Every week, I will post a new long challenge (usually 1-3 hours worth of work). Please try to complete the challenge within a week of it being posted.

Challenge #3: Stuff Spinner is due by next Friday, April 3rd. If you have any tricky moments meeting this deadline, do not worry, just reach out!

As a TOTALLY OPTIONAL Engineering Extension, I will also post small Challenges & Videos at the bottom of this page.

Please send in photos and videos of student work in progress to aradeva@mttam.org if you would like feedback or post them directly into the Padlet for that Challenge.

STARTING TUESDAY 3/31, WE WILL HAVE A TOTALLY OPTIONAL WEEKLY 3RD GRADE ENGINEERING ZOOM. This will be like office hours - a time to share questions and work, and to get extra support.

3A Group is invited to Zoom with me between 10-10:30am every Tuesday. Click here: https://zoom.us/j/905571272

3B Group is invited to Zoom with me between 10:30-11am every Tuesday. Click here: https://zoom.us/j/905571272

How to Use Padlet

Padlets are like virtual bulletin boards. We will use Padlet to share out student work in the coming weeks. You can upload photos, videos, and blurbs about your engineering projects. Each engineering project will have its own padlet, and many of your other classes will have their own padlets.

To add to a padlet:

1. Click on the link for that specific project OR Click on the little "POP OUT" window on the upper right of the padlet image for that project

2. Once padlet opens, click on the PINK PLUS sign in the lower right hand corner and add your comment. Please put your NAME as the title so we can see who is posting. You can add photos/video links and more.

3. Read other people's posts and add comments if you want!

Challenge #3: Stuff Spinner!

Assigned 3/26 and due by Friday, 4/3

Challenge: Virtually "spin" the PBS Design Squad "Stuff Spinner" and then choose one design challenge to complete by next Friday, April 3rd. Based on the supplies you have at home, you might have a very different creation than your friends, and that's ok!

Take a look at the step by step photo directions below to see how to use the "Stuff Spinner".

Post student work (materials lists, blueprints, photos of completed projects) on the 3-4 Stuff Spinner Padlet.

Have fun building, reach out to me with questions! DON'T FORGET TO POST ON THE 3-4 STUFF SPINNER PADLET AS YOU GO :)

We will also have a 3rd Grade Engineering Office Hours Zoom next Tuesday 3/31 at 10am to check in and share our progress!

Previous Challenges - you are welcome to go back and keep working on these!

Challenge #2 Details: Paper Planes!

Assigned 3/18 and due by 3/27

Challenge: Design a paper airplane that flies far and stays in the air for a long time. Build at least 5 different airplane designs and test each one before deciding on your final prototype.

Lots of information, readings, blueprint documents, and examples of Paper Airplanes can be found in this Google Drive Folder. You can download them and use them to guide your experience!

Post student work (blueprints, airplane photos, videos) on the 3-4 Paper Planes Padlet.

Optional Extension Videos/Activities

Outdoor Exploration:

If you feel safe exploring outdoors with your child (social isolation in nature?!), explore the resources below to guide your nature exploration. I encourage you to download the app Seek by iNaturalist (developed by Cal Academy) and to use the Family Nature Guide below to structure your exploration. As always, photos of student work and exploration are welcome - send to aradeva@mttam.org.