In this design challenge, students will learn about downstream flooding as a problem in their community. Students will see how downstream water can cause flooding through the aid of an augmented reality (AR) sandbox. They will then be presented with the following problem: “Your home has been flooding. The city is unable to provide direct assistance, and so you must design a solution to deal with this incoming water.” Students will put on their engineering hats to design flood barriers made from different natural materials to determine what works best in diverting water away from their homes. Students will engage in a STEM challenge to design solutions to help their community and limit the amount of water seeping into their property.

Standards Alignment + Connections

Current Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills

Current Science TEKS covered in this design challenge

Grade 3 TEKS: 3.5D, 3.7B, 3.7C
Grade 4 TEKS: 4.7A, 4.7B
Grade 7 TEKS: 7.8A, 7.8C

Math TEKS covered in this design challenge

Grade 3 TEKS: 3.4A, 3.4G
Grade 4 TEKS: 4.6B, 4.8C
Grade 7 TEKS: 7.3A, 7.3B

Social Studies TEKS covered in this design challenge

Grade 3 TEKS: 3.3B
Grade 7 TEKS: 7.8C, 7.9A

Technology Applications TEKS covered in this design challenge

Grade 3 TEKS: 3.3.A, 3.3.B
Grade 4 TEKS: 4.3.A, 4.3.B

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills to be Implemented in 2024-2025

2021 Science TEKS covered in this design challenge

Grade 3 TEKS: 3.1.B, 3.1.E, 3.1.G, 3.2.D, 3.10.C, 3.11.A
Grade 4 TEKS: 4.1.B, 4.1.E, 4.1.G, 4.2.D, 4.10.B
Grade 7 TEKS: 7.1.B, 7.1.E, 7.1.G, 7.2.D, 7.11.A