Embedded Files
Sticky situations: Marshmallow engineering emphasizes the power of critical thinking
Sticky situations: Marshmallow engineering emphasizes the power of critical thinking
Washington School third graders dove into the Great Marshmallow Challenge, transforming their classroom into a hub of discovery and fun! Equipped with just spaghetti, string, tape and a single marshmallow, students raced to engineer the tallest, most stable structures. Along the way, they mastered key skills like communication and teamwork — sharing bright ideas, problem-solving and delegating roles. Each innovative design, whether it soared or toppled, became a lesson in resilience and creativity. This hands-on challenge provided a perfect opportunity to develop critical thinking skills in a fun and supportive classroom environment.
Sound on the move: Students use critical thinking to understand sound travel
Sound on the move: Students use critical thinking to understand sound travel
Students in Mrs. Colucci’s and Mrs. Barone’s science class at Pierrepont School explored the fascinating concept of how sound travels through different mediums. As part of the hands-on investigation, they used balloons to feel sound vibrations moving through the air.
To deepen their understanding, students designed experiments to test how sound waves behave when a balloon is placed closer to or farther from the source, and how different frequencies affect the strength of the vibrations. Some students compared high-pitched sounds versus low-pitched tones, while others examined whether louder sounds created stronger, more noticeable vibrations.
Through this exploration, students not only experienced sound vibrations firsthand but also practiced scientific inquiry by making predictions, testing variables and analyzing their observations. This interactive lesson taught them that sound travels through air in waves and that those waves can be felt when amplified by a medium like a balloon.
Page updated
Report abuse