Oh the Places We Go. . . .

On Monday our learning took us on a detour!  If you have been following our blog you know that the Grade 3s have been learning about structures. We began the lesson by exploring a new book that Mrs. Betts had borrowed from another teacher (thank you Ms. Coumont!) and we noticed some information on skyscrapers that caught our attention so . . . . of course we had to read it and find out something about skyscrapers.

As we were reading we noticed that there was a sidebar called "Skyscraper Challenge."  Since we are always up for a challenge we decided to read it and find out what it was all about. Once we read the challenge we decided to give it a try (with a few modifications)  We started brainstorming for how we could have our own skyscraper challenge!



Our challenge:  To create the tallest most stable structure we can using up to 10 cardboard boxes. The boxes can be no bigger than a cereal or shoe box and we can not tape our skyscraper to the floor!  The buzz in the classroom was incredible.   . . . . kids began planning, explaining, sharing and thinking right away! Once our skyscrapers are done we plan to test how stable our structures are by using a fan to see if they can withstand a force (because that's what skyscrapers can do!).  We have learned about using a good foundation and what shapes make strong, stable structures.   We were so excited that when the bell rang everybody continued talking and planning.  I wonder what our skyscrapers will look like?  Check back soon to see what we design!