In the introductory unit for the seventh grade science class, we were studying the engineering design process. To really understand it, they got to do an activity using it.
Building catapults.
Ahem.
There are three seventh grade science teachers at the school (I am covering for one of them). We got together to discuss what project to do (they have four that they rotate through depending on the year), and the other two decided it was a catapult year.
And I could just see the chaos.
I mean, the actual assignment was for them to build something that would send a small object flying across the classroom.
It was a very long, loud day.
I mean, I'm sure it was fun for them. They were only allowed to use five items to build the thing (and five of each item), so they could use five popsicle sticks, five pencils, five rubber bands, a spoon, and something to launch. They were to make something that could launch the cotton ball a meter.
Some managed to make catapults that launched their projectile across the room.
They were allowed to use computers, so many found some great designs online. (To get an idea, many made this one.)
But it was not fun for me. I'm glad it's over.
I can see the end of my thirty day stint approaching. (My credential only allows me to teach a class for thirty days. Then I will pass this class off to another sub.) While I'll be sad to leave, after this lesson, I won't be that sad.
No more catapult lessons in the offing, though. The following week they got their first test. *insert evil grin here*
Sounds like a fun project for them but a headache for you
ReplyDeleteOh my. You should have seen the classroom at the end of the day, and I made them clean up after themselves.
DeleteA catapult. No, I can't see any potential for disaster there. 🙄
ReplyDeleteYup, sounds like fun for the kids, but not so much for you!
ReplyDeleteA lot of fun! But, that's what it takes sometimes to catch their interest. I'm sorry you have to change classes already, just as they're getting to know you and you them.
ReplyDeleteI knew the switch was going to happen. It's how the gig works.
Delete''And I could just see the chaos" OMG LOL yes. Well you survived it. I hope your next sub experience is a little calmer.
ReplyDeleteAllie of
www.allienyc.com
Day to day shouldn't be so bad. It'll be a nice change for a bit.
DeleteMy son would have loved it. Teacher, not so much. At least you didn't have to do the Mentos and Diet Coke experiment with your class.
ReplyDeleteI don't even want to think about that. Of course, that one would be done outside.
DeleteI never did catapults.
ReplyDeleteWhatever Happened To " They'll shoot their wye out". I would not like this at all.
ReplyDeleteTheir projectile was something soft, like a pom pom or a cotton ball.
DeleteThis does sounds interesting from a student perspective. Be well!
ReplyDeleteIt's cool for the kiddos. For me, not so much.
DeleteThat spoon catapult looks like fun!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it was, for the kiddos ;)
DeleteOh my. At least they were sending cotton balls and not, you know, rocks or something.
ReplyDeleteIf they had planned ahead, some of them might have brought in rocks. Or M&Ms. But most forgot it was the day.
DeleteAs annoying as that must have been, the kids will remember how fun it was. Is it difficult to move on and start over, or refreshing?
ReplyDeleteBoth.
DeleteOh boy... yep, I understand why you are so glad that the course is over ;)) Enjoy giving the test!
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, I'm sure they had a good time with that one.
ReplyDeleteIt was in seventh grade, which had a catapult project, where my son decided he wanted to be an engineer. That was 20 years ago. He is now a certified civil engineer. He credits his teacher with inspiring him. Someone may say the same of you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, but I highly doubt that.
DeleteThat's quite an activity for youngsters! Missiles must have fallen on heads.
ReplyDeleteOh yes. Definitely.
DeleteGood fun, though noisy and chaotic! Projects like these go a long way in helping students understand the subject.
ReplyDelete