Create a Glow-In-the-Dark Theme Park (Project-Based Learning)

$4.99

Learn the science behind bioluminescence as you recreate the glowing world of an alien planet like theme park designers did!

Ideal for at-home learning, students can complete this independently or with other family members to create magical memories!

Learn the science behind bioluminescence as you recreate the glowing world of an alien planet like theme park designers did!

Ideal for at-home learning, students can complete this independently or with other family members to create magical memories!

Overview:

Theme park designers brought the bioluminescent plants and creatures of Pandora to life at Animal Kingdom. With this lesson plan, learners will follow a similar design process to come up with magical yet practical ways to replicate glowing environments at home.

Disclaimer: This product is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or associated with The Walt Disney Company, Walt Disney Imagineering, or the Avatar franchise.

You’ll receive:

  • 16-page digital PDF with project-based lesson plan for learner to follow

    • Part 1: Generating ideas

    • Part 2: Conduct background research

    • Part 3: Testing possible solutions

    • Part 4: Decision-making and project proposal

    • Part 5: Behind the magic

  • List of additional supplemental videos and articles for further exploration

  • Google Docs or Microsoft Word version available by request

Suggested Level:

  • Grades: Middle school and above (6-8, 9-12)

  • Ages 10+

Materials Needed:

  • Computer

  • Optional: Printer to print the instructions and questions

  • Optional: Glow stick(s)

  • Optional: Some glow in the dark objects (e.g., sticky stars, stickers, paint, highlighters, etc)

  • Optional: Black light option 1 or 2

Expected Time: 3-4 hours total

  • Part 1: 15-20 minutes

  • Part 2: 30-45 minutes

  • Part 3: 30-45 minutes

  • Part 4: 90+ minutes

  • Part 5: 15-20 minutes

Lesson Objectives

  • Make observations

  • Generate and revise hypotheses

  • Synthesize background research

  • Analyze pros and cons of design prototypes

  • Justify design choices

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Covered

  • Ask questions that arise from careful observation of phenomena, models, or unexpected results, to clarify and/or seek additional information

  • Construct an explanation that includes qualitative or quantitative relationships between variables that predict(s) and/or describe(s) phenomena

  • Critically read scientific texts adapted for classroom use to determine the central ideas and/or obtain scientific and/or technical information to describe patterns in and/or evidence about the natural and designed world(s).

  • Define a design problem that can be solved through the development of an object, tool, process or system and includes multiple criteria and constraints, including scientific knowledge that may limit possible solutions.

  • Use digital tools and/or mathematical concepts and arguments to test and compare proposed solutions to an engineering design problem.

  • Undertake a design project, engaging in the design cycle, to construct and/or implement a solution that meets specific design criteria and constraints.

  • Communicate scientific and/or technical information (e.g. about a proposed object, tool, process, system) in writing and/or through oral presentations