I was invited to help (and photograph) Mrs. Chewning's Fourth Grade as they worked in teams to solve engineering puzzles. Each problem was tailored to a family traveling west in the 19th century. One group had to build a raft that would support an apple, another had to make a train out of toilet paper tubes, another a log cabin from construction paper, others had to construct a cup and ball game, another group worked on a barrel. Each had specific dimensions and materials and could not deviate. It was interesting watching the group dynamics as they worked cooperatively to solve their problems. The work continued later in the day, but my schedule would not permit me to return to see the finished products. I think the most important aspect of this challenge for the participants was figuring out the solution to a problem, including how to deal with frustration and failure. Achieving success here beats any raft or barrel you could devise.
Fascinating. I showed my husband this collage and the other picture which I looked at first about the soil and told him about your schools teaching method. he agreed upon how advanced your ideas are and just by looking at the children, we see they enjoy this teaching method.
