Fall Saturday SAVY, Week 2, Engineering Design: Full STEAM Ahead! (1st-2nd)
It was another great day of engineering at SAVY today. To start off our second day, we reviewed the story about Javier building a bridge and discussed the three different bridge types we learned from the previous Saturday. Students then learned about pushes and pulls and the impact they can have on structures. These pushes and pulls can weaken the strength and stability. We looked at two different structures (models in class), a one-story structure and a tower. Students identified the push and pulls of each. Then students used blocks to test their strength and stability. Students brainstormed different ways to increase the structures’ strength and stability to ensure they would be safe. With added support, the students were able to get 8 blocks on the one-story structure!
Students learned about the fate of the Tacoma Narrow Bridge in Washington state and how the gale winds compromised the structure’s strength and stability. Students also looked at several other structures to identify where the pushes and pulls were. We went on a short walk around Wyatt Center looking for evidence of pushes and pulls, as well as arches and beam supports, and determined if structures were stable and strong. To finish off our day, students redesigned the three little pigs’ homes to make them stronger and more stable against the huffing and puffing of the wolf. Don’t worry–no pigs or wolves were harmed in this redesign. Then they shared their designs with each other and talked about the changes to the structure.
For a family connection– Can you build a structure as a family? What is the tallest and most stable structure you can build using only recycled materials at home? Have your student bring in a picture to share with the class.