Leaf Trouble

By: Jonathan Emmett

In Jonathan Emmett’s Leaf Trouble, a young squirrel named Pip is alarmed when the leaves on his favorite oak tree begin changing colors and falling to the ground. Convinced that his home is falling apart, Pip teams up with his sister, Blossom, to gather the fallen leaves and put them back on the tree. Their determined but unsuccessful efforts set the stage for a charming story about problem-solving, seasonal changes, and discovering that sometimes nature has a plan of its own.

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Students will read Jonathan Emmett’s Leaf Trouble and identify problems faced by Pip as he tries to collect fallen leaves and return them to his tree. Using the engineering design process, students will work in teams to brainstorm, design, and build solutions to help Pip. They will create prototypes, present their ideas, and consider ways to improve their designs. Students will then explore microelectronics and incorporate micro into their projects while learning about batteries, circuits, conductors, and printed circuit boards.

• Core Content: ELA, Science, Engineering, and Microelectronics

• Grade Levels: Grade level 2

• Time Required: 2-3 weeks

• ME Career Connection: Students explore how electrical engineers and electronics technicians use circuits, batteries, conductors, and microelectronics to design and improve devices that solve everyday problems.

• Author: Jersey Dorrell