Build a City STEM Challenge | Reading a Map Worksheets

Civil Engineers use GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to help them collect data about the Earth’s surface to make decisions when designing structures in a space. How can you plan and develop a community based on Earth’s features in an area?

By going through the Engineering Design Process, you’ll explore the role of civil engineers, what GIS is, and various digital maps, including Google Earth, of famous locations in the world.

You will then build a city out of clay on a grid based on data, then develop a community based on the geographical features, and make modifications to improve. Print-and-go and digital resources to guide creation and exploration.

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STEM Challenges are a great way to encourage creativity, collaboration and critical thinking. With the tools that I created for you, it should save you time with prep and give you more time to provide an awesome experience for your kids.

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Go through the Engineering Design Process

• STEM Challenge Card
• Task Designing Checklist to keep track of work
• Learn More About Civil Engineers and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Videos/Mini Articles/Images Links with Reflection
• Data for students to read and generate a physical map using modeling clay
• Planning Sheet for designing a community based on the geological features
• Checklist for ways students can improve their community design
• Student Sheet to attach final design
• End of activity reflection sheet

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Bonuses

• Engineering Design Process Anchor Chart
• Explore Famous Communities World-Wide and their features: cultural, human, natural and political
  • Use Google Earth and other digital maps/websites to learn more about a place to gather ideas for own community planning

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The resources NOT included that you will need for this STEM challenge are:

• play dough, modeling clay (the Crayola brand is great and doesn’t dry out) or make your own dough. You will need 2-3 big handfuls for each kid, so keep that in mind.
  • Kool-Aid Playdough (one batch) Mix dry ingredients first. Add oil to boiling water and mix in with dry ingredients. Knead until it’s all mixed up and is a dough. 
    • 2 ½ cups flour
    • ½ cup salt
    • 2 packs of unsweet Kool Aid mix (can use food coloring instead)
    • 2 cups boiling water
    • 3 tablespoons of oil 

• • Gallon sized ziplock bags (to save student work in between building and designs won’t dry out)
  • Page protectors (to place building grids in if you don’t want to laminate)
  • Thin cardboard or cardstock
  • Construction paper
  • Other various Makerspace items you may have students can use to build their community

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Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS): 

3rd Grade: 3-5-ETS1-1, 2 & 3

4th Grade: 3-5-ETS1-1, 2 & 3, 4-ESS3-2

5th Grade: 3-5-ETS1-1, 2 & 3

Common Core State Standards: 

3rd Grade: RI.3.5, W.3.6, W.3.8, SL.3.1, SL.3.1b, SL.3.1d

4th Grade: RI.4.7, W.4.6, W.4.8, SL.4.1, SL.4.1b

5th Grade: RI.5.7, W.5.6, W.5.7, SL.5.1, SL.5.1b

Mathematical Practices

MP6- Attend to Precision

ISTE Standards for Students

Knowledge Constructor

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How you will receive this product:

Various digital file types to meet your sharing needs

• PDF (non-editable, various sizes)
• Google Slides link
• PowerPoint file
• Seesaw activity

All Seesaw files are pre-loaded into activities. Upon purchase, you'll get the share link to copy & edit and add to your Seesaw Activity library, then assign to students. I saved you A LOT of steps!

How to assign digital versions to students:

• Google Slides pair perfectly with Google Classroom. Once you click the button, it will automatically make a copy for each student
• PowerPoint works well with Microsoft OneDrive users. Share with students within Microsoft Teams
• Seesaw Activities can be assigned to students and automatically make a copy. You can also use the Google Slides version if you students log in with their Google account

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When you purchase a product from my store, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to classrooms in need of technology to enhance their students’ learning experience.

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Want to try out the STEM Survival Camp Challenges? Click here to check them out!

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Connect with me for more inspiration!

Naomi Meredith

Navigating STEM & tech in the K-5 classroom.

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Questions? Email me: contactnaomimeredith@gmail.com