Champions Build Mini Elevators!

Today students engineered a one-foot tall elevator that could pull up to five small weights (washers). First we participated in a V.T.S. activity looking at various pulley systems.
Next we went over some key vocabulary such as "lift", "pulley system", "counter weight" and "cable".  We also watched a short video clip of the science behind the elevator:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2duEzrOS6M

Then the students were presented with the following design challenge:

• Your engineering challenge today is to build a one-foot tall Lego structure that has a pulley system that can elevate five small washer weights. Materials to use are a bag of Lego's, two feet of string, a paper clip and a ruler.

Students talked about their design ideas and did a short amount of research on their net-books before building. 

Then it was time to build, test and modify to reach "Success!"!

Most students were able to engineer a solid structure that could pull up the goal of five small weights. Our last step was writing a reflection of what they engineered, how it performed, and what they learned from this activity. 

Well done Champions!

Champions Build Mini Hang Gliders

Today students engineered a mini hang glider using a note card, paper clip, tape and a Lego Figure. The challenge was to build a hang glider and see if it could "glide" at least four feet.

This challenge required students to test, modify and re-test. First we did a VTS activity looking at different hang glider designs. Next, students were given their set of materials and began building.

When they felt they were ready to test, they went outside and let their creations glide.
Many students needed to come back in class and modify, then retest.

Students did a great job!
After building, testing and modifying, students wrote a reflection of what they accomplished and learned today about hang gliders and gliding! The class record was 22 feet!
Well done Champions!

Champions Build Lego Bridges

Today student used the principals of building bridges from past challenges, but this time using Legos!The challenge was to build a Lego bridge that was at least five inches high and 8 or more inches wide. After they built their bridge, they applied 6 oz. washers on the bridge. All students were able to hold five or more washers. The class high score was ten washers! The last step was to write a reflection of what they engineered, learned and what they would do next time to make it even more stable!

Well done Champions!