Lesson: Shaping

30 minutes

Standards:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.3: Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.3: Follow precisely a complex multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks, attending to special cases or exceptions defined in the text.

Learning Objectives:

1) Students will follow instructions to successfully complete a project.
2) Students will learn how to use tools to create a tangible product.
3) Students will understand how a skateboard is assembled and works.

Lesson Outcome:

Students will shape their Nanodeks and assemble them with trucks and wheels.

Materials:

  • Nanodek Kit
  • Scissors

Lesson:

1) Safety:

When using scissors, make sure your fingers are always out of the way, and never try to force the scissors to cut. If there are any difficulties cutting, an adult may need to help, or the scissors may need to be resharpened or replaced with a stronger pair.

2) Shaping (15 minutes)

The Nanodek kit contains instructions for shaping your Nanodek – carefully follow the instructions to complete the board.


a) Scissors are used to coarsely shape your Nanodek. The more carefully you cut, the easier it will be to finish your Nanodek.

b) Sandpaper is used to smooth the edges on your Nanodek. Take your time and don’t rush – this is a slower process that finely shapes your Nanodek.

c) You can use the big screw in your kit and the Nano tool to make the holes bigger in case any glue dried in them or if there was any misalignment. (If the screws fit through the holes fine, you don’t need to do this.)

6) Assembly (15 minutes)

Once the Nanodek is fully shaped, you can assemble it according to the diagrams.

a) Trucks: These are what allow the board to turn and hold the wheels. The trucks have bushings, which are soft. When the truck is tilted in one direction, it also slightly pivots in that direction, causing the board to turn – the bushing controls the amount of turning. The tighter the trucks are, the less they will turn.

b) Wheels: The wheels allow the skateboard to roll. Inside the wheels are bearings, which reduce the friction of the wheels as they spin, alloy the wheels to roll faster and longer.

c) Screws and nuts: These are the fasteners that secure all the parts. They are not permanent, so you can switch out parts whenever you’d like with your Nano tool.

Comprehension Demonstration Questions:

1) How do you safely use scissors?

Answer: Don’t try to force them to cut, keep your fingers out of the way, and ask for help if needed.

2) What can you use to smooth out rough edges on your Nanodek?

Answer: Sandpaper.

3) How do you control how much your Nanodek turns?

Answer: tighten the trucks to make it turn less, or loosen the trucks to make it turn more, by adjusting the nut on the bushing.