Lesson 2: Stevie and the Big Project

Words to know: Fail | Frustrated | Persistence | Unplugged

What This Lesson Is About

Big projects can be hard.
Sometimes kids get stuck.
Getting stuck feels frustrating.
Frustrated means feeling upset when things are hard.

This lesson teaches something new.
Frustration is okay.
It is part of learning.
It is not the same as failing.

You can do this lesson in one day.
Or you can do it in two days.
If you have more time, let kids build longer.
Let them fix their marble runs too.

Why We Teach This

Big projects can feel hard.
Kids might feel frustrated.
That is normal.

This lesson helps kids understand frustration.
Not every kid will feel frustrated.
That is okay too.
We can still talk about times we felt frustrated.
We can talk about not giving up.

What Students Will Learn

Students will be able to:

• Notice when they feel frustrated.
• Give a reason to keep trying.
• Keep trying, even when it's hard.

Getting Ready

Watch the teacher video first.
Read the story "Stevie and the Big Project."
Think of good questions to ask your class.

Build a marble run.
Use the Teacher Prep Guide to help you.

Print a Marble Run Ruler for each student.
Or share one per pair.

Set up a building station.
Use cardstock, safety scissors, and tape.
Add fun extra things too.

Keep "Marble Run Hints" pages ready.
Give them out if kids get stuck.