As part of our learning around Applied Design Skills and Technology (ADST), the students of division 5 were given a S.T.E.M (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) challenge. The challenge was to work as a group and to build the tallest, free standing structure using the time and materials given. Students were given 30 minutes, a bag of mini marshmallows and toothpicks to create their structures. The groups started with a brainstorm and design where they came up with a plan. Some great questions and discussions resulted from the brainstorm. Once groups had their plans, they set off to build. Many groups quickly realized that their initial idea was not going to work and had to make changes to their plans. Key words such as structure, support, base and teamwork came out of the rich discussions the groups were having as they problem solved to redesign their plan. After 30 minutes, Ms. Rai went around to measure each of the structures. Below are some pictures from the activity. I have also attached a Ted Talk that you might find interesting behind the Marshmallow Challenge. Enjoy!
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