The third graders got a huge thrill out of trying some pre-algebra in our last math chapter. Their favorite part was our Hands-On Equations game, which makes even complicated equations easy to solve by using pawns as the unknown. What brains!
If you’d like to see promotional videos about how the game works and the thinking behind it, here is the Hands-On Equations website.
Who loves STEAM? We do! This year’s integration of STEAM (Science/Technology/Engineering/Art/Math) into our science curriculum has been a huge hit, and these young engineers are totally energized. Thanks to the Boston Museum of Science, today we kicked off “Go Green: Engineering Recycled Racers” with a teamwork challenge that reviewed our Engineering Design Process. Stay tuned for more STEAMing excitement as the project progresses.
The engineering challenge: Create a tower that would hold a stuffed animal at least 10 inches above the table for at least 10 seconds using only index cards and masking tape. Hmmmm . . . .
Ask, Imagine, Plan . . . .
Overheard during the 20 minute engineering session:
*”Let’s go back to the basics. That didn’t work.”
“It’s beautiful!”
“How about . . . . ?”
“Why is this . . . . ?”
“I have a good idea!”
“How can we make this more sturdy?”
“Will this work better?”
“I’m so glad you’re my partner!”
Create, Improve!
The Tower Showcase! We did it!