Paper Tables...

One of our science standards is in the area of technology and engineering.  Specifically, it is that a student, "... applies the principles of the engineering/design process (ask, imagine, plan, create, improve) to solve a problem...".  Today, students in 3 K/M were asked to design a table, made from no more than ten sheets of newspaper and masking tape, that was at least eight inches high and could hold our social studies textbook... for at least five minutes.  Our class took on this challenge with excitement and engineering all wrapped up in one!  We discussed good strategies and planning, along with specific engineering principles such as "load distribution" and the concept of a "truss".  So far, two of our seven working groups have been able to create the table (after several tests and "improvements")... others are on their way!  Check out some designs: