4th Grade - Trimester #2 Major Project

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Challenge number 2 was inspired by Jaymes Dec's (@jaymesdec). Our idea is just starting out but if you want to see a full fledged, amazing project, check out the Nerdy Derby (@NerdyDerby).

#2
Design challenge:Imagine, plan and make a vehicle that will roll down a ramp and go the farthest distance using only gravity. The vehicle had to be no more then 20cm long, 10 cm wide and have a mass equal or less than 40g. At the final competition, they would record the mass of the vehicle, the distance it traveled and how long it took. They would then analyze the data and compare with other groups to see if any conclusions could be formed.

Materials: 1 piece oaktag, 1 dowel, 4 wheels, masking tape, pennies

Process: Similar to the first challenge, students went through the design process and come up with a few ideas. They then shared those with their partner and collectively, they came up with one plan. 














There was a practice ramp set up so that each change or adjustment could be test their vehicle and continue to fine tune it to get maximum results.




Once initial designs were tested, each group made a final vehicle that would be "officially" tested on the compassion ramp. Because this ramp was a little different from the practice ramp, teams again had to fine tune their vehicle.







Here are some of the final versions:



As you can imagine, these first two projects had the kids "learning" a number of science concepts, and terms that they not only need to know but had to be able to put them into practice. From weighing the vehicles with a triple beam balance to problem solving if more weight or less would make it go farther, these students were learning science by doing science. We even put in a writing piece, as we asked with person to write a reflection on the experience of creating the vehicle. 


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