Lower Schoolers Learn How Science Solves Problems
The IDEA Labs provide an innovative space for students at Principia to experiment, problem-solve, and play. IDEA Labs facilitator and Lower School teacher Mollie Grant is always looking for ways to enhance the students’ experiences through creative projects that let young engineers test ideas and solve real-world problems.
For several weeks, fourth graders in Grant's class have been engineering and building TarPul models in conjunction with their geology unit. A TarPul is a special wire bridge that allows people to cross a body of water by pulling themselves hand-over-hand in a small cable car suspended from wires. The “TarPul Challenge” in Grant’s class is a design-build project that allows students to move through the engineering design process.
Grant gave each pair of students specific materials including large and small popsicle sticks, straws, glue, pipe cleaners, metal sewing bobbins to use as wheels, and card stock. Once they crafted their TarPuls, the students displayed their designs. Each team tackled the challenge of crossing different obstacles successfully with their TarPul models.
“I created a project in connection to the students’ study of land and focused on how geology can have an impact on how and where homes, bridges, etc. are built around the world,” Grant said. “This project is an important one because it gives students a real-world problem while introducing them to other cultures and their needs. In addition to learning about the basics of engineering, students were encouraged to think about why the TarPul structures are used and important as opposed to typical bridges.”
At the beginning of the unit, students learned about the unique challenges people face along the Karnali River in India. Communities along the river established TarPuls as cost-effective solutions to get residents from one rocky riverbank to the other safely.
“The skills required for this project are transferable to not only other subjects the students are learning, but also to their daily lives,” says Mollie. “When faced with a challenge, whether it’s a math problem or an issue with a friend, students are learning to problem solve, try again and again, and listen to one another to find an effective solution.”