Because of Winn-Dixie
By: Kate DiCamillo
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo follows 10-year-old Opal, who moves to Florida and adopts a stray dog that helps her overcome loneliness, make new friends, and learn more about her mother while finding a sense of belonging in her new community.
Students will take on the role of design engineers to develop a device using a micro:bit that will help keep Winn-Dixie calm during a thunderstorm. Students will use micro:bits to learn how to use sensors to trigger other events to happen and design a product that works for a dog.
Core Content: ELA, Writing, and Science
Grade Levels: Grade 4
Time Required: 4 class periods after completion of novel
ME Career Connection: Students use the engineering design process to complete hands-on activities while exploring real-world microelectronics careers, applying problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration to design solutions and see how these skills connect to ME professions.
Authors of Curriculum Documents: Taylor Conley