Fourth Grade Animated GIFs

Building Bridges

All three grade levels participated in a fun, building activity leading back into school after winter break. Students had to build the widest bridge possible with the widest gap possible using Keva Planks. Some students wanted to have fun building a bridge but didn't participate in the challenge. Either way, they had a great time designing and collaborating with their partners.  The greatest gap built was 27.5 inches by William, Sofia, and Elizabeth in fourth grade. 

A Bench for the Mensch 

What is a mensch? A mensch is a person who can be relied on to act with honor and integrity, but the Yiddish term means more than that: it also suggests someone who is kind and considerate. A mensch acts with self-restraint and humility, always sensitive to the feelings and thoughts of others. The word mensch comes comes from a German word for "human being." 

Students were asked to create a bench for the mensch. They were given 4 pieces of computer paper, and 2 feet of tape. They were not allowed to use scissors but rather had to rip the paper to build the chair. 

Turkey STEAM

The town is hosting an art fair. Can you create a 3D paper turkey to enter in the fair? Your turkey must stand on its own and the turkey feathers must be symmetrical. Also, your turkey must be able to balance on two feet made out of pipe cleaners. Due to shortened periods, you will only 20 minutes to create this challenge. Good luck! Materials: turkey template, 2 pipe cleaners, scissors, tape

Spider Web STEM Activity

Spider webs have influenced the design of many products. Although spider webs are made of silk, they are incredibly strong. This is important because the web needs to be able to hold up when an insect flies into it at full speed. Due to its flexibility and strength researchers continue to look for ways to create similar products for everyday use. 

Your task is to engineer a spider web using only the materials listed below. Your team will have 10 minutes to design your spider web and then 30 minutes to construct your spider web. At the end of the time limit your classmates will vote for the most realistic spider web. Good luck! This was only for students who had media on Halloween. :) Materials: 20 pipe cleaners, 4 yards of yarn, scissors

Pumpkin Stand STEM Activity

It is fall and you are wanting to decorate your home. You bought a small pumpkin and need to engineer a stand to display your pumpkin. Your stand must support the weight of the pumpkin so that it does not touch the ground. The pumpkin must sit 4 inches or higher off the table. All grade levels participated. Great job!
Materials included: 20 straws, 4 feet of tape, 1 small pumpkin, scissors