Learning About Engineering

 Our next science unit teaches students about what engineers do.  We've learned that engineers ultimately solve problems.  They may start out by sketching out their ideas, build their ideas, test their ideas, and make changes to their ideas.  There are many types of engineers, and this week the 2nd graders got to try their hand at engineering by building towers with materials that are not really made for building! The class was given  the challenge to build the tallest tower using 30 spaghetti noodles and 30 marshmallows.

They began by individually sketching out their ideas.  Once they were placed in their small group, they compared their ideas and discussed what they thought would work and not work. 

Once they got their supplies they got to work!  The students quickly realize just how challenging this project is.  Spaghetti noodles easily snap and marshmallows are gooey.  A lot of problem solving is needed! Another key to this project is great teamwork and maintaining positive communication with their group members.

After 2 work sessions we brainstormed as a class what was working and not working.  Groups offered that a strong base needed to be built before you could build up.  Groups that were doubling up noodles and creating a wide base were having greater success in building up than groups with narrow, wobbly bases.  This helped everyone move forward as each group was told they would be receiving 30 more noodles and 30 more marshmallows.  Lots of cheering followed that announcement!  Now groups were given the chance to act on their problem solving ideas!  

Our final step is to measure each tower to see which group built the largest tower.  No matter which tower is the tallest, all the groups worked hard and supported each other along the way!