Ocean Animal Observatory STEM Diorama Engineering Design Project

lesson overview

Ocean Animal Observatory STEM Design Project

This hands-on project is an engaging design challenge that allows students to learn how to do research, apply the engineering design process, and connect to a real-world STEM career. Included are handouts and editable slides to teach about the ocean zones, ocean observatories, and sea life. The editable slides cover the ocean zones (sunlight, twilight, midnight, the abyss, and trenches), what creatures live in each one, and how some camouflage to their surroundings. Also included are game cards to be used for reviewing the ocean zones with a game of Memory, or other options.

Engineering Challenge: Students will construct a diorama of an ocean animal habitat after researching their chosen creature. The habitat must also incorporate an observatory with engineering design constraints such as providing a figurine within the observatory withthe ability to view their chosen animal and be able to move the observatory up through the ocean zones.

STEM Career Connection: This project connects to the career of marine biologists and their role in studying the health and well-being of the oceans and marine life.

Technology Extension: This project provides the opportunity for your students to practice their presentation skills as they showcase their project to their class or at a school open house. Incorporate technology by having the students record a presentation in front of a green screen to appear like they are inside their observatory. Complete instructions on how to do this and student presentation script sheets are provided.

As with many STEM activities, this challenge can be tailored to students of various skill levels and abilities.

Included in this product:

• Detailed teacher's guide with links to resources

• Photos of student examples

• Student handouts to guide them through the design process

• Editable slides about ocean zones and the project

• STEM Career Connection on marine biologists

• Game cards to review ocean zones

• Student recording sheets for research and preparing a presentation

Recommended Materials:

• Scissors

• Tape

• Shoe box

• Construction paper

• Plastic ocean animals (optional)

• Seashells, plastic greenery, pebbles

• Egg cartons - clear works well

• Small figurine

• Plastic Dixie® cups

• Straws

• Small disposable bowls or plates

• Pipe cleaners

• Rubber bands

• Yarn

• Paper clips

Looking for more STEM lessons? Find the Vivify resource guide here: bit.ly/VivifyResourceGuide

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