Over the next few months, the students will be working in groups on some "engineering projects". You may be thinking, "Engineering with young children? They can barely tie their shoes!" However, young children are natural builders. They take things apart, put them together, and they are curious and enjoy investigating things on their own. Simple engineering projects are perfect and tailor-made for inquiry-based learning. It is also an ideal way to teach science to young children. It's hands-on learning at its best!
We will be learning about the engineering process through simple activities. The students will investigate, brainstorm, plan, build, test and present their projects in groups. While it may be messy, it is sure to be fun.
We will be looking at boats (particularly sailboats) over the next few weeks as we investigate what materials float and sink, features and shapes of boats, and how different materials act in the wind. After spring break, the students will work on designing and building their own sailboat in small groups. Afterwards, we will be testing our boats at the water centre.
To help your child, you can search for images of boats on the internet, read books about boats and point out different features of sailboats.
I will be assembling materials to help the students and ask for parents to contribute.
Materials
Foam trays (meat trays that are washed are great!)
aluminum foil
waxed paper
sheets of felt
paper lunch bags
tissue paper (used is fine!)
coffee stirrers
craft sticks
paper plates
paper/plastic drink cups
plastic shopping bags
wine corks
photos of sailboats
Thanks!! Mrs Zulpo
