Our Last Tower Activity

We have had a LOT of fun creating towers, working with our peers and doing our best to create tall towers with the materials we are given.  In this case, the goal was to build a tall tower with mini marshmallows and toothpicks.  Using the skills we have learned from our previous activities, they worked SO well together.  Groups were formed randomly and kids were able to write their own ideas before meeting as a group.  They then met as a group to discuss their ideas and form a plan.  They had 27 minutes to build the tallest tower possible.  Of course, as with the other activities, this was no simple task.  In the end, we didn’t measure the towers, as it was far more important how well they worked with one another and the things they learned throughout the process.  Some groups doubled up on toothpicks, making their structures stronger.  Other groups concentrated on making the base of the structure wide and strong.  One group had a “back up” plan, “You know, just in case this one doesn’t work.”  EVERY SINGLE KID participated and helped their team.  Our class is full of builders.  They LOVE being able to manipulate and create structures from the materials I provide.  It’s fun to watch their faces as they create.  They recall things that both worked and didn’t work from our previous STEM activities and there is a LOT more discussion within the groups about WHY an idea will work.  They are becoming able to give EVIDENCE of why they think an idea will work.  Ask them to tell you the difference between our STEM activities…what stuck with them?