Teacher Case Study: Kimberly Corallo

Gifted Instructional Assistant Kimberly Corallo used the Martian Base Designer performance task.

A Defined STEM Learning Experience From:
Kimberly Corallo
Gifted Instructional Assistant
Dysart Unified School District (AZ)

Performance Task: 
Martian Base Designer 

Here’s What We Did:
To set the stage I told my students to pretend they were planning a trip to Mars with 10 people; what did they need, how would they get there, and how do you get oxygen? They researched current space shuttles and how NASA works. On a piece of paper students had to design their space shuttle, which forced them to think about what materials would work and what would not. For example, a wooden shuttle wasn’t the best option. Using Minecraft, students designed their 3D base and created a model out of foam.  They also had to make a list of what they would need versus what they wanted to bring (ex. Food, clothes, entertainment, toiletries). 

Why Defined STEM Was the Perfect Fit:
My students love the Defined STEM performance tasks. They use skills to complete cross-curricular projects that are both educational and fun. It allows them to think outside the box and explore new topics they may have never thought of. The resources provided by Defined STEM allow the students set the stage for the entire project while making room for individual student creativity.