Perspiring Penguins

Introduction

Hello, Students! 

Have you ever seen penguins at the zoo? Check out this cute video and then share your observations within your group. Make sure to discuss what you notice/wonder! 



YouTube Short of Penguins Playing in Snow at a Zoo

 

Our class has been asked to help by a zoo in Phoenix, Arizona. They are planning to open an Emperor penguin exhibit. The zoo needs participants to design an energy-efficient outdoor structure to comfortably house the penguins. We will will work in groups of 3. 

In order to create something efficient there are somethings we need to consider:

  • There are 5 penguins in the exhibit (ice cubes for this project).
  • Each enclosure can only be 3000 sq foot (the size of a shoe box for this model)
  • You can only use materials provided in the classroom. 
  • Emperor penguins are most comfortable in temperatures ranging 14-68 degrees Fahrenheit. 
  • The average body temperature of an Emperor penguin is 102 degrees Fahrenheit
  • The average summer temperature in Phoenix is 106 degrees Fahrenheit. 
  • The hottest record temperature in Phoenix was 122 degree Fahrenheit. 
 

Our scientific question is: 

How can we create an enclosure for penguins that is efficient, safe, and visually pleasing? 

**REMEMBER WE ARE USING THE ENGINEER DESIGN PROCESS**

Task

Reminder, our scientific question is: 

How can we create an enclosure for penguins that is efficient, safe, and visually pleasing? 

**REMEMBER WE ARE USING THE ENGINEER DESIGN PROCESS**

 

To achieve this large task there are a series of steps your group will need to complete:

Perspiring Penguins Checklist
# TASK Y/N?
1

Review the YouTube Short and discuss with your group what you notice/wonder. 

YouTube Short of Penguins Playing in Snow at a Zoo

  
2 Read the prompt/task to determine what information you need to gather and brainstorm.   
3

You may use these applications: 

EPIC! , National Geographic Kids, Britannica School

AND You may gather evidence from these reliable resources.

How to Design Zoo Exhibits

Tools to Keep Animals Cool at Nashville Zoo

Curious Kids: How can Penguins Stay Warm in the Freezing Cold Waters of Antarctica?

Learn About Different Ways that Heat is Transferred

  
4

Make a copy of the classroom's google doc for note taking, filling out worksheets, adding feedback, etc. 

Link to Group Worksheet Perspiring Penguins

  
5 Fill out the worksheets to start your project.   
6 After your teacher approves your drafts - gather materials (from back table) to build your project with your group.   
7 Design your model.  
8 Share your model with the class, test, and observe other groups models.   
9

Fill out group reflection, provide feedback for at least (1) other group. 

Link to Group Worksheet Perspiring Penguins

Link to Feedback Form

  
10 Create your own personal google doc to write a reflection that includes a summary, critiques, improvements,

and the biggest take away from the project. 		  
Process

Link to Group Worksheet Perspiring Penguins

The worksheets include:

1. Initial note taking Page with basic questions to answer

2. Draft for plans (similar to physical worksheets we have done)

3. Blank page to upload photos of drawings of model. 

4. Blank page to upload photo of physical model. 

5. Group Reflection Page

Evaluation

Link to Feedback Form

Each group will need to fill out a feedback form for another group. 

When form is filled out - turn it in before collaborating with the other group. 

 

Design an Enclosure Rubric

For each statement list a score for your effort

1=unsatisfactory 2=needs to improve 3 = good effort 4= outstanding

Description

Student Score

Teacher Score

The team listened to the directions about the task, used the criteria, and talked about ways to make an enclosure.

    

The team was able to present their project and explain their design process. 

    

The enclosure showed evidence of heat transfer

    

The enclosure met the needs of the penguins.

    

The penguins (ice) stayed cool for 10 minutes. 

    

The penguins (ice) stayed cool for 20 minutes.

    

The team provided feedback for another group.

    

The team received feedback and considered it for future improvements.

    

Students Notes/Feedback:













 

Teacher Notes/Feedback:











 

 

Conclusion

Create your own google doc and write a reflection of the Perspiring Penguins project. 

Be sure to include: 

  • 4-8 sentences. 
  • Introduction
  • Summary of activity
  • Reflection the Engineer Design Process
  • Conclusion (biggest take away)