Give Them a Hand!

Before I begin, I wanted to let you know that I have a Donors Choose project posted in order to supply our budding makerspace with some more high tech components like LEDs and small motors. Any support would be greatly appreciated. If you give before Tuesday September 13 and use the code LIFTOFF, Donors Choose will match your donation. Click here to go to the project page. Thank you.

Now, on with the post!

As we got into our regular ancillary rotation schedule the second week, I formally introduced the students to the long-term goals that I have set for them in the STEM lab this year. The goals vary by grade level, but basically they are: use creative thinking to construct digital products, work with a team to solve problems and promote learning, follow a deliberate design process to create products, and use algorithmic thinking to create solutions.

I asked the students to think about these goals as well as goals they had for themselves that were not directly related to those I had set, and to discuss with their table groups. Then, 3rd-5th graders, went to the computers and each completed a Google Form indicating which of the goals they felt would be most challenging for them and a personal learning target or interest. I intend to have students revisit these responses throughout the year to reflect on the the progress they have made. In sifting through their responses, I noted that many felt the design process goal was going to be the toughest. I had expected that as it was not something that I feel like I gave enough time to last year. It is why I have planned this year the way that I did.

So what are the 4th and 5th graders doing this rotation? They have their first design challenge of the year! They must build a mechanism that can pick up, move, and set down a variety of objects from a distance of at least 2 feet. They were provided with a selection of materials and a design process record sheet to aid in their planning. They worked in self selected teams of two.


However, before setting the challenge, I led the classes through building several models with moving parts. First, they constructed a simple scissor mechanism using old card stock and brass fasteners. Next, they built a two fingered device with paper that opened and closed using a central pull. Finally, they built a model human hand with individually controlled fingers. Each finger had short lengths of straw through which they threaded a string that they affixed to the tip of the finger. Pulling the string away from the fingers causes the finger to bend. We discussed how this system was very much like the one found in their actual hand.

The recording sheet that I provided each team asked them to think about the task, to brainstorm ideas, and to plan their first prototype. The brainstorming actually proved to be the most difficult because several teams were so enamored of their first idea that they had trouble generating more. To get them thinking, I asked what they would do if their first idea didn't pan out. They all said something to the effect of "we'll need another idea". Exactly, which is why you need to come up with as many ideas as possible now so you have more ideas ready to go.

Another goal I have this year for myself and the students is to reduce the amount of trash generated in the lab as much as possible. I gave the teams a list of materials they could use for the challenge, but stressed that they would probably not need all of them. The teams were required to create a list of materials to create their design before being allowed to start building. This got them thinking about the materials and in the end reduced the number of false starts with the construction process. That is not to say that each team had smooth sailing. Several found that the materials they chose were not suited to the task in the way they imagined. However, instead of giving up and starting over, the teams looked for solutions the problem their selected materials presented.

I was deeply impressed by the wide variety of solutions the different teams engineered. Not every group succeeded fully, but no one gave up. Even the teams that did mange to move all of the objects went right back to their tables and began the process of improving their devices.

Teams completed their recording forms, and then each student completed a Google Form reflecting on their work. I received a number of thoughtful responses lamenting the slippery nature of golf balls, the difficulties of working with a partner, and suggestions for reinforcing cardboard so it is not so "bendy". A new rotation starts Monday, and I am excited to see what the next set of classes creates!