Dragonland Adventures STEM+C will engage young learners in STEM and computer science through a set of five integrated Storytime STEM+C challenges. Watch a short video about Dragonland Adventures Classroom Implementation here.
1. Lovabye Dragon
STEM+C Concept: Computer Science
Develop programs with sequences to address a problem
This computer science challenge starts with reading the book Lovabye Dragon, a heartwarming story about the friendship of a dragon and a girl. Transforming Bee-Bot into Dragon-Bot, children set out to re-enact scenes from the book by programming Dragon-Bot to move around on the colorful Dragonland vinyl mat. Symbol cards are provided and help children keep track of and debug their programs.
2. Evermore Dragon
STEM+ C Concept: Computer Science Concept:
Develop programs with sequences to address a problem
This computer science challenge starts with reading Evermore Dragon, a sequel to Lovabye Dragon. Children program Dragon-Bot to hide behind a rock and find the hidden girl. They also practice listening carefully to each other during an unplugged activity.
3. Sail Away Dragon – Determine the Shortest Path
STEM+C Concept: Mathematics and Computer Science
Measurement
This computer science challenge starts with children reading Sail Away Dragon, the third sequel in the series. Acting on parts of the story, children determine the shortest path from the castle to the sea, using non-standards measurement tools on the vinyl mat. The activity concludes with children programming Dragon-Bot to following the path they laid out.
4. Sail Away Dragon – Design an Umbrella
STEM+C Concept: Engineering Design
Developing and optimizing design solutions
This Storytime STEM-Pack includes all the materials you need to engage kids in an engineering design task that also explores the concept of properties of matter. The activity is launched by referring back to the book, Sail Away Dragon, and make observations on some of the pages. Children are then challenged to think about how to keep the girl and the cat dry. They work in groups of three to design and test umbrellas choosing from several materials, testing the umbrellas with water drops
5. Sail Away Dragon – Create A Dance
STEM+C Concept: Computer Science
Develop programs with sequences to address a problem
This computer science challenge starts with children revisiting pages from the book Sail Away Dragon, where Girl and the Dragon danced the jig. They are then programming the robot to create their own Dragon-Bot dance.
Included in this set of five integrated STEM+C challenges above, you'll find:
- Detailed instructions (i.e., lesson plan) for each of the five learning activities
- 15 small magnet tiles
- 12 sheets (8.5 x11) of 4 Bee-Bot cut-outs each
- Bee-Bot Instruction card (8.5x11)
- 6 Dragon Returns to the Cage recording sheet
- 1 set of 32 Symbol Cards (3.75x3.75), forward, backward, right turn, left turn, pause, Go, X
- 6 sets of 32 Symbol Cards (2x2), forward, backward, right turn, left turn, pause, Go, X
- 24 Girl Visits Dragon Sheets
- 12 small tubs of modeling clay
- 6 sheets of construction paper
- 6 peg dolls
- 3 boxes of paper clips
- 1 bag of mini craft sticks
- 1 Engineering Design card
- 8 rolls of clear tape
- 80 coffee stirrers
- A package of modeling clay
- 1 dropper bottle
- 25 sheets of paper towel
- 25 sheets of origami paper
- 20 fabric squares
- 20 wax paper squares
- 20 plastic freezer sheets
- 1 small plastic cat
- A copy of Lovabye Dragon by Barbara Joosse
- A copy of Evermore Dragon by Barbara Joosse
- A copy of Sail Away Dragon by Barbara Joosse
- A set of 6 vinyl Dragonland Adventure Mats (30” x41”) formatted to be used with Bee-Bots