4th Grade Engineering

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 THURSDAY 4/2, WE WILL HAVE A TOTALLY OPTIONAL WEEKLY 4TH GRADE ENGINEERING ZOOM AT 10AM. This will be like office hours - a time to share questions and work, and get some extra support.

4A Group is invited to Zoom with me between 10-10:30am. Click here to join: https://zoom.us/j/106857105

4B Group is invited to Zoom with me between 10:30-11am. Click here to join: https://zoom.us/j/106857105

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.

Part 1: Go to PBS Design Squad Stuff Spinner Webpage

Part 2: Choose up to 3 materials you have at home.

In my example, I choose paper clips, cardboard, and paper cups. You can choose any of the materials options as long as you have access to them at home.

Part 3: Click on "Spin" button.

Part 4: Choose one of the provided projects and do it!

In my example, I am going to choose "Robo Arm".

Part 5: Watch the project video at the top of the project you chose.

In my example, I choose "Robo Arm".

Part 6: Download the Instructions, or refer to this page as build.

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 4th Grade Engineering Office Hours Zoom next Thursday 4/2 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.

K-4 Engineering Challenge Showcase

Showcase for Challenge #1: Mascots!

I am so excited and proud to celebrate all the work that you have been doing at home with your families. Take a look at the slideshow below for challenge #1 - Mascots!

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.

Bioblitz Guide.pdf

Backyard Wilderness Family Activity Guide.pdf

Seek by iNaturalist App Overview.pdf

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