Fourth graders built catapults that had to launch a projectile at least 12 inches for another Engineering Design Process activity:

Fifth graders played Ouisi, where they focused on their executive functioning skills to sort images:

As part of the Desert Island Challenge, 4th grade students worked cooperatively using the steps of the Engineering Design Process to build a hut that could withstand wind:

Fourth graders worked together to build a container that could float and keep out water as part of the Desert Island Challenge:  

Fifth graders timed each other solving a maze repeatedly in order to study neuroplasticity and how our brains make connections when practicing a new skill:

Fifth graders further studied brain growth by analyzing and counting the dendrites of rat cells from an experiement where rats were put into different environments (more or fewer rats, toys or no toys, small or large cage):

5th Graders worked cooperatively to solve a unique type of puzzle - the straight edges were on the INSIDE of the puzzle!

Fourth graders started the year with a teamwork challenge - they had to work in teams to select items they would take to a deserted island and then work through challenges such as  choosing a camping location, what tasks to do right away, and how to search for help.

Fourth graders learned about the steps of the Engineering Design Process:

Fourth graders practiced their understanding of the Engineering Design Process by working cooperatively to build a hut in the desert island challenge:

Fifth graders studied the characteristics of successful people through a gallery walk where they had to identify successful traits and the obstacles that people had to overcome.  Then they created hexagon webs of traits of successful people and arranged them to demonstrate meaningful connections.