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Challenge #14 Building a Trap with Simple Machines
Challenge #14 Building a Trap with Simple Machines
Use simple machines to build a trap for an elf, a stuffed animal, or any creature around your house!
Use simple machines to build a trap for an elf, a stuffed animal, or any creature around your house!
Step 1: Learn about Simple Machines, then make simple machines out of household items.
Step 1: Learn about Simple Machines, then make simple machines out of household items.
"A simple machine is a device that can change the direction or the magnitude of a force, or the point where it is applied. This is done so that the force can be used to do work. All mechanical machines are made by combining simple machines." KidsKonnect.com click on the link to learn more about simple machines.
A lever is a straight, rigid object that pivots around a turning point called a fulcrum. Levers can be made from any rigid object like a ruler, pencil, stick, etc.
A wheel with a rod attached to its center is a wheel and axle. You can find wheels and axles in legos, you can make them using a pencil through a toilet paper roll...how else can you make a wheel and axle?
A pulley uses a rope or string that goes around a wheel to move something up or down. You can simply put string around a wheel and axle or create your own.
An inclined plane is a ramp. Prop something under a flat surface and you have a ramp. You can also create an inclined plane with string or ribbon and you have a zip line.
Step 2: Construct a trap using the simple machines you built.
Step 2: Construct a trap using the simple machines you built.
Find out what your creature likes so you can make your trap irresistible!
Find out what your creature likes so you can make your trap irresistible!
-Interview them asking what food they like, what activities they like and what makes them happy.
-If your creature is hiding, write a letter and see if they respond.
Step 3: Set your trap and see what you can catch!
Step 3: Set your trap and see what you can catch!
Other fun things to do with your captured creature:
Other fun things to do with your captured creature:
Challenge #13 Find the Center of Gravity
Challenge #13 Find the Center of Gravity
Use common household materials to experiment with center of gravity. Here is a simple experiment to start.
Use common household materials to experiment with center of gravity. Here is a simple experiment to start.
After experimenting with your balancing machine...use other objects you find around the house to make another one. Here are some pictures for inspiration.
After experimenting with your balancing machine...use other objects you find around the house to make another one. Here are some pictures for inspiration.
Reverse Engineering
Reverse Engineering
Challenge yourself to look at this video and try to re-create these walking feet with materials you have at home. If you need more step-by-step instructions, click here.
Challenge #12 Straw Rockets
Challenge #12 Straw Rockets
Challenge #11 Kite Building
Challenge #11 Kite Building
Use simple materials at home to design, build and test a kite.
Use simple materials at home to design, build and test a kite.
Challenge #10 Engineering with Paper
Challenge #10 Engineering with Paper
Use paper to build something. You can do Origami, build a paper catapult, or even create your own creature!
Challenge #9 Create a Maker Space at Home
Challenge #9 Create a Maker Space at Home
A Maker Space is a space where young engineers can use tools and materials to build, test and rebuild prototypes. This process facilitates hands-on learning, exploration, creativity, critical thinking and even boosts self-confidence.
- Choose a Space
There is no wrong space. I typically recommend a flat space for building and room to store and organize supplies. Maybe a Mini-Maker space would work (like above). These links may help:
2. Get the Right Tools
2. Get the Right Tools
The right tools depend on the age of your engineer. Start with scissors, tape, crayons, markers, ruler, hole punch and glue. Older students can use hot glue guns, hammers, drills, etc. You may want to consider having students wear protective eyewear.
3. Gather Materials
3. Gather Materials
I find building materials everywhere. If I'm not sure if students will use an item, I put it in the maker space and watch...students always find a use for everything! Don't forget to gather materials from outdoor spaces as well. Kids can find treasures outside to build with: pinecones, stones, leaves, twigs, etc.
4. Create
4. Create
Prototypes come in many different forms. Use recyclable and natural materials to build solutions to proposed problems. Test the prototypes, then make changes to improve your design. Try these links for some building ideas.
This is the patent I use in my classroom. You are welcome to use this one or create your own.
This is the patent I use in my classroom. You are welcome to use this one or create your own.
5. Patent Unique Ideas
5. Patent Unique Ideas
Student creations are worthy of honoring as intellectual property. According to the Oxford Dictionary, intellectual property is "a work or invention that is the result of creativity, such as a manuscript or a design, to which one has rights and for which one may apply for a patent, copyright, trademark, etc."
Last but not least....
Last but not least....
An 'Idea Board' is a place to post all of your ideas. Your brain comes up with some great things. Write them down so you don't forget!
Challenge #8
Challenge #8
Plant something and watch it grow.
Plant something and watch it grow.
Micah (3rd grade) and Eli (1st grade) created a video to teach kids about fungi in their youtube video called 'The Big Idea Show.' Get inspiration from these two brothers to learn about planting and growing plants, then plant a seed of your own.
Grass Guys
Grass Guys
Grass Guys are a fun way to watch grass grow. These nylon heads holding soil and grass seed can be decorated as people or pets. Kids can measure the growth of 'hair' and then trim it as needed.
Supplies you will need:
Craft supplies for decorating
Hot glue
An empty cup/small planter
Follow the instructions on the link above to construct your grass guy.
Reuse something as a planter.
Reuse something as a planter.
Going through the recycle bin can reveal some treasures. Use something you would normally throw away as a planter for a new baby plant. You can find seeds outside on tall grass or dandelions, or you can plant a seed you purchased. Be sure to water and care for your new plant giving it what it needs. You may want to use a journal to draw how your plant changes over time, record height/number of leaves, and to write about your journey with your plant.
Challenge #7
Challenge #7
Bubbles: Can you make a bubble that is not round?
Bubbles: Can you make a bubble that is not round?
Task: Design, build, test, and improve a bubble wand design that creates bubbles that are not round.
Task: Design, build, test, and improve a bubble wand design that creates bubbles that are not round.
At-Home Instructions
PREDICT: Make predictions about the possibility of creating a bubble wand that can create bubbles that are not round. Use what you know about bubbles to inform your decision.
PLAN: Draw a picture (diagram) of what you will build. Label the parts.
BUILD: Use materials you can find at home to build your wand. You may want to use straws, string, pipe cleaners, twist ties, kitchen gadgets, cut the bottom off a plastic cup, or anything else you can find.
Make bubble solution: mix dish soap with water, let it set for a while for best results.
TEST: Time to test your design. Go outside and test your wand by using the bubble solution you made. What shapes can you make?
MAKE IMPROVEMENTS: If your wand only produces round (spherical) bubbles, make changes to your wand and re-test.
Bonus Bubble Build: FOR THE BRAVE AND ADVENTUROUS
Bonus Bubble Build: FOR THE BRAVE AND ADVENTUROUS
How can you create a bubble big enough to stand up in?
What happens when you add food coloring to your bubble solution?
If you like, send a picture of your bubble wand/bubbles to Ms. Estes (pcestes@dcsdk12.org) so she can post it on this site.
Challenge #6
Challenge #6
Virtual Space Day
Virtual Space Day
The Space Day Committee is bummed that they cannot offer in-person activities on Friday May 1st, but they have put together a wide variety of activities students can do at home!
This week's challenge is to complete one or more of these activities. Click this Space Day link to see the activities. Send me pictures of what you create and I will post them on the Space Day tab on this site.
Challenge #5
Challenge #5
Earth Day Celebration!!!
Earth Day Celebration!!!
Celebrate this week by doing something to support the Earth.
Earth Day History
Earth Day History
April 22, 1970 - started by Wisconsin senator Gaylord Nelson as a way to inspire a movement to decrease air, water and land pollution from oil spills and smog.
April 22nd was selected to promote college student participation because it falls between Spring Break and Final Exams
Earth Day is celebrated internationally and known as "International Mother Earth Day"
The first Earth Day led to the creation of the EPA, the Clean Water Act, The Clean Air Act, and the Endangered Species Act.
Read more about the history of Earth Day at https://www.earthday.org/history/
Activities using recyclable materials
Activities using recyclable materials
Using common household items and some creativity to bring Earth Day activities to your home and to your remote classroom! Ideas include nature wreaths, bug hotels and more! See the pictures below.
Challenge #4
Challenge #4
One Word: SLIME
One Word: SLIME
Send pictures of your slime/oobleck adventures to Ms. Estes (pcestes@dcsdk12.org) so she can post it on this site. If you do not have the ingredients...NO PROBLEM...use what you have to invent your own recipe, name it, and send it to me so we can share with others!
SLIME
SLIME
Fluffy SLIME Ingredients
Fluffy SLIME Ingredients
(more recipes and videos here)
If you want a large batch – triple the below recipe. Or make 3 batches with 3 different colors like we did and turn your slime into Unicorn Fluffy Slime!
Per Batch:
2/3 cup of Elmer’s White Glue – we like to buy this gallon size of white glue as it’s a lot cheaper and you can continue to use it to make more batches.
Note: we made this with Elmer’s white glue. Do not substitute with other glue as the make-up may not be the same and the recipe may not work
1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
1/4 Cup Water
2-3 cups Shaving Cream – note: do not use shave gel.
1.5 Tablespoons Contact Lens Solution – *Important: your brand of contact lens solution must have boric acid and sodium borate in the ingredient list. This is what interacts with the glue to form the slime. We recommend only using Renu fresh or Equate brand. Do not substitute with other brands.
Liquid Food Coloring
Safety Tips: Adults only should make the slime and handle all chemicals. Do not substitute any ingredients in our slime recipes. If you have sensitive skin, wear gloves while playing with the slime. Always wash hands before and after use. If you notice any skin irritation discontinue use immediately. Slime is a science experiment and should be made and played with in moderation. See the bottom of the post for more safety precautions before making the slime.
OOBLECK
OOBLECK
#8: Make it Colorful
#8: Make it Colorful
Age range: 3+
Supplies needed:
gloves (or not)
1 part Corn Starch (ex-1 cup)
1/2 part Water (ex-1/2 cup)
bowls
liquid water colors
Activity:
Put on gloves to prevent the water color from temporarily staining your hands.
Mix Oobleck together in the bowl.
Grab the Oobleck with a gloved hand and break off a piece.
Add the Oobleck to your smaller plastic bowl.
Add liquid water color to change the Oobleck color.
Try combining two different colors to create a completely new color.
Can you make orange, teal, brown or grey?
What you’ll learn:
When you grab Oobleck, you can break off a piece just by the force of action of your hand. Mix different colors and even create tie dye effects in your mixing bowl. Older children can be taught that mixing different colors together creates brand new colors, such as red and yellow creating orange.
Challenge #3
Challenge #3
A Mask for Everyone: Governor Polis announced the mask initiative for Colorado. For this week's challenge, you will design and create a mask that can reduce the spread of COVID-19. Click on this link to learn more about the science and call to action for our community.
A Mask for Everyone: Governor Polis announced the mask initiative for Colorado. For this week's challenge, you will design and create a mask that can reduce the spread of COVID-19. Click on this link to learn more about the science and call to action for our community.
*When making masks, use materials you already have at home. Do not break the physical distancing or stay-at-home orders.
*When making masks, use materials you already have at home. Do not break the physical distancing or stay-at-home orders.
Colorado Face Mask Design Challenge
Colorado Face Mask Design Challenge
Calling all Colorado kids—create your own design for a face mask. Be creative! What would you like your friends to see on a mask in your school, your neighborhood, at home? Submit your proposal: Colorado face mask design challenge.
Beaker in his homemade face mask:)
Dahlia, from 1st grade, made two face masks from items from home. She made them out of an old pair of pants and ribbon. She made one for her stuffed doggie and one for her doll.
Challenge #2
Challenge #2
Paper Football: Explore the science of aerodynamics by playing this unique take on paper football. Experiment with many different shapes to see how far you can flick your custom-made “footballs.”
Paper Football: Explore the science of aerodynamics by playing this unique take on paper football. Experiment with many different shapes to see how far you can flick your custom-made “footballs.”
Inspiration
Inspiration
Become inspired by NIHF Inductee Beulah Louise Henry (click here), a prolific inventor who created products ranging from an umbrella with interchangeable covers to a vacuum-sealed ice cream freezer. Did you know that Henry is also credited with inventing a valve for inflatable articles like footballs (click here)?
STEM Activity: Paper Football
STEM Activity: Paper Football
Explore the science of aerodynamics by playing this unique take on paper football. Encourage children to experiment with many different shapes to see how far they can flick their custom made “footballs.”
Materials Needed
Materials Needed
Recyclables and other objects from around the home (straws, paper cups, cardboard tubes, etc.)
Scissors
Tape
Paper
At-Home Instructions
At-Home Instructions
Build two goal posts using objects found around the house.
Find a smooth flat surface to use as the game field.
Fold sheets of paper into different shapes including triangles, squares or crumpling the paper into a ball.
Attempt to make field goals by flicking these newly created shapes through the goalposts. Flick each shape 10 times.
Measure and record how far each shape travels to discover which paper shape travels the furthest.
Challenge #1
Challenge #1
Astronauts are required to spend extended periods of time in confined spaces. You may be feeling that you are on an adventure much like that of an astronaut...living in a small space with the same people for a long period of time. Even though there are some challenges, astronauts still need to complete their work. So do we.
Your challenge this first week is to set up a special spot in your spacecraft (house) so that you are ready for your work. This space can be for school work, reading time, relaxation time, or just a spot that is special to you. Don't forget to name it and include the tools you need in the space to do specific tasks. Ideas for fort building. If you would like to share a picture of your build with the rest of the school, send it to me: pcestes@dcsdk12.org.
Materials: Cardboard boxes, blankets, tape, or anything that can be used to create your special space.
EXAMPLE:
EXAMPLE:
Indoor/Outdoor Chill Space
Indoor/Outdoor Chill Space
My neighbors came to my house to build an indoor/outdoor chill space. They took it home and insulated it with packing material to make it warm to use outside. They created a window with tape to let sun in and to keep chilly wind out.
Created by Logan (2nd grade) and Morgan (1st grade)
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