2nd Grade Builds the Mayflower (STEM)
Today, was one of my favorite lessons. It is the week of Thanksgiving so I worked with second graders on the Pilgrims' journey to America. We looked at a map, answered a few questions, and then went on a mission to build a boat. Each class was split up into four groups with the task of Building the Mayflower that would hold one family. The materials came from the Stay Afloat STEM kit from Lakeshore Learning. The kids has a blast!!! Each group thought that their design was going to be sufficient, but only one group from each class was able to accomplish the challenge. Each group designed a boat that would float (YAY-Part of the challenge), but only one group's design was able to carry the family. This made for great conversation about balance, weighing, buoyancy, and more.
Here is the winning design from one class..
Here is the winning design from one class..
What you can't see in this picture is that there is a foam piece making it buoyant and a row of logs underneath to make it stable. The bands hold it all in place. I had many groups who didn't have the bands tight enough or had their boat unbalanced. It was definitely a lesson for the books, and I am excited about incorporating more design challenges in the library. Look at how excited these kids were. :)