Critter Rescue Teacher Guide PreK–2nd Grade STEM Challenge
Critter Rescue Teacher Guide
Strict 27-Minute Pacing
Real-World Engineering Problem
Human roadways, flooded ravines, and construction zones cut off natural wildlife paths. Civil engineers design real-world wildlife crossings and rescue transport systems so animals can reach food and safety without danger. Students engineer a safe critter transport carrier under tight constraints!
27-Minute Rapid Pacing Clock
Strict timeboxing keeps young engineers focused
0–3 Min
1. Mission Hook
Show trapped critter; state safety rules & criteria.
3–7 Min
2. Ask & Plan
Inspect materials; sketch carrier blueprint in pairs.
7–19 Min
3. Build & Test
12 min build window! Test on danger gap, iterate fast.
19–23 Min
4. Mission Debrief
Pair-share 1 win & 1 redesign fix; celebrate persistence.
23–27 Min
5. Tidy Blitz
4-min sorted bin return. Earn Rescue Engineer badge!
Team Supply Kit (Pairs / Trios)
1 Small Toy Critter (mini plastic animal, bear counter, or pom-pom)1 Small Paper/Dixie Cup (carrier pod base)4 Jumbo Craft Sticks (supports, tracks, or skids)2 Chenille Stems / Pipe Cleaners (harnesses, handles, hooks)1 Index Card (3×5") (canopy, seatbelt, or ramp)12 Inches Masking Tape (pre-torn on desk edge)
Optional Tech Integration
Have robots in your classroom? Turn them into the Rescue Tow Vehicle without changing the build constraints!
Indi / Critters: Students code tiles to drive the carrier across the safe zone.
Sphero Mini: Build a sled or chariot for Sphero to roll and push smoothly.
Code-a-pillar: Snap directional segments to pull the tethered rescue basket.
Golden Rule for K–2: Keep testing early! Do not wait until minute 18 to do the first drop test.
Page 1 of 2
Differentiated Engineering Tiers
Grade-by-Grade Progression & Facilitation
PreK → 2nd Grade
1 Pre-K Mission: The Gentle Slide & Nest
6-inch gap / Soft surface
Goal: Build a carrier cup that keeps the critter from falling out when pushed across a flat table or gently down a 6-inch ramp. Key Focus: Fit the critter snugly inside; understand "contained vs. falling".
2 Kindergarten Mission: Bridge Crossing Carrier
10-inch canyon / Span
Goal: Design a carrier with side walls or a handle that can be pulled or pushed across a 10-inch gap (between two books) without tipping over. Key Focus: Balance, center of gravity, and guardrails.
3 1st Grade Mission: Suspended Cable Zipline
18-inch yarn line / Gravity glide
Goal: Add a hook or loop (pipe cleaner/paperclip) so the carrier slides down a taut yarn line without flipping upside down. Key Focus: Friction reduction, secure harness attachment, and upright balance.
4 2nd Grade Mission: Cargo Pod with Safety Latch & Tow
24-inch course / 100% enclosed
Goal: Build an enclosed rescue capsule with a working latch or gate plus a towing hitch (for string or Sphero/Indi). Must survive a sudden stop! Key Focus: Engineering constraints, mechanical closures, momentum transfer.
Teacher Probing Questions (Build Phase)
When the critter slips out: "What part of your carrier was supposed to hold it? How could we add a safety belt or taller wall?"
When it flips or tilts: "Where is the heaviest part sitting? What happens if you lower the animal toward the bottom?"
When partners disagree: "Engineers test both ideas! Let’s test partner A's hook for 30 seconds, then partner B's idea."
When finished early: "Can your carrier carry TWO critters safely? Or travel 2× faster without shaking the passenger?"
The 4-Minute "Parts Return Depot" Clean-Up Protocol
Minutes 23:00 – 27:00
Keep the 27-minute promise by assigning 4 clear jobs before ringing the timer:
1. Critter Safe Return animals to the sanctuary bin.
2. Untangle Straighten pipe cleaners; collect sticks.
3. Scraps Bin Torn tape into trash; paper into recycle.
4. Badge Check Sit quietly with student blueprint signed.
Critter Rescue STEM Challenge • NGSS Alignment: K-2-ETS1-1, K-2-ETS1-2, K-2-ETS1-3 Page 2 of 2
Critter Rescue Slides STEM MISSION ACTIVE
27-Minute Challenge
CRITTER RESCUE
ENGINEERING MISSION
Can your team design and build a safe rescue carrier to save our stranded animal before time runs out?
Pre-K through 2nd Grade Civil & Mechanical Engineers Slide 1 of 6
Real-World Problem
Animals Need Safe Crossings!
Slide 2 of 6
1. Danger Zones
Busy roads, steep ravines, and storm puddles trap animals far away from home and food.
2. Real Engineers
Engineers build wildlife bridges, tunnels, and rescue carts to carry animals across safely!
3. Today's Job
Your team must invent a strong carrier to move your classroom critter without dropping it!
Real engineers test small models first—just like you! CRITTER SAFETY FIRST
Mission Countdown
The 27-Minute Engineering Clock
Slide 3 of 6
3 MIN
Hook
Meet the animal & learn rules
4 MIN
Plan
Sketch your carrier idea
12 MIN
BUILD!
Hands-on build & test drops
4 MIN
Debrief
Show your win & what failed
4 MIN
Tidy
Rapid clean-up challenge
When the chime sounds, hands off materials! Total: 27:00 Minutes
Design Loop
How Engineers Think & Build
Slide 4 of 6
1
ASK
What is the problem? How far must the animal travel?
2
IMAGINE
Sketch your plan before touching tape or sticks!
3
CREATE
Build your carrier using only your team kit items.
4
IMPROVE
Did it tip? Great engineers fail first, then fix it!
Motto: "Mistakes are just data to make our carrier stronger!" Keep Testing!
Mission Levels
Choose Your Grade Challenge
Slide 5 of 6
PK
Pre-K: Gentle Slide
Critter must stay safely in the carrier while sliding across a 6-inch safe ramp.
K
Kindergarten: Bridge Cross
Carrier must cross a 10-inch canyon gap between two tables without tumbling over.
1st
1st Grade: Cable Zipline
Critter Rescue Student Blueprint Junior Engineer Mission Log
Critter Rescue Blueprint
Official Mission Pass
Engineer Name(s)
Our Critter's Name
Grade Level
Pre-K K 1st 2nd
1
Ask & Imagine: Draw Your Rescue Carrier Blueprint
Sketch parts: cup, sticks, safety belt, hook
[ Top / Hook ] [ Carrier Walls ] [ Bottom / Landing Base ]
Draw where critter sits safely Show materials used
2
Engineer Supplies Checklist (Check as you pack)
1 Paper Cup Cabin / basket
4 Craft Sticks Skids / bridge
2 Pipe Cleaners Handle / belt
Tape & Card Roof / fastener
3
Test Flights (Did the critter stay safe?)
Test at minutes 9, 13, and 17!
Test Flight 1 First Try
Safe! (No fall) Tipped or dropped
What we changed:
Test Flight 2 Improved
Safe! (No fall) Tipped or dropped
What we changed:
Final Flight Mission Test
Safe! (No fall) Tipped or dropped
Our biggest win:
Step 4: 4-Minute Tidy Blitz
Animals returned, sticks sorted, table clean! Teacher stamps here when your station is spotless.
[ STAMP ]
Critter Rescue Assessment Checklist Teacher Clipboard Assessment
Critter Rescue Assessment Checklist
NGSS K-2-ETS1 Aligned
Dim 1: Ask
Identifies Problem
States why critter needs a carrier; identifies danger gap & constraints.
Dim 2: Model
Builds Carrier
Uses materials intentionally (cup, sticks, loop) to contain passenger safely.
Dim 3: Iterate
Tests & Modifies
Observes drop/tilt and makes at least 1 deliberate adjustment during 12m build.
Dim 4: Team
Teamwork & Tidy
Shares materials peacefully; completes 4-minute clean-up blitz responsibly.
Live Observation Tracker (Score: 1 = Beginning, 2 = Developing, 3 = Proficient) Class: _____________ Date: ___________
Team / Student Name Grade 1. Problem 2. Model 3. Iterate 4. Clean-Up Observational Notes / Breakthroughs 1. PK / K / 1 / 2 1 • 2 • 3 1 • 2 • 3 1 • 2 • 3 1 • 2 • 3 2. PK / K / 1 / 2 1 • 2 • 3 1 • 2 • 3 1 • 2 • 3 1 • 2 • 3 3. PK / K / 1 / 2 1 • 2 • 3 1 • 2 • 3 1 • 2 • 3 1 • 2 • 3 4. PK / K / 1 / 2 1 • 2 • 3 1 • 2 • 3 1 • 2 • 3 1 • 2 • 3 5. PK / K / 1 / 2 1 • 2 • 3 1 • 2 • 3 1 • 2 • 3 1 • 2 • 3 6. PK / K / 1 / 2 1 • 2 • 3 1 • 2 • 3 1 • 2 • 3 1 • 2 • 3 7. PK / K / 1 / 2 1 • 2 • 3 1 • 2 • 3 1 • 2 • 3 1 • 2 • 3 8. PK / K / 1 / 2 1 • 2 • 3 1 • 2 • 3 1 • 2 • 3 1 • 2 • 3 9. PK / K / 1 / 2 1 • 2 • 3 1 • 2 • 3 1 • 2 • 3 1 • 2 • 3 10.
