BACKGROUND: Second grade students learned that the Earth can change so slowly we don’t even feel it or very quickly and abruptly, as in an earthquake. At the end of the unit, they were challenged, “Do you think you can build a structure that can withstand an earthquake?” They discussed architectural strategies they would use and wrote their hypothesis on an observation sheet (“Will my building withstand an earthquake?” and “Why or Why not?”). A great “gotcha” video created by HowCast.com really revved up the kiddos before the packets were handed out.
THE CHALLENGE: Use mini marshmallows and wood toothpicks to build a multistory free-standing structure that can withstand an earthquake. The structure may be any shape (rectangle, triangle, square…). The structure must be at least 3 stories tall and free-standing.
OBSERVATIONS: Students recorded their hypothesis and observations on the recording sheet.
The class had a great time questioning, hypothesizing and strategizing. Their favorite part was the “earthquake simulations!” 😉 There were successes, a few failures, and most importantly, fun while learning. I’ll let the video speak for the class. Hop on over to my TPT Store, Seashore Scholar for a F R E E STEM Marshmallow Challenge “How To” and Observation Recording Sheet!
Note: Due to our school’s COVID-19 back-to-school mitigation plan, students are not allowed to share items or work in small groups. They were given their own sealed investigation packets and worked individually. However, they were allowed to share their excited discoveries and observations across the classroom.
