Physical Computing iBlock Topics

Coding a Classification System

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

It’s crucial that today’s students become fluent in computer science skills and concepts. In this Coding a Classification System PBL (Project-Based Learning) 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: ClassVR, 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

iBlocks Project Based Learning 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 Create a Video Game PBL (Project-Based Learning) 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

iBlocks Project Based Learning 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 Design Your Own Escape Room PBL 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, ClassVR, Cricut, Formlabs, Makerbot, Makey Makey, Maplewoodshop, Shaper, 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)
Breakout EDU
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 3D Printed Instruments

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

The sound an instrument produces has a lot to do with the materials that it’s made of. An instrument made of wood has a very different sound than one made of brass. What about a plastic instrument? In this Engineering 3D Printed Instruments PBL (Project-Based Learning) iBlock, students will investigate the science of sound, how instruments produce sound, and the difference materials can make in producing that sound. In addition, students will explore the anatomy of particular instruments, and become familiar with the foundations of music composition and 3D design.
  • Grade Band: 6-8
  • Primary Focus: Music
  • 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, Physical Computing
  • Teq Product Alignment: ClassVR, Makerbot (Specific Tech. Required), Makey Makey (Specific Tech. Required), Ultimaker
  • Academic Alignment: Music, Engineering, STEM, Science, Coding
  • CTE Alignment: Arts, Entertainment, and Design, Advanced Manufacturing
An iBlock matches skills to standards (like Common Core or NGSS).
Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:
Generate and compare multiple solutions that use patterns to transfer information. (NGSS: 4-PS4-3)

Engineering an Assistive Game Controller

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

In this Engineering an Assistive Game Controller PBL (Project-Based Learning) 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 project-based learning 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!
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)

Engineering for Hazardous Weather: Taking Flood Control to New Heights

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

When most people think about weather and climate, they immediately check the news or their favorite weather app. Is it going to rain today? Will there be flooding? With the threat of severe or hazardous weather, it is important to consider what we can do to protect ourselves, our homes, and our communities. With a focus on flooding, it is our mission to determine how best to protect and preserve resources, people, and communities during times of severe weather. How would you tackle the threat of a flood? In this Engineering for Hazardous Weather: Taking Flood Control to New Heights PBL (Project-Based Learning) iBlock, students will consider how and why floods form as well as specific areas of concern. Students will then engineer a lifted house or system to best prepare for, and protect people during severe flooding conditions.
  • Grade Band: 3-5
  • Primary Focus: Weather
  • 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, Physical Computing
  • Teq Product Alignment: ClassVR, Makerbot, Merge, Strawbees, Ultimaker
  • Academic Alignment: Science, Engineering, STEM
  • CTE Alignment: Construction, Energy & Natural Resources
An iBlock matches skills to standards (like Common Core or NGSS).
Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:
Make a claim about the merit of a design solution that reduces the impacts of a weather-related hazard. (NGSS: 3-ESS3-1)

Fashion for Function: Smart Wearables

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

Wearable technology has changed quite drastically since the first items hit stores. Some of the most drastic changes and innovations in “smart” wearables have been focused on making them aesthetically pleasing while also serving a purpose, whether that’s fashion, health, or entertainment. In this Fashion for Function: Smart Wearables PBL (Project-Based Learning) iBlock, students will design a unique piece of wearable technology that fulfills a function. Who knows — maybe one day it will climb to the top of gift idea lists!
  • Grade Band: 6-8
  • Primary Focus: Design, Fabrication, Engineering
  • Secondary Focus: ELA, Marketing
  • Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
  • Suggested Product Category: 3D Modeling (incl. 3D printers, laser & craft cutters), AR/VR, Electronics/Circuitry Kits, Physical Computing
  • Teq Product Alignment: 3Doodler, Cricut, Maker & Coder, Makerbot, Makey Makey, Strawbees, Ultimaker, xTool
  • Academic Alignment: Engineering, Art & Design, Coding, Science, STEM
  • CTE Alignment: Advanced Manufacturing, Arts, Entertainment, and Design, Healthcare & Human Services
An iBlock matches skills to standards (like Common Core or NGSS).
Here is a sample content standard for this Fashion for Function: Smart Wearables PBL (Project-Based Learning) 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)

Growing a Hydroponic Garden

iBlocks Project Based Learning 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 Growing a Hydroponic Garden PBL (Project-Based Learning) 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: Formlabs, ClassVR, Makerbot, Shaper, 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)

Robotics: Robotic Amusement Park

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

For over 100 years, amusement parks have garnered the love of many families through their incredible rides. In this Robotics: Robotic Amusement Park PBL (Project-Based Learning) iBlock, students will research various amusement park rides so that they can design and build their own dream ride. Along the way, they’ll test their design and make improvements. Finally, the students will get their creations ready for their grand debut, and even bring their rides together to create a class theme park.
An iBlock matches skills to standards (like Common Core or NGSS).
Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:
A solution needs to be tested, and then modified on the basis of the test results, in order to improve it. (NGSS: MS-ETS1-4)

Rube Goldberg Machines

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

Rube Goldberg Machines accomplish a simple task through an elaborately humorous and overcomplicated method. In this Rube Goldberg Machines PBL (Project-Based Learning) 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.

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.)

The Phys. Ed iBlock

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

Calling all creative minds and game enthusiasts! Get ready to combine the power of physical education, health, and recreation through a project-based exploration that follows the engineering design process! This pathway will guide you in creating a solution that promotes healthy living and movement. Are you ready to combine the power of physical activity, mental challenges, and focus-boosting activities into a brand new physical activity? Get your athletic shoes ready and your innovation caps on. We’re about to develop a fun and engaging way to get our bodies moving and even sharpen our minds and focus!
Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:
Identifies/ applies strategies to improve health-enhancing behaviors. (NY Phys. Ed Learning Standards: 3.2.6-7)

Tiny Houses

iBlocks Project Based Learning 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 Tiny Houses PBL (Project-Based Learning) 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.
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)

Physical Computing