Helping humpty!
The 3rd graders are all set for their next unit. Quite simply, Humpty Dumpty is at it again! Although the doctor was able to patch him up after his first fall, we're taking no chances with him this time. The kids will learn about Isaac Newton, his 2nd law, force and motion, and so much more as they design and build an egg catcher!
Designing with limitations
With limitations on their materials and a fragile egg to keep safe, the 3rd graders have been working very carefully to create an effective egg catcher for Humpty.
What's Newton got to do with it?
We've been learning a little about the famous physicist and mathematician, Isaac Newton, specifically his second law of motion. What does it mean when Newton theorized that force = mass x acceleration? We have watched a few clips and completed a few investigations in order to more clearly understand this law. We can also use this knowledge in our design challenge. We have completed all preliminary tests of our egg catchers with plastic eggs. However, when we perform the real test, we will use REAL eggs. What differences will that make?
Below we have a few more pictures of the kids designing and building their egg catchers. When it was time to test, each group used previous tests to determine where they needed to place their catchers in relation to the wall. The goal of the catchers were to not only catch the eggs, but to prevent them from cracking upon impact. If the catchers didn't do their jobs initially, no worries! Groups went back to improve their designs then retested.
Once groups were done with their egg catchers, they were challenged to create a new poem for Humpty Dumpty. The original poem is a tale of tragedy. Since the kids were able to save Humpty this time around, they were able to write a hero's tale!
Once groups were done with their egg catchers, they were challenged to create a new poem for Humpty Dumpty. The original poem is a tale of tragedy. Since the kids were able to save Humpty this time around, they were able to write a hero's tale!