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🏗️ Weeks 5-6: KEVA Engineering Challenge

Unit Overview
Grade Level Grades 1-2
Duration 2 sessions (30 min each)
STREAM Focus T (Technology), E (Engineering), M (Math)

Weeks 5-6: KEVA Engineering Challenge

🎯 Learning Objectives

STEM Objectives

Students will be able to: 1. Apply engineering design principles to build structures 2. Work collaboratively on construction challenges 3. Identify structural elements (base, support, height) 4. Test and modify designs based on results

Faith Integration Objectives

Students will be able to: 1. Connect building to Biblical builders 2. Practice cooperation as a Christian virtue 3. Recognize perseverance when designs fail

Weeks 5-6: KEVA Engineering Challenge

🙏 Faith-Reason Integration

Catholic Teaching Connection

Building God's Kingdom — Like architects and engineers who build physical structures, we are called to build God's Kingdom through our actions and love. We build communities of faith through cooperation.

Scripture Connection

"Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain." — Psalm 127:1

Saint Connection

Noah — Noah built the ark exactly as God instructed. He persevered even when the task was hard and others laughed at him. Good engineers follow plans and don't give up!

📚 Materials Needed

  • KEVA planks (100-150 per table group)

  • Building challenge cards

  • Rulers for measuring

  • "Test materials" (small toys/blocks for bridge tests)

Session 1: Building Basics & Towers

📝 Lesson Procedure (30 minutes)

Opening Prayer & Introduction (4 min)

Prayer: "Loving God, help us work together like Noah — following directions and never giving up. Bless our hands as we build today. Amen."

Discuss: "What buildings do you know? Churches, homes, schools — they all need strong foundations!"

KEVA Introduction (4 min)

  • Show proper plank handling (one layer at a time)

  • Demonstrate base-building techniques

  • Introduce engineering vocabulary: base, foundation, support

Building Challenge 1: Tallest Tower (15 min)

Challenge: Build the tallest tower you can that stands for 5 seconds.

Rules:

  • Work with your partner

  • Only KEVA planks (no tape!)

  • Must stand on its own

Process:

  • 2 min planning (discuss with partner)

  • 10 min building

  • 3 min testing and measuring

Discussion prompts during building:

  • "What's working well?"

  • "What would you try differently?"

Closing Reflection (7 min)

Measure towers that are still standing.

Reflection questions:

  • "What made towers fall?"

  • "What made towers strong?"

  • "How did you and your partner work together?"

Faith Connection: "Noah didn't build alone — he had his family helping. We build better when we work together!"

Session 2: Bridge Building

📝 Lesson Procedure (30 minutes)

Opening Prayer & Review (4 min)

Prayer: "Jesus, You are the bridge between heaven and earth. Help us build bridges today that connect and support. Amen."

Review: "What did we learn about building strong structures?"

Bridge Introduction (4 min)

Discuss: "What do bridges do?" (Connect places, let people cross)

Faith connection: "Bridges connect people. Jesus is our bridge to God!"

Show: Bridge elements — supports on each side, span across

Building Challenge 2: Bridge (16 min)

Challenge: Build a bridge that spans 6 inches and holds a small toy.

Setup: Use books as "land" on each side (6 inches apart)

Process:

  • 2 min planning

  • 11 min building and testing

  • 3 min modification and retest

Prompts during building:

  • "How will you support the middle?"

  • "What happens when you test it?"

Celebration & Reflection (6 min)

Test bridges with toys.

Reflection:

  • "What was hardest about building a bridge?"

  • "How did you solve problems?"

  • "What would you try next time?"

Faith Connection: "Engineers keep trying when things are hard. That's perseverance — just like Noah! God wants us to keep trying even when it's difficult."

Closing Prayer: "Thank you, God, for the gift of creativity and problem-solving. Help us build Your kingdom with love and cooperation. Amen."

✅ Assessment

Session 1

  • Built a tower with identifiable base/foundation

  • Worked cooperatively with partner

  • Participated in reflection

Session 2

  • Built a bridge spanning the gap

  • Tested and modified design

  • Identified what worked and what to improve

📎 Home Connection

"We were KEVA engineers! Ask your child: 'What made your tower/bridge strong?' 'What would you build differently?' Build together at home with blocks, cards, or other materials!"

Unit Version: 1.0 | Last Updated: 2025-12-05