Paper Towers and Pool Balls Design Challenge
Students employ project-based learning strategies to build paper towers in a classroom.Copyright 2021 mrpetersononline CC BY 2.0, Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mrpetersononline/7831907426
How can teamwork and project-based learning help us understand engineering practices? In this activity, students are presented with two problems that must be solved physically. In the first problem, they must construct the tallest tower possible out of limited materials. In the second problem, they must find a way for a rolling pool ball to take a set maximum time to cover a specified distance. Students create and follow a design and are assessed by the performance of their creations. The students use the Engineering Design Process (EDP) to complete the two hands-on activities. This is an experiential learning experience for the student where they learn to collaborate ideas between teams, while also competing against each other. The sharing of knowledge is the path.
By using the engineering design process, students explore how to create potential solutions for two problems. As they progress through the EDP, they learn the importance of collaboration in engineering between team members and other teams. The goal is to create a culture where the goal is for everyone to learn and “win” and where the differences in engineering solutions are celebrated.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Approach a project as a group.
- Seek information and sources to help solve a problem in the most effective way.
- Hear other’s ideas in a constructive and effective manner.