Grouping: Pairs
Take-home: Working gravity-powered sorter
Key ideas: Size/shape classification, gravity, ramps, constraints, reliability, systems engineering.
Start with: Drop mixed objects through a sample sorter and reveal separate outputs.
Success check: Sorter correctly separates a mixed test set repeatedly.
Try changing: Opening size; ramp angle; guide-wall geometry; object spacing.
Preparation: Prepare consistent test objects and build a partially transparent demo if possible.
Lesson flow: Day 1: Study test objects → sketch sorting sequence → build
Day 2: Run standardized test set → diagnose failures → redesign → final accuracy test
Safety and cleanup: Marbles counted in/out; keep off floor; teacher handles cutting/hot glue.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-ROKPv6xPrWZmZWfFLJ1uQatONpGUZtOxDXhJq64Jnc/edit