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Central Question

How can we design a package to protect a fragile item from damage?

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Standards Alignment

NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) / Common Core Connections:

• 5-PS1-3: Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties.
• 3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grade 5 topics, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.8: Recall relevant information from experiences or gather relevant information from print and digital sources; summarize or paraphrase information in notes and finished work, and provide a list of sources.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Design a protective package for a fragile object using limited materials, demonstrating understanding of material properties and engineering principles.
• Collaborate with peers to brainstorm, plan, and execute a design solution.
• Test and evaluate their design, collecting observational data about its effectiveness.
• Reflect scientifically on their engineering process and identify improvements.

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Materials

• Fragile item (small glass or ceramic object) - one per group
• Index cards
• Tape
• String
• Paper clips
• Cups or small containers
• Writing materials (notebooks, pencils)

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Lesson Outline

Time	Activity	Details
5 min	Introduction & Central Question	- Show the fragile item. - Pose the central question: "How can we protect this fragile item using only these materials?" - Explain constraints and teamwork (groups of 5).
5 min	Brainstorming & Planning	- Groups discuss ideas. - Sketch and write brief plans on index cards. - Teacher prompts about material properties.
7 min	Building & Testing	- Groups build their protective packages. - Test by gently dropping from 2 feet onto a soft surface. - Record results (protected/not protected, damage level).
3 min	Discussion & Reflection	- Groups share results. - Discuss what worked and why. - Reflect on improvements.

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Summary

Students engage in a quick engineering challenge to design a protective package for a fragile item. They collaborate, apply material knowledge, test their designs, and reflect on results. This lesson builds skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and scientific observation aligned with NGSS and Common Core standards for grade 5.

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Exit Ticket Prompt

Write one thing you learned today about protecting fragile items and one improvement you would make to your design if you did this activity again.

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PowerPoint Presentation for Grade 5

Slide 1: Title

Protecting Fragile Items
How can we design a package to protect a fragile item from damage?

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Slide 2: Materials

• Fragile item (glass or ceramic)
• Index cards
• Tape
• String
• Paper clips
• Cups or small containers
• Notebooks and pencils

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Slide 3: Step-by-Step Outline

1. Introduction & Question (5 min)
2. Brainstorm & Plan (5 min)
3. Build & Test (7 min)
4. Discuss & Reflect (3 min)

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Slide 4: Summary

• Work in teams to protect a fragile item.
• Use materials wisely to cushion and secure.
• Test your design by dropping it gently.
• Share what worked and how to improve.

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Slide 5: Exit Ticket

Write one thing you learned about protecting fragile items and one way you would improve your design.

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Teacher Tip: Photograph student designs or record test results to support future lessons on engineering and scientific inquiry.

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