5TH-GRADE ENGINEERS
It is no secret that students learn better by doing. When kids get to try out new concepts with hands-on activities, they get excited about learning. Mrs. Hiller’s 5th graders have been learning about the engineering process by doing STEM projects that create and test something new.
For the past two weeks, the students have been learning and creating using the engineering cycle. The engineering cycle involves five steps: Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, Improve. The students have been learning that, when creating something new, it is not a “one and done.” Instead, it is a cycle that goes on and on, with each attempt a little better than before. They spent some time comparing this process to the scientific method. Mr. Paul Hilgeman, a St. Peter parent and an engineer at UL, took some time to visit the class. Mr. Hilgeman shared the different worlds of engineers. He talked about the importance of testing products for safety and how that leads to more improvements in products.
The 5th graders were divided into groups of 3 for these projects, with each student having an assigned area of responsibility. The Material Manager managed the supplies for the project. The Lab Tech did the actual building for the project using the provided supplies. The Secretary recorded the data, took the pictures, and emailed them to the group.
The first project was to create a Slingshot Rocket. The students used straws, rubber bands, tape, and craft sticks to design their projects. In the process, they learned about concepts like drag and how fins keep the rocket moving in the direction the fins are pointed. On test day, one of the rockets went 125 feet! After testing their projects, they filled out a reflection sheet to show what they learned and what they might have done differently.
The second project was a rubber band helicopter. The students learned about the transfer of energy, lift and drag, and how some paper shapes are more successful than others. They discussed variables to the project like tension on rubber bands, whether the helicopter has a window, and the use of tape, which might weigh the helicopter down. The class spent Test Day out on the Back 40 trying to see if the helicopters could fly.
Next week the students will continue by creating a Zip Line Racer and, after that, a Propeller Car. Throughout those projects, the students will learn about torque, thrust, inertia, and the effects of wheel alignment and continue to master the engineering process. Mostly, they will continue getting excited and having fun while learning about engineering and STEM concepts.
