This article provides a 4th-grade lesson plan for building a toy truck, integrating the STEAM approach to help students understand truck structure and function while developing practical skills.
Illustrative image
Truck Structure and Functions
Trucks are essential vehicles for transporting goods. Understanding their structure and functions helps 4th-grade students grasp operating principles and real-world applications.
Main parts of a truck:
- Cab: Houses the engine and driver’s compartment.
- Cargo Bed: The space for carrying goods. Cargo bed sizes and shapes vary depending on the type of goods being transported.
- Wheels: Responsible for movement. Trucks often have more wheels than cars to bear heavier loads.
- Bed Floor: The flat surface inside the cargo bed for placing goods.
Illustrative image of truck parts
4th Grade Toy Truck Assembly Activity (STEAM)
Objectives:
- Science (S): Students identify the structure and functions of trucks.
- Technology (T): Utilize recycled materials to assemble the model.
- Engineering (E): Practice assembling and operating the model.
- Art (A): Design and creatively decorate the truck model.
- Mathematics (M): Estimate dimensions and calculate material quantities.
Materials:
- Cardboard boxes, milk cartons, plastic bottles.
- Cardstock, colored paper.
- Glue, tape.
- Scissors, colored pens.
- Toy wheels (or homemade from bottle caps).
Materials for truck building activity
Steps:
- Design: Students sketch a draft of the truck model.
- Cut and Assemble: Cut parts from recycled materials and assemble the cab, cargo bed, and wheels.
- Assembly: Connect the parts using glue or tape.
- Decoration: Draw, color, and decorate the truck model to make it more lively.
- Testing: Test the truck’s movement on a flat surface or ramp.
Conclusion
This STEAM-integrated 4th-grade toy truck lesson plan helps students develop comprehensive knowledge, skills, and creative thinking. This activity not only helps them understand trucks but also sparks a passion for science and engineering. Using recycled materials also educates students about environmental protection.
