Spaghetti Noodle Tower Challenge

 We've started our engineering unit in 2nd grade.  We learned that engineers design and build things to solve problems.  They use creative and innovative ideas.  We've also learned that there are many types of engineers.  Some may create new things, some take things apart to see how they work, and others study why things don't work.

Our first task was to make a spaghetti tower using 30 noodles and 30 marshmallows.  The students were placed in groups of 3, and they had three science class periods to work.  The goal was to build the tallest standing structure.  Once the students got their supplies they got right to work with enthusiasm.

Groups soon found that this was more challenging than they anticipated.  Spaghetti noodles are not strong building supplies and marshmallows are gooey.  The groups worked together to design and redesign.  This can definitely lead to frustration, and how the groups handle this frustration can definitely impact their outcome.  On day 2 each group received 20 more noodles and 20 more marshmallows to help build on or fix up the tower.

Each group received 10 more noodles and 10 more marshmallows on the third day.  These extra supplies were a welcome addition because many groups found that their snapped noodles were no longer helpful to their ideas moving forward.  Each group pulled together and used excellent team work!  They listened to each other's ideas and were patient throughout the process.  We measured the towers on the third day.  Each group ended with a standing structure.  This is a fun project with so many great lessons!

A Scientific Method Activity: Growing Gummy Bears

 The students were so excited to get started with science now that it is 3rd quarter!  We kicked off science with learning about the scientific method.  We learned that scientists often start with a question, make a hypothesis, carry out an experiment, and analyze the results. 

Our question was: How can we make gummy bears grow?  The students made a hypothesis given 5 options.  We soaked the gummy bears in plain water, sugar water, vinegar water, and lemon water.  There was also the option that the type of water wouldn't make a difference.  The class was pretty split across the board on their predictions.  

We measured and weighed the gummy bears before and after soaking over night.  Our result was that the vinegar water grew the gummy bear the most!  The class discussed other liquids they might try if they were to do this experiment on their own.  They brainstormed ideas of 4 different sodas or 4 different juices for example.