We just wrapped up our Engineering Process unit in Science. Mrs. Rau (our school Library Media Aide) introduce the 5th grade to the Maker's Space Cart. Over the course of the week we were able to solve engineering challenges. Some included building a motorcycle, then adding handle bars that would allow the motorcycle to steer.
Other stations challenged us to build a maze for a marble. Teamwork was necessary to accomplish many of these tasks. Many teams took on the challenge, then tried to make the maze even more challenging by creating ramps, ledges, and areas where the marble was not visible.
Students were able to try out electronic building blocks with Little Bits. It was sometimes challenging to figure out something new that many students haven't experienced yet.
One of the most popular station was Snap Circuits. Some students used the direction book that came with the sets, while other teams took the knowledge they already had about this engineering toy to construct their own creation.
Keva planks offered many fun building experiences as well. Some students took on the challenges like looking at 2-D views from the top, side and front of a structure only construct. Other students took on the challenge to build a ledge over the edge of the table. One group was able to extend the Keva planks 7.5 inches over the edge of the table!! And yet other groups built the elaborate structures they saw on the Keva box itself.
Another popular station was Ozobot. This little robot follows a line. Depending on what color the line is, or color combination present on the line, Ozobot will do different things. Sometimes the robot would spin or turn different colors. This was one of the stations that kids couldn't wait to visit.
The students did such a fantastic job with these engineering materials. Mrs. Rau and I are looking for other opportunities for students to experience these tools this year.
