9-12 iBlock Topics

Building Literacy: Design a Comic Book

From images, to text, to color palette, there is a lot to consider when designing a comic book. How are comics similar to a short story? How are they different? In this iBlock, students will investigate the history of comics and various comic texts before creating their own masterpiece. With attention to how established comic artists perfect their craft, these modules will help unleash creativity and provide a new means of expression. Finally, students will bring all of their hard work together as they create their very own comic convention.

Grade Bands: 6-8, 9-12
Primary Focus: ELA, Art
Secondary Focus: Communication, Visual Design
Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
Suggested Product Category: 3D Modeling (incl. 3D printers, laser & craft cutters), Mobile App Development
Teq Product Alignment: Cricut, MAD-learn
Academic Alignment: ELA, Art & Design, Literacy
CTE Alignment: Arts, Entertainment, and Design

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue and description, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters.(NYS Next Gen. ELA: 7W3b)

Building Literacy: Develop a Play

How does a story change when it’s developed into a play? In this iBlock, that’s exactly what students will explore as they become playwrights. Before writing their play, students will take a closer look at the history of theatre and play structure, then they will write and perform an original one-act play. Considerations will be made to set design, costuming, sound, lighting, casting, and blocking. Students can even consider how they could convert their play into a movie. It’s time to “break a leg!”

Grade Band: 9-12
Primary Focus: ELA, Performing Arts
Secondary Focus: Communication
Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
Suggested Product Category: 3D Modeling (incl. 3D printers, laser & craft cutters), AR/VR
Teq Product Alignment: Cricut, Formlabs, Makerbot, Ultimaker, xTool
Academic Alignment: ELA, Art & Design, Literacy
CTE Alignment: Arts, Entertainment, and Design

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Develop and synthesize original ideas in a drama/theatre work utilizing critical analysis, historical and cultural context, research, and western or nonwestern theatre traditions. (National Core Arts Standards: HS AdvancedTH.Cr2-III.a)

Coding a Classification System

iBlock Objective:

It’s crucial that today’s students become fluent in computer science skills and concepts. In this iBlock, students will build their computer science fluency as they conduct research on a topic of their choosing and develop a fully functional coding application to help them gain a better understanding of their research. Students will utilize computer programming software to go through the process of finding, organizing, classifying, and presenting research. In addition, students will create a visual and written plan for the logic of their program and create a fully functional program that takes user input and answers the student’s original question.

Grade Band: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Primary Focus: ES: Programing | MS, HS: Physical Computing, Computer Programming
Secondary Focus: ES: Research | MS, HS: Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving
Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
Suggested Product Category: Physical Computing
Teq Product Alignment: Piper (Specific Tech. Required for ES version)
Academic Alignment: Coding, Computer Science, Science, STEM
CTE Alignment: Digital Technology

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking itdown into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering. (NGSS: HS-ETS1-2)

Create a Video Game

iBlock Objective:

Within the last 40 years, video games have been an essential part of our media entertainment. From arcades to home consoles, and now to our smartphones, video games have found many outlets in which new audiences can be reached. In this iBlock, students will create their own compelling video game from start to finish using Bloxels, and then create their own official video game reviews.

Grade Band: 6-8, 9-12
Primary Focus: Literacy
Secondary Focus: Engineering, Design
Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
Suggested Product Category: Video Game Creation/Gamification, Physical Computing
Teq Product Alignment: Bloxels (Specific Tech. Required), Makey Makey (Specific Tech. Required for Ext.)
Academic Alignment: ELA, Literacy, Engineering, Art & Design, STEM
CTE Alignment: Arts, Entertainment, and Design, Digital Technology

An iBlock matches skills to standards (like Common Core or NGSS).

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Determine the key ideas or conclusions of a source; trace the source’s explanation or depiction of a complex process, phenomenon, or concept; provide an accurate summary of the source. (NYS Next Gen. ELA: 9-10RST2)

Design Your Own Escape Room

iBlock Objective:

Escape room games are a fun amusement, but they also provide an opportunity to explore the history of new gaming formats, problem-solving skills, and even storytelling. In this iBlock, students will learn more about the history and culture of this “new” form of entertainment, and then plan, design, and construct their very own!

Grade Band: 9-12
Primary Focus: Design Thinking
Secondary Focus: Problem Solving, Engineering
Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
Suggested Product Category: 3D Modeling (incl. 3D printers, laser & craft cutters), Mobile App Development, Video Game Creation/Gamification, Electronics/Circuitry Kits, Physical Computing
Teq Product Alignment: 3Doodler, Bloxels, Breakout EDU, Cricut, Formlabs, MAD-learn, Makerbot, Makey Makey, Maplewoodshop, Ultimaker, xTool
Academic Alignment: Coding, ELA, Engineering, STEM, Art & Design
CTE Alignment: Arts, Entertainment, and Design, Hospitality, Events, and Tourism, Advanced Manufacturing

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Evaluate applications of cryptographic methods. (NYS Comp. Sci. & Digital Fluency: 9-12.CY.4)

Evaluate the effectiveness of an image or images to influence ideas, feelings, and behaviors of specific audiences.(National Core Arts Standards: VA.Re.7.2.IIa)

Escape Room iBlock now with Breakout EDU

Breakout EDU provides an opportunity for students to play active roles in their classrooms. Watch engagement soar as students become immersed in the game – asking questions, solving problems, and participating in group discussions.

Engineering an Assistive Game Controller

iBlock Objective:

In this iBlock, students will learn about inclusivity, game controller design, and the gaming industry. Then, they’ll work towards creating a game controller for a gamer with disabilities to use with a simple coded video game. This iBlock takes students through the engineering design process from research on disabilities and the history of the game controller to designing and building an assistive controller and simple game, to improving their device and hosting an arcade event!

Grade Band: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Primary Focus: Engineering, Programming
Secondary Focus: Communication, ELA
Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
Suggested Product Category: 3D Modeling (incl. 3D printers, laser & craft cutters), Buildable Robots & Kits, Electronics/Circuitry Kits, Physical Computing
Teq Product Alignment: 3Doodler, BirdBrain Hummingbird Robotics Kit, Cricut, Formlabs, Makerbot, Makey Makey, Ultimaker, xTool
Academic Alignment: Coding, Engineering, ELA, STEM
CTE Alignment: Healthcare & Human Services, Advanced Manufacturing, Digital Technology

An iBlock matches skills to standards (like Common Core or NGSS).

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem. (NGSS: MS-ETS1-2)

Financial Literacy

iBlock Objective:

You may have heard it said before, but it’s never too early to start preparing for your financial future. In this iBlock, students will explore key concepts in personal finance and map out a plan in order to give them a secure financial future. Tasks include creating a budget, preparing savings and credit accounts, building an investment portfolio, and presenting the final product.

Grade Band: 6-8, 9-12
Primary Focus: Economics, Financial Literacy
Secondary Focus: Future Readiness
Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
Suggested Product Category: Mobile App Development
Teq Product Alignment: MAD-learn
Academic Alignment: Mathematics, Financial Literacy, Social Studies
CTE Alignment: Financial Services

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Having an organized system for keeping track of spending, saving, and investing makes it easier to make financial decisions. (National Standards for Personal Financial Education: Spending 12-9)

Get Your Dream Job

iBlock Objective:

As a young child, you probably remember an adult asking you those famous words, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” As we continue through school, we learn about employment opportunities and aspire for a “dream job.” However, many candidates often become overwhelmed with the process of landing their dream job before they even realize if it is a good fit. In this iBlock, students will explore and identify how to determine if a career is tailored to one’s desired lifestyle goals, skills, and passions. They will create a vision board, build a portfolio, craft application materials, participate in a mock interview, and even showcase their hard work at a career fair! Students will definitely be future-ready with this experience!

Grade Band: 9-12
Primary Focus: Career Readiness, ELA
Secondary Focus: Communication, Computer Science, Critical Thinking
Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
Suggested Product Category: Mobile App Development
Teq Product Alignment: MAD-learn
Academic Alignment: ELA, Computer Science, Social Studies, Literacy
CTE Alignment: Advanced Manufacturing, Construction, Supply Chain & Transportation, Arts, Entertainment, and Design, Hospitality, Events, and Tourism, Financial Services, Education, Healthcare & Human Services, Public Service & Safety, Agriculture, Energy & Natural Resources, Digital Technology, Marketing & Sales, Management & Entrepreneurship

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Integrate and evaluate visual and technical information (e.g., in research data, charts, graphs, photographs, videos, or maps) with other information in print and digital texts. (NYS Next Gen. ELA: RH7)

Use precise language and content-specific vocabulary to express the appropriate complexity of the topic. (NYS Next Gen. ELA: 9-10W1c)

Growing a Hydroponic Garden

iBlock Objective:

Agriculture has always been one of the building blocks of human civilization. Humanity has changed a lot since civilization first began, and that includes the way we grow our plants. In this iBlock, students will explore different agricultural structures and incorporate emerging resources to cultivate a technologically enhanced botanical space. Students will also tackle challenges like growing plants in space-conscious environments for a rapidly growing population, and together discover the future of sustainable gardening.

Grade Band: 9-12
Primary Focus: Ecology, Engineering
Secondary Focus: STEM
Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
Suggested Product Category: 3D Modeling (incl. 3D printers, laser & craft cutters), Hydroponics Units, AR/VR, Physical Computing , Data Loggers
Teq Product Alignment: Fork Farms, Formlabs, Inspirit, Makerbot, Ultimaker, xTool
Academic Alignment: Coding, Hydroponics, Science, STEM, Engineering
CTE Alignment: Construction, Agriculture

An iBlock matches skills to standards (like Common Core or NGSS).

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems. (NGSS: HS-ESS3-4)

Prosthetics

Description

Technology and design have had a major impact on the function of modern-day prosthetics. They’ve also served to make prosthetics more accessible. In this iBlock, students will navigate through the Engineering Design Process to design and develop a prosthetic device. To complete this task, students will explore 21st century skills such as critical thinking, innovation, and collaboration. Solutions can include computer-aided design (CAD), 3D printing, circuitry, and more.

Grade Band: 9-12
Primary Focus: Design, Engineering, Fabrication
Secondary Focus: Problem-Solving, STEM
Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
Suggested Product Category: 3D Modeling (incl. 3D printers, laser & craft cutters), Buildable Robots & Kits, Electronics/Circuitry Kits
Teq Product Alignment: 3Doodler, BirdBrain Hummingbird Robotics Kit, Cricut, Formlabs, Makerbot, UBTECH, Ultimaker, xTool
Academic Alignment: STEM, Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Art & Design
CTE Alignment: Healthcare & Human Services, Advanced Manufacturing

Here is a sample NGSS standard for this iBlock:

Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts. (NGSS: HS-ETS1-3)

Robotics: Robotic Assembly Line

iBlock Objective:

During the Industrial Revolution, assembly lines greatly improved manufacturing efficiency and in turn, production capacity. We are now in a new age of advanced technology and once again manufacturing is changing — but this time because of robotics, not a new manufacturing framework. In this iBlock, students will learn about the history of assembly lines, the future of assembly lines, and then build a robot to function in an assembly line environment.

Grade Band: 9-12
Primary Focus: Robotics
Secondary Focus: Engineering
Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
Suggested Product Category: Buildable Robots & Kits, Robotic Arms
Teq Product Alignment: BirdBrain Hummingbird Robotics Kit, Dobot, Ozobot Ora, UBTECH
Academic Alignment: Robotics, Coding, Social Studies, STEM, Engineering
CTE Alignment: Advanced Manufacturing, Supply Chain & Transportation

An iBlock matches skills to standards (like Common Core or NGSS).

Here is a sample K12 CSTA COMPUTER SCIENCE standard for this iBlock:

Modify, remix, or incorporate portions of an existing program into one’s own work, to develop something new or add more advanced features. (CSTA: 1B-AP-12)

Robotics: Robotic Field Day

iBlock Objective:

In our technologically advanced society, we can now program robots to compete for us! Students will show off the very best of this new age of technology while learning about the importance of the past. In this iBlock, students will research the history of past sporting events and create robots to compete in specific games for their very own futuristic robotic field day!

Grade Band: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Primary Focus: Robotics
Secondary Focus: Engineering
Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
Suggested Product Category: 3D Modeling (incl. 3D printers, laser & craft cutters), Pre-built Coding Robots, Buildable Robots & Kits
Teq Product Aligment: 3Doodler, BirdBrain Finch Robot, BirdBrain Hummingbird Robotics Kit, Cricut, Formlabs, Makerbot, Modular Robotics Cubelets, Ozobot, UBTECH, Ultimaker, Wonder Workshop, xTool
Academic Aligment: Robotics, Coding, Social Studies, STEM, Engineering, Mathematics
CTE Aligment: Advanced Manufacturing, Hospitality, Events, and Tourism

An iBlock matches skills to standards (like Common Core or NGSS).

Here is a sample NYC P12 Science Learning standard for this iBlock:

Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost. (NGSS: 3-5-ETS1-1)

Rube Goldberg Machines

iBlock Objective:

Rube Goldberg Machines accomplish a simple task through an elaborately humorous and overcomplicated method. In this iBlock, challenge your students to think outside the box and discover the unexpected kinetic properties in everyday objects as they design their own Rube Goldberg Machine (RGM). In order to build their contraption, students will research and explore simple machines and chain reactions and how they both relate to the world around them. From ideation to interaction, students will engage in creative thinking, critical reasoning, and teamwork as they engineer these truly unique machines.

Grade Band: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Primary Focus: ES, MS: Problem-Solving, Engineering, Design | HS: Engineering, Design, Physics
Secondary Focus: ES, MS: ELA, Communication | HS: ELA, Business
Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
Suggested Product Category: 3D Modeling (incl. 3D printers, laser & craft cutters), Pre-built Coding Robots, Buildable Robots & Kits, Electronics/Circuitry Kits, Robotic Arms, Physical Computing
Teq Product Alignment: 3Doodler, BirdBrain Finch Robot, BirdBrain Hummingbird Robotics Kit, Cricut, Dobot, Formlabs, KIBO, KUBO, Makerbot, Makey Makey, Maplewoodshop, Modular Robotics Cubelets, Ozobot, Ozobot Ora, Piper, Strawbees, UBTECH, Ultimaker, Wonder Workshop, xTool
Academic Alignment: STEM, Art & Design, ELA, Engineering, Science, Robotics, Coding
CTE Alignment: Arts, Entertainment, and Design, Advanced Manufacturing, Construction

An iBlock matches skills to standards (like Common Core or NGSS).

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Make observations to provide evidence that energy is conserved as it is transferred and/or converted from one form to another. (NGSS: 4-PS3-2.)

Space Systems: Engineer a Telescope

iBlock Objective:

Scientists have been trying to see and explore the mysteries of the universe for centuries. Over time, our understanding of space and the technology available to view the mysteries found there has evolved. In this iBlock, students will learn about the evolution of the telescope and the optical science that makes them work. Using their new or expanded knowledge, students will design and build a telescope, using 3D printed materials and other consumables, to make their own observations about space!

Grade Band: 9-12
Primary Focus: Astronomy, 3D Printing
Secondary Focus: Engineering
Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
Suggested Product Category: 3D Modeling (incl. 3D printers, laser & craft cutters), AR/VR
Teq Product Alignment: Formlabs, Inspirit, Makerbot, Ultimaker, xTool
Academic Alignment: Science, Engineering, STEM
CTE Alignment: Advanced Manufacturing

An iBlock matches skills to standards (like Common Core or NGSS).

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Use mathematical or computational representations to predict the motion of orbiting objects in the solar system. (NGSS: HS-ESS1-4)

Tiny Houses

iBlock Objective:

With the world population estimated at around 7.7 billion, concerns rise over issues like housing, natural resource use, and environmental impact. Tiny houses have emerged as a movement and potential solution to mitigate our demands on energy consumption and our lifestyle footprint. Throughout this iBlock, students will explore energy consumption and efficiency, identify ways in which tiny homes can address efficiency concerns, design and engineer a tiny home solution model, and present their models at their very own home show.

Grade Band: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Primary Focus: ES: Science | MS, HS: STEM
Secondary Focus: ES: Engineering, Mathematics | MS, HS: Human Impacts, Engineering
Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
Suggested Product Category: 3D Modeling (incl. 3D printers, laser & craft cutters), Buildable Robots & Kits, Electronics/Circuitry Kits, Physical Computing
Teq Product Alignment: 3Doodler, BirdBrain Hummingbird Robotics Kit, Cricut, Formlabs, Makerbot, Maplewoodshop, Strawbees, Ultimaker, xTool
Academic Alignment: Science, STEM, Engineering, Mathematics, Art & Design
CTE Alignment: Construction, Energy & Natural Resources, Marketing & Sales

An iBlock matches skills to standards (like Common Core or NGSS).

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Obtain and combine information from books and other reliable media to explain phenomena. (NGSS: 4-ESS3-1)

UN Sustainability Goals: Managing Microplastics

iBlock Objective:

Globally, over 3 billion people rely on Earth’s oceans to support their livelihoods. With our population growing and pollution becoming a greater problem by the day, it is not surprising that one of Earth’s most fragile and important ecosystems is at risk. Products like synthetic fiber clothing, take-out containers, and all-in-one laundry detergent pollute our waters in both their original form and as microplastics. Throughout this iBlock, students will discover the ways in which humans use plastics, how microplastics form and enter our waterways, and ultimately design and engineer a device that can help mitigate the microplastic problem.

Grade Band: 9-12
Primary Focus: Ecology, Engineering
Secondary Focus: Science, STEM
Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
Suggested Product Category: 3D Modeling (incl. 3D printers, laser & craft cutters), Mobile App Development
Teq Product Alignment: Cricut, Formlabs, MAD-learn, Makerbot, Ultimaker, xTool
Academic Alignment: Science, Engineering, STEM, Social Studies
CTE Alignment: Energy & Natural Resources, Advanced Manufacturing

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

The sustainability of human societies and the biodiversity that supports them requires responsible management of natural resources. (NGSS: HS-ESS3-3)