It was a spooky sight in the ALPHA classroom at Newbridge Road Elementary School, where fifth graders worked collaboratively on their bone bridges. Teacher Laura Conway put a Halloween twist on an engineering challenge for students in the district’s enrichment program.
Each group was tasked with building the longest bridge they could with the provided materials. Their supplies included a piece of cardboard, pipe cleaners, Q-tips, wooden craft sticks and masking tape.
Ms. Conway said the goal was for them to maximize their resources to get as much length out of each bridge. It couldn’t just lay flat – it had to be supported to rise above the floor or desk. Before building, each group had to come up with a plan. Just as important to the success of the project as their engineering knowledge, she explained, was the ability to work together and listen to each other’s ideas.
In addition to themed units and long-term projects, third through sixth graders in the ALPHA program complete seasonal engineering challenges throughout the year. Students get to work in partnership with peers from other schools in the district while strengthening their critical thinking, communication and problem-solving abilities.
Click here to view the ALPHA Young Engineers Build Bridges of Fright slideshow.
Date Added: 11/4/2024