Phone Storage Challenge

Overview

In this 60-minute lesson, students in grades 9 and 10 will collaborate in small teams to design, build, test, and improve a prototype storage container to hold their cell phones during class. This lesson blends hands-on engineering, collaboration, communication, and reflection while addressing a real classroom issue—minimizing cell phone distractions. The activities and objectives align with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for Writing, Speaking & Listening, and Mathematics as applicable to special education students.

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Learning Objectives ("I Can" Statements)

• I can collaborate respectfully and share ideas clearly with my team to design a solution.
• I can use materials creatively to build a prototype that meets the design goal.
• I can test my prototype and explain what works well and what needs improvement.
• I can revise my design based on feedback and observations.
• I can write a clear and brief reflection to describe my design process and team experience.

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Standards Alignment

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1: Initiate and participate effectively in collaborative discussions, expressing ideas clearly and building on others’ ideas.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey ideas clearly.
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSG.MG.A.1 (Engineering Math Standard): Use geometric shapes, proportions, and measurement to design and construct prototypes.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in informational texts. (Dyslexia-friendly reading materials provided.)

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Materials (per group of 3-4 students)

• 20 index cards
• 10 plastic straws
• 2 rubber bands
• 1 roll masking tape
• 1 sheet cardstock
• Scissors

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Time Breakdown and Activities

Time	Activity	Details & Supports
0-10 minutes	Introduction & Whole Group Discussion	- Explain cell phone distraction issue - Introduce challenge: design a storage container - Review materials - Go over rules for collaboration and safety - Dyslexia-friendly handout with simple directions and pictures
10-30 minutes	Group Planning & Design Brainstorm	- Teams discuss ideas - Use index cards to sketch ideas (large font, high contrast paper provided) - Teacher circulates to support discussion and idea sharing - Emphasize "I can share one idea" turn-taking protocol
30-45 minutes	Prototype Construction and Initial Testing	- Build prototype using materials - Test by placing phones or phone substitutes in container - Observe stability and capacity - Teacher models testing example, verbal prompts for reflection
45-55 minutes	Revision and Improvement	- Teams discuss what worked/didn't - Modify prototype accordingly - Final test for durability and ease of use - Use graphic organizer for observations (simple, dyslexia-friendly)
55-60 minutes	Reflection & Sharing (Whole Group)	- Each team writes 3-5 sentence reflection using sentence starters: • "Our design works because…" • "We improved our design by…" • "Working with my team was…" - Teams share reflections aloud or with pictures - Teacher collects work for assessment

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Success Criteria

• Students participate actively and respectfully in group discussion.
• The prototype stores at least one cell phone securely.
• Students identify at least one improvement to their prototype after testing.
• Reflection writing is clear and describes key parts of the design process and teamwork.
• Written and verbal work demonstrates understanding of task and collaboration skills.

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Differentiation Strategies

• For students with reading difficulties or dyslexia: Provide dyslexia-friendly handouts using sans-serif font, large print, and high-contrast colors. Use visual instructions (icons/pictures) alongside text.
• For students with expressive language challenges: Allow alternative communication methods during discussion and reflection (e.g., drawing ideas, voice-recorded reflections).
• For students with fine motor skill challenges: Offer adapted scissors or allow use of adult assistance for cutting materials.
• For diverse learners needing extra structure: Provide step-by-step visual task cards outlining the building and testing phases.
• For gifted or advanced students: Challenge teams to explain the engineering principles behind their container's stability or consider cost-effective material usage.

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Teacher Notes

• Class size of 12 students: Form four groups of 3 students each to maximize engagement and hands-on participation.
• Spend time during the whole group discussion modeling effective communication and collaborative behaviors.
• Encourage all members to contribute to the discussion and building.
• Celebrate all designs regardless of outcomes, focusing on the iterative design process rather than “perfection.”

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Reflection (Student Sample Sentence Starters)

• "Our container holds phones by..."
• "One problem we fixed was..."
• "I liked working with my team because..."
• "Next time, we would try to…"

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This lesson provides a meaningful, hands-on experience addressing a real classroom challenge while developing communication, writing, and STEM skills tied directly to Common Core standards. The focus on collaboration and reflection prepares students for inclusive, democratic learning environments.