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Hex Bug Maze

In this provocation, design a maze for a hex bug to travel through that includes three angles. 

Objective:

  • Design a maze for a Hex Bug to travel through using only recycled materials and tape

  • What recycled materials will work for this challenge?

  • The Hex Bug needs to turn at least 3 times

Problem-solving and strategic thinking:

  • Students will explore Hex Bugs and how they move

  • Students will work individually or together to decide what recycled materials to use for the maze

  • Students will plan a design and build the maze

  • Students will troubleshoot design problems in the maze

  • Students will report out and share the process they used to create the maze

Standards/Objectives addressed:

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.K.5.A:Sort common objects into categories.

  • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.G.A.2: Correctly name shapes regardless of their orientations or overall size.

  • CCSS.Math.Content.1.G.A.1: Distinguish between defining attributes (e.g., triangles are closed and three-sided) versus non-defining attributes (e.g., color, orientation, overall size); build and draw shapes to possess defining attributes.

  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.1.4: Describe people, places, things, and events with relevant details, expressing ideas and feelings clearly.

  • NGSS: NGSS.K-2-ETS1-2 - Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed.

Background knowledge needed:

  • What are recycled materials?

  • What is a maze?

  • What will make a Hex Bug turn or change direction?

  • How to make a plan - sketch a design

Materials:

  • Various recycled materials such as cardboard, egg cartons, toilet paper rolls, and packing materials, tape, Hex Bugs

Prompts – questions or statements to elicit engagement:

  • What do you need to do to make the Hex Bug turn?

  • Are there other recycled materials that may work?

  • Let’s walk through the process you used to come up with this design.

  • What happens when you add obstacles that the Hex Bug needs to go around?

Vocabulary:

  • Recycled, direction, maze, obstacle, turn, design, angle

Reflection prompts:

  • What worked well?

  • What did you need to change?

  • How did you decide on your design and what materials to use?

  • What worked best to help the Hex Bug move through the maze?

Extension:

  • Can two Hex Bugs go through the maze at the same time?

  • Add a design element that the Hex Bug needs to go under or through.

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