The Three Little Pigs

Objectives:

  1. To learn to make predictions based on information gathered through reading a story.
  2. To design three structures, each stronger than the previous one.
  3. To interpret data to determine the number of survivors after each trial test.

Materials:

  • Easter grass (one bag per group), popsicle sticks or tongue depressors (20-per group), wooden blocks or Legos, and clay (1-stick per group)

    Procedures:

    1. Read children a version of The Three Little Pigs.
    2. Present the problem-solving situation: "Your job is to help the three little pigs build three houses (one at a time). Each one should be stronger than the one before it, just like the three little pigs did."
    3. What did the three little pigs build their houses out of? (straw, sticks, and bricks). We will build our houses out of grass, popsicle sticks, and blocks.
    4. Have children predict which of the three houses will best withstand the wolf's blow, hair dryer, (air pressure) best. Record predictions on a chart labeled: straw house, stick house, and block house (across the top); and prediction, Trial 1, Trial 2, and Trial 3 (down the side).
    5. Trial 1: Supply children with grass, popsicle stick for the frame, and clay. Each group constructs a structure. Test the structure by allowing the wolves (their partners) to stand equal distances from their desks and blow dry the house. Record the number of survivors on the chart. Discuss results. (How did the wolf's blow affect your three-little pigs' survival?)
    6. Trial 2: Repeat Trial 1, only use popsicle sticks instead of grass. Record the number of survivors on the chart. Discuss results.
    7. Trial 3: Again repeat Trial 1, only use wooden blocks instead of sticks. Record the number of survivors on the chart. Discuss results.

    Evaluation

    1. Check to see that students completed three structures using the materials provided.
    2. Assess students' participation in the discussions after each design trial.
    3. Record students' ability to interpret data by having them apply chart reading to another activity (e.g., picture graphs).

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