Today we presented our scientists with
another STEAM (Science Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) challenge
about erosion and weathering. The students worked in teams to build a
design to slow or prevent wind and rain from changing the shape of sand
dunes. We created replicas of a beach with sand dunes in plastic trays.
Each team then scoured the playground for materials for a design to
protect their dunes, keeping in mind the beauty of the beach and its
surroundings. We also supplied each team with some clay and craft
sticks. Every design then faced the elements- wind (some natural, some
from a blow drier) and rain and waves from a watering can. As you can
imagine, there was a great deal of excitement.
The
engineering design process invites the students to describe the
challenge, explore materials available, create a solution, test the
solution, and finally to think of ways to improve their design. We have
asked the students to consider how they might improve their design and
take on the challenge one last time tomorrow.
They may run their ideas by you and ask for some support gathering
other materials for the new design. A CONVERSATION ABOUT THE CHALLENGE
IS ENOUGH! PLEASE DON'T STRESS ABOUT GATHERING MATERIALS TONIGHT! Materials should be simple and reasonable if the students choose to bring them to school.
Thanks for your interest and support.
Miriam
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