Who Let the Dogs Out?
This integrated STEM unit guides students through redesigning a community dog park, combining engineering design, circuits, and mathematics in a real-world context with authentic community connections. Students progress from creating simple-circuit LED-lit dog portraits to building automated safety features using micro:bits and servo motors, while learning about urban planning, budgeting, and community needs. The unit culminates in team presentations of their “Bark Park” designs, where students demonstrate their understanding of engineering principles, mathematical concepts, and collaborative problem-solving skills through their designed park layouts.
Core Content: area and perimeter, data analysis, graphing, circuitry, energy transfer, microelectronics, research, engineering
Grade Level: 3 and 4
ME Connection: Microelectronics in everyday life, microelectronics in safety devices, simple circuits, microelectronics in simple machines, use of microcontrollers
device
Engineering Design Project: Design a community dog park that uses microelectronics to make the park safer and more fun for citizens and their dogs. .