Engage students in problem-solving and creativity as they explore the science of insulators and heat transfer! In this imaginative engineering challenge, learners design a way to safely transport a penguin across the desert. Students investigate how insulators prevent heat from passing through and apply that knowledge to build a structure that protects their penguin from desert heat. They also design their transports to roll smoothly, keeping their penguin passengers safe as they move across the sand. This playful, hands-on scenario combines animal science, physics, and engineering design for an unforgettable classroom experience.
1
Introduce the challenge
2
Design & build
3
Test it
4
Improve & share
At a glance
Grades
2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade
Subject
Engineering
Theme
Plants and Animals, Material Properties
Formats
Digital Lesson, Mini Lesson
Standards
NGSS-aligned, cross-curricular STEAM
File type
PDF (print or project)
Student work examples
Student workReal student work from Penguin ProtectorWhat’s includedA quick tour of the full Digital LessonWhat’s includedShows the full Digital Lesson. The Mini Lesson has the same core pages, shorter.
