Webster Elementary 3rd graders, Brandy Wilson, Sophia Need, and Trey Deep, shared the conclusions of their S.L.E.D. (Science Learning Through Engineering Design) project with the Plymouth School Board on Tuesday night.
Students in their classes had to work together in groups to design a prototype of a lifeguard chair using only note cards and tape. The criteria they worked through included restrictions on how high the structure should surpass, the length of the tape pieces, and finally support a “lifeguard Beanie Baby” for 20 seconds. The entire construction had to be completed in 15 minutes.
As a part of the project, students had to follow a design plan including: Identify the problem, share and develop a plan, create and test, communicate results/gather feedback, and improve and retest.
The presentation to the Board was written and read using design process vocabulary of client, problem, goal, criteria, constraints, and end user.
The Plymouth School Board invites students from a different school each month to demonstrate what they are learning.
Carol Anders Correspondent
Photo: Brandy Wilson, Sophia Need, and Trey Delp
