Coordinate Graphing: Epic 5th/6th Grade Classroom Mission

Storyline

Using their knowledge of coordinate grids, students will protect their town's power plant from an incoming asteroid.

An abandoned asteroid mine is en route to your local power plant. If left unaddressed, it will cause mass destruction. Your crew will need to determine the best course of action to prevent mass power outages and disasters by using their knowledge of coordinate planes.

Est. time: 36 min.

Targeted Standards

3-Dimensional Science

Phenomenon

Objects in space such as asteroids can collide with planet surfaces.

Science and Engineering Practices

Analyzing and interpreting data

Students will need to analyze and interpret data to figure out which fragment is the biggest threat. They will analyze both textual data, numerical data, and a computer model to get to the bottom of this problem.

Using mathematics and computational thinking

Students will use their mathematical skills related to coordinate planes and will synthesize computational thinking with scientific reasoning skills to determine which fragment to destroy.

Planning and Carrying Out Investigations

The crew uses data and sensors to investigate the asteroid, plan the defense strategy, and determine the most dangerous fragment.

Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

The crew devises a plan to neutralize the asteroid, detonate reactors, and choose the most dangerous fragment to target based on evidence and calculations.

Engaging in Argument from Evidence

The crew discusses and analyzes data to come to conclusions about the best strategy to destroy the asteroid.

Crosscutting Concepts

Patterns

The crew observes patterns in the asteroid's trajectory and debris to determine the best course of action to destroy it effectively.

Cause and Effect

The crew understands the consequences of an uneven reactor detonation and its impact on breaking the asteroid into smaller dangerous fragments.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

ESS1.B: Earth and the Solar System

The crew investigates the asteroid's trajectory, composition, and impact on Earth to devise a plan to neutralize it and protect the city.

Brace for Impact