Students learned about how computers send data. We employed catapults to simulate the sending of “data packets.” Upon all “data packets” being successfully delivered to their designated destination (a tray), the students proceeded to decipher the messages and arrange them in the correct chronological order. 

Students learned how engineering is part of green roof design. Students worked in groups and created their own green roof. A Styrofoam tray represented the rooftop, shredded paper represented soil/grass, and cotton balls represented plants. The students used a spray bottle to test how well their design absorbed water compared to a Styrofoam tray that had no green roof features.

Students learned how engineering is part of building dams. Students worked in groups and built their own dam using Playdoh, popsicle sticks, and a sponge. The students took turns testing the structural integrity of their design by pouring water on one side of the dam.

Students worked in groups and created their own future city. They had to include the following in their future city: a tower, dam, road system, playground, green roof, and sewer system. Each city was tested to see if it could withstand an earthquake and a tornado.