Raft Engineers

In a recent science unit, 1st graders were learning about water sources like lakes, rivers, and oceans and about how water moves.  We are now in the middle of a related engineering project - building model rafts!  We investigated some possible materials to see how well (or if) they floated and students are now working to design rafts that meet our size requirements, can float, can carry weight (5 washers), and can stay afloat during rainfall.  Most students have tested their first design and started working to improve it.  

The next part of this project will be some investigation into sails and, again, some materials testing.  Then students will be designing a sail at home that they think will really catch the wind.  When everyone comes to school for our Family STEM Night (5:30 - 7:30 on Thursday, November 19) students will build the sail they designed at home and then test the sail by having boat races!  It will be a fun night for your family to experience the design process together.  All the cardboard creations will be on display that night in the Cardboard Museum, the book fair will be going in the library, and their will be a special TAME Truck out front you can visit for hands-on activities!  Mark the date on your calendars! We hope to see everyone there!