You were given the following challenges:
Some of the photos of the teams in action:
and the results:
Questions to think about:
- Why did you undertake the challenge in the way you did?
- If you were to do the same challenge again would you do it in the same way?
- In what way were the challenges like a science experiment?
- In what way were the challenges different from a science experiment?
- Which topics of science (physics) are involved in your challenge?
1) Marshmallow challenge
* making it stable before me made the tower tall
Paper chain challenge
* making use of the full length of the paper so as to create the longest chain
* reduced the amount of paper wasted at the joint
2) Marshmallow challenge
* Probably so, but make it more stable and include 4 sticks at the top instead of 2 so that the marshmallow would stay in place and reach a greater height.
Paper chain challenge
* Somewhat the same idea, but with only 2 chains (so that it’s still considered a chain) we started off making many chains
3) An experiment finds out what happens if you do something a certain way (as there will be be many ways to do the same thing) so us making the marshmallow tower and the paper chains was like trying out one of the ways.
4) For a science experiment, it would usually have controlled variables and we will be able to do the experiment more than just once to ensure a precise and accurate result. This activity was based on our creativity and we did not have the ability to predict what our outcome would be. (how tall the tower is, how long the chain is etc.)
5)
* pressure, gravitational force/field
* measurement of (physical) units and quantities
Group 5
1. (Marshmallow) At first, we thought that we can make it very high. Then, we realised that it is not realistic so we added some foundations. We ran out of resources (tape) and time. (Paper chain) We thought that by only making one pair of paper chains and using strips of paper for the rest of the chain will result in the longest results. However, the paper is too weak to support the chain and broke off. 🙁
2. (Marshmallow) No. We will make a bigger and more solid foundation, as well as make use of all the materials given (eg. scissors). (Paper chain) No, we would like to spend lesser time planning.
3. We need to think of the steps and the best ways to build our product. We also need to try and test out different ideas before finding one that works best.
4. It is more Creative and less serious than science experiments. Our steps were not as precise and accurate. We have to work in teams.
5. Physical quantities and measurements, centre of gravity and stability, geometry. Friction.
1. For the marshmallow challenge, we wanted a strong base for the structure, so we used a triangular base. We tried to use a few spaghetti sticks for each side of the pyramid so that it is stronger. For the chain we cut the paper really thin.
2. For paper chain we will do same way. For marshmallow challenge we will have a smaller base so that it is not so difficult to balance the structure when we increase its height.
3. Hands-on activity, with procedure and results recorded. We try many different methods that do not succeed on the first try.
4. There isn’t a fixed way of doing the activity. Science experiment is more precise and accurate due to higher quality instruments and materials.
5. Engineering, mechanics because we need to build items that serves a function.
1) We made a pyramid because we felt that a triangle was the most stable and strongest shape, so it would not topple.
We felt that one person was enough to make a paper chain, so the rest of us did the marshmallow challenge
2) we would increase the size of the base to make the structure more stable. We could also have measured the spaghetti and reduced errors when building the pyramid.
We could have googled what a paper chain was
3) We had something like a hypothesis that this particular shape and structure would be the most stable and we attempted to prove it through building the tower.
4) We did not repeat the “experiment” three times for better results
5) gravity, weight, pressure, measurement, stability, geometry 🙂
1) We created a pyramid shape with supporting structures and a strong base as we felt this would enable the structure to achieve height without toppling over. The stronger the base, the more stable the structure, hence the higher we can go. We felt that creating one long continuous piece of paper would allow us to achieve maximum length. We also cut the paper as thin as possible.
2) The paper chain would actually be a chain the next time. We also had a few spaghetti sticks left that were unused, which can probably be used to further increase the height of the structure in some way.
3) It makes use of science knowledge. We also had to use trial and error to figure out the best way to accomplish the task.
4) Science experiments have a result but our result can always be improved. We did not use many scientific tools in the process.
5) Pull of gravitational force, pressure