Engineering Ramps

Young students benefit from learning engineering skills because it allows students to critically think about the process to build something. The question posed was "Can you build a ramp to move objects from the top to the bottom?" Students used the design process of building, improving, and revising.  

A very intricate designed ramp.

Simple ramp

Tall ramp 

"What if I put my hand in front of the object?"

It is amazing how many different ramp designs can get the same result!

Paper Cities

The culminating project for science this year was to design a paper city using engineering knowledge. These paper cities were inspired by artist Maciek Janicki.

Roads for Hexbugs

During mentoring this week, the Electricianeers helped guide the Ladybugs to build a road with a bridge for a Hexbug. Hexbugs were designed to give children a positive experience with robotics along with having bug like attributes that make them life-like. 

These bugs have a mind of their own, so students worked to create barriers on their roads to keep the Hexbugs under control.

This is a version of a Hexbug.

Designing the road

Which blocks should we use next?

Sisters working together to build their road

Designing a small road

Let's see if our bridge works!

"Ours needs a ramp!"

"I know. Let's build the biggest road!"

Build a bench: Final Product!

The benches have been painted and sealed...

Now it is time to put the boards together!

The Final Product:

Painting the Benches

Our class auction project is coming along! The theme is Harry Potter creatures. 

We are painting:

Fluffy-the three headed dog

Niffler-a creature with a long snout

Phoenix-large swan sized scarlet bird

Basilisk-giant serpent

Painting Fluffy

Painting Fluffy and the Phoenix

Painting Niffler

Build a bench: Part 1

Let's put our students to work! 

Our class auction project is to design two benches. The first part was to prepare the lumber for painting.

This project focuses on teamwork, cooperation, and communication skills. 

Students moving the lumber outside.

More lumber moving!

It takes teamwork to move a table which will act like saw horses.

Measuring the lumber to cut the boards in half. Students learned that each board was
2 in by 4 in by 8 ft. So to cut it in half we would have to cut on the 4 ft mark.

Pulling out the staples and labels on the boards.

Cutting the boards was a new experience for most of our class! It was great to see them try a new skill.

New experiences are important to encourage further explorations.