The students have finished modifying their designs to control the movement of their hovercrafts. Each group presented their final project to the class explaining their modifications. Next, they expained why they made the modification, and if it was successful, or not.
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Most groups have the basic model of the hovercraft figured out. The challenge this week is to modify the design to control the direction of the hovercraft. As a class we discussed what may create problems for the hovercraft. The largest factor is weight. The students are using their creativity and imaginations to develop new ideas, and modify the hovercraft's design. Last week, the students learned why a hovercraft works. This week they are applying this knowledge to the design and building of their own CD hovercrafts. The students were given a CD, a balloon, a straw, cardboard, paper, a pipe cleaners, a soap pop top, and a popsicle stick. As the students discussed the available materials, they brainstormed different designs. After they were put into groups, the students shared their designs, created a plan, and began building the CD hovercraft.
The classes are so excited to get started on the CD hovercrafts! It is going to be a very exciting project. Before we can begin designing and building, the students needed the scientific knowledge that makes them work. We started with vocabulary... Position, motion, force, and friction. Next, we watched a wonderful video about a military hovercraft so that everyone understands what a hovercraft is, and what it is capable of. I also wanted the students to start thinking about how it works, and what it has to do with the vocabulary we just learned and reviewed. |
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May 2017
AuthorMrs. Houseman-STEM Specialist Categories |