STEAM Friday!

Our second STEAM Friday was a success (thanks to Teachers are Terrific)!! The kids worked in groups to build bridges using only toothpicks, marshmallows and one piece of paper.  This was their second attempt building suspension bridges (last week they used straws, paper clips and 2 index cards) so they carried their successes and failures from the previous week to help this week.

The plans:

Building Time:

Cheering on the groups!

Testing the Bridges:

The winner- held over 2 pounds!

The kids love these activities and they're learning problem solving skills as well as group work skills. Here are a few reflections from the students:

Today in STEAM we designed and engineered bridges.  Our first plan when making bridges was to put the marshmallows on the side.  Then we changed our plan by putting the toothpicks with the marshmallows on the bottom.  My favorite part of the challenge was putting the bottom on.  I think STEAM is important because you get to learn and have fun. - Autumn

Today in STEAM we designed and engineered bridges.  Our first plan when making bridges was to poke holes on the tips to make it stay on the bridge holder.  Then we changed our plan by putting more toothpicks on so it can stay on the right part of the bridge holder.  My favorite part of the challenge was to test the bridge on the holder and seeing if it would work.  I think STEAM is important because you can make all sorts of things an practice until you're older, you will know how to do it without directions, it is awesome! - Kiara

I think STEAM is important because you get to have fun with groups by making things and messing up, but it's OK if you mess up because you learn and it's only for fun! - Nevaeh

The final products...you guess the winner :)