Stack'em Up: An Introduction to Engineering

In today's teamwork challenge, students were introduced to engineering by working in teams of 3-4 to solve a problem WITHOUT talking. Each group created a tool using string and a rubber band that was used to stack a group of cups into a pyramid. 

Team members must work cooperatively to: 

• Pull their strings to expand the rubber band 

• Lower the rubber band around a cup 

• Release the string so that the rubber band grabs the cup 

• Pick up the cup to stack it

Through some frustration, hard work, and dedication the challenge can be completed!

This was the group to complete the challenge first. Way to go!


In the end, students learned that teamwork makes tasks easier when you all pull together, it increases perseverance, and builds cooperation along with communication skills.

What an great way to start the new year!

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!

Artifact Building

Our class has been exploring ancient cultures and to understand them fully we have been learning about the cultural universals in each society. This includes food, clothing, shelter, religion, government, economics, etc. 

Along with learning about the cultures, students have been learning about artifacts from the time periods.

Each student was asked to draw an artifact and write a description telling why it was an artifact. Mrs. Maitlen and I noticed that most were on the right track, but we needed to revisit the definition of artifact to make sure each student understood what they were to create. 

What is an artifact? 

An artifact is an object made by a human being, typically an item of cultural or historical interest.

After drawing their artifacts, students were given the task to create a 3-D model to share as a museum exhibit. 

Here are some creating pictures:

"Creativity is intelligence having FUN!"

-Albert Einstein

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:

Paper Glider Challenge

Students learned about new technologies and inventions during the Westward Expansion time period which ties to our overarching concepts of transitions. In 1852, Mechanics' Magazine had an article about Sir George Cayley's glider which led to a discussion about him and his flying machines.

Sir George Cayley, 6th Baronet was an English engineer and is possibly one of the most important people in the history of aeronautics. Many consider him to be the first scientific aerial investigator to understand the underlying principles and forces of flight. 

The intermediate classes were given a challenge to construct a paper glider that was capable of carrying a toy soldier that flew the farthest without the toy soldier falling out. The glider should have a set of wings and a tail.

Materials:

-- Computer Paper or Construction Paper

--Glue, Tape, and/or Staples

--Scissors (if needed)

--Toy Soldier (black wooden domino)

There were many different designs!

Testing how well the paper gliders flew

The intermediate classes with their paper gliders!