On March 9, we conducted a Maker Day with Animas Public School students in grades K-5.

The morning was spent with grade K-2 students. We began with a new marshmallow construction challenge. This one would involve small groups building towers with mini-marshmallows and toothpicks.

Before beginning, we talked about the design process and how real-world engineers begin the process by planning and designing. We talked about what might make for a good tower (strong base) and different shapes we might make (with triangles being one of the strongest structures). Then students were invited to draw a plan for what they might build.

 

After the designs were done, the building began. Some of the building followed the design, and some didn’t, but this too provided learning opportunities!

After the structures were built, they were put on display for the school’s open house.