Day 1: Systems Introduction & Engineering Towers

Today, we talked about systems.  A system is anything with parts that work together.  Students brainstormed ideas of systems, and then we found expamles in magazines.  We then created a collage, classifying the systems as natural or man made.

Students also had their first engineering challenge today: to build a tower at least 12 inches high, using only 100 index cards and 12 inches of tape.  They had 20 minutes, and were able to use scissors.  The tower had to hold "The Wizard" for at least 10 seconds. 

Unfortunately, none of the original designs were successful.  However, students were asked to reflect on their designs and improve upon them.  We did end with one successful tower!