We are Engineers!

tower1Room 30 has been exercising our minds by engaging in some engineering projects. The first challenge was to create a sturdy paper tower that could survive Hurricane Vazquez (teacher huffs and puffs and tries to blow it down). Students were given 4 pieces of newspaper and 12 inches of masking tape.  They were to go through “The Engineering Process” and construct a sturdy tower. It was quite a learning experience for most of us. There was a lot of reflecting and improving! As Michael Jordan says, “I can accept failure, I just can’t

accept not trying.”

Ask: Define the problem

Ask: Define the problem

Imagine: Brainstorm possible solutions

Imagine: Brainstorm possible solutions

Plan: Draw a diagram

Plan: Draw a diagram

Create: Follow your plan and test it!

Create: Follow your plan and test it!

Improve: Modify your design and make it better!

Improve: Modify your design and make it better!

Has your class tried something like this? Do you have any ideas or challenges for us? We’d love to try something new! Please comment below.

9 thoughts on “We are Engineers!

  1. What a great post! I love seeing the pictures describing the engineering process. You and your classes always inspire me! 🙂

    • Olive,
      We had a lot of fun with this project. The trick was that the students only had 12 inches of tape. Once the tape was gone, they didn’t get anymore. There was a reflection time when students had an opportunity to start all over with a new plan or continue with the same plan. If they chose to start over, they received new materials but they had to start from scratch and follow the new plan.

      Mrs. Vazquez

  2. Hi, Mrs. Vazquez. This post about trying harder in science was very wonderful to read. The limited tape supply reminds me of how my former science teacher used to dish out supplies to groups in a very specific manner. Michael Jordan’s quote, ““I can accept failure, I just can’t accept not trying,” was very refreshing as well.

    -CM
    cougarnewsblog.com

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