In science, our class had been learning about space and our solar system. For this lesson, students were told that they were to be NASA engineers with the task of designing and creating a shock-absorbing spacecraft that would safely land their astronauts on the moon.
We discussed how soft things, such as marshmallows, cotton balls, and paper folded into a spring like an accordion could absorb shock well. Our class reviewed the engineering design process, which engineers follow when they are trying to solve a problem and design a solution for something. They knew from previous activities that it meant a lot of trial and error and modifications.
Looking at the available building materials on their science trays, my students were literally dancing with anticipation in their seats and couldn’t wait to get started. Their spacecraft lander had to include a piece of cardboard and two regular sized marshmallows as their astronauts which sat loosely in a small paper cup that acted as the spacecraft cabin. The building materials that they were able to use were ten mini marshmallows, tape, drinking straws, rubber bands, and scissors.
With planning, designing, and many trials and modifications, their mission was to create a lander that could be dropped from one foot without a crash landing or injuring an astronaut (marshmallows flying out of the cup).
In groups of three they dispersed around the classroom and immediately set to work. I quickly realized that this lesson was not a quiet one. But who could blame them? It was exciting and fun. Most of all, the collaboration and discussions taking place in each group made me so proud of them. I could only smile when students called from across the classroom, “Hurry Ms. Silvestre, you have to see this!” And I had to laugh every time a student cheered as though they had just scored the winning goal in their soccer game when their spacecraft successful landed from one foot, then two, to three, and some, even four feet.
Along with our school’s third grade and middle school science teacher, I have been fortunate to participate in a three-year science grant with Rialto Unified School District. R-i-SMART (Rialto integrated science, math, and related technologies) has given us continuous professional development in project based learning and implementing the Next Generation Science Standards.
With the integration of project based learning and Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) activities in the classroom, my students are more engaged and excited about science. Yes, science can be loud. It can be messy. But science can definitely be fun. If you’re ever in the area, stop by and check out some of the fun and amazing science taking place in our classrooms.