- Safety Data Sheets
Module Components
- 285 Wood Part (a variety of shapes and sizes)
- 150 Bolt and Wing Nut
- 300 Rubber Band
- 180 Connection Bushing
- 60 L-bracket
- 45 Washable Marker
- 30 Electric Motor with Casing and Wires
- 30 Spring
- 30 Axle
- 31 Safety Glasses (30 student size, 1 adult size)
- 15 Battery Pack (with switch)*
- 15 Phillips Head Screwdriver
- 15 Challenge Card pack
- 15 Tip Card pack
- 1 Storage Cabinet (with 10 drawers and detachable wheels)
- 1 Spare Parts Collection
- 1 Curriculum Guide
- 1 Challenge Guide
- 1 Teachers Overview
- *NOTE: Each battery pack requires 2 AA batteries (preferably alkaline) that are not included in this materials package