Cow-a-Bungee: Day 1
Ms. Deel, a practicum student, taught a lesson called Cow-A-Bungee to the STEMmers this past Tuesday. The 4th graders were challenged to help Oswald the Cow bungee jump with as many caroms (bounce backs) as possible, while allowing him to drop as close to the ground as possible without actually hitting it.
The STEMmers grabbed a partner, a mission packet, and rubber bands to design a bungee cord for him. When their design was all done, they got to attach Oswald and push him over the cliff (a.k.a. off the top of the door). After each design the STEMmers scored their design, and of course, improved to make their design even better.
Oswald had a few mishaps, but several good jumps as well :)
The STEMmers grabbed a partner, a mission packet, and rubber bands to design a bungee cord for him. When their design was all done, they got to attach Oswald and push him over the cliff (a.k.a. off the top of the door). After each design the STEMmers scored their design, and of course, improved to make their design even better.
Oswald had a few mishaps, but several good jumps as well :)
Cow-A-bungee: Day 2
On day two of this activity, the STEMmers continued to work on their bungee cords to give Oswald a safe, but fun ride. The height Oswald was dropped from was about 80 inches. In the end, the teams that had the longest drops and the most caroms shared some of the tips that helped them have Oswald to drop low, but bounce back safely many times. Both groups incorporated thin and thick rubber bands! At home, see if you can make a successful bungee cord for an object in your house. How long should you make it? Should you cut the rubber bands? Are thicker rubber bands better? All you need is a yard stick, rubber bands, and an object that weighs around one to two pounds. Have fun!