September 26, 2008

By: James I. from St Paul, MN
Comments: 4

Thanks for all the ideas. As much as possible it would be good to explain our challenges in detail so that they are easier to use.

Posted By: James Iliff
On: 9/20/2008 10:32:04 AM

I think it would be worthwhile for us to collect/assemble a host of 'instant challenge' type problems (like the dots and toothpick problem). This resource could provide us all with a year's worth of challenging, team building problems that could be sprinkled throughout our curriculum. First entry, Ball Rescue Materials: 1- 4-5" dia. by 4' long pvc pipe with a pvc cap fitted in its bottom. 1-golf ball sized foam ball Lots of random materials (vcr tapes, straws, toothpick, notecards, clothespins, ect) No sticks and a very limited amount of tape (to be dispensed by the teacher) Procedure: The pvc pipe is erected in a secure manner. The students are shown the ball and allowed to hold and examine it. It is explained that the ball will be dropped down the pipe and they must retrieve it. The trick is that they must not touch the pipe in any way (and the pipe must not be tilted in any way). They may use any of the materials provided and any materials in the room (upon teacher approval). The students work in teams to design ways to get the ball out of the tube. My college prof gave my class this challenge. It was fun, we tried a bunch of ideas. He walked in the next day, grabbed a few buckets of water, filled the tube and the ball floated to the top.

Posted By: Juliana James
On: 9/21/2008 11:14:38 AM

I think that sounds like a great idea. This adds to the critical thinking power of our students brains and I am all for it! I did the toothpick and dots design game with my students but they all sort of did the same design. I think we need many more opportunities for students to expand their thinking and I thank you for your idea, I'll try it.

Posted By: Thelma Kastl
On: 9/23/2008 5:21:09 PM

What a great project idea! I love the idea of sharing small design challenges. Have you tried this one: Design a functional chair using only recycled newspaper, masking tape and glue. The teacher will have to make up the guidelines. I required the chair to have a functional back as well as the seat being at such a height that their legs would remain vertical while sitting. I also rewarded teams for using the least amount of materials possible. I also allowed them to use paperclips and rubberbands to hold parts together until the glue dried. I "checked" these materials out to teams and then recollected them at the end of the project- it is ensures paperclips aren't reinforcing the chair features. I also limited the amount of tape available to each team. (I had a team of two who designed one so well they are still using it- they are in college now and were juniors when we did this project.) To grade the project: look at design, form, aesthetics, function, did it meet criteria, does it hold up under the "teacher test?" (Teacher test- teacher sits in chair. Does it hold up? Is it comfortable?) I hope more folks will add to this strand... I can always use a new idea!

Posted By: Stephen Sutton
On: 9/25/2008 3:12:16 PM

One I use is to take foam track from the science FOSS kit Motion and a marble and have the students build a "roller coaster" that will get the marble across the room and into a cup turned on it's side.

Posted By: James Iliff
On: 9/26/2008 9:53:32 AM

Thanks for all the ideas. As much as possible it would be good to explain our challenges in detail so that they are easier to use.