Challenge Accepted: Chain Reaction

Google Hangout with Gateway to Technology Class at Smithfield Middle School

 This past Friday, the learners of Room 27, participated in their first STEM Challenge.  A school in our district reached and asked if we'd participate.  Of course, we said yes!  I knew we'd have to do some juggling of class time, as well as figure out the technology, but I'm not one to say no to a learning opportunity that extends outside the 4 walls of our classroom!

Thanks to our amazing librarian, Mrs. Pursley, we were hooked up to our first official Google Hangout (with sound) as NRMS Falcons.  I had to laugh at how our technology was set up, but you know, we did what we needed to do, to ensure all learners were apart of this experience.

Prior to heading to lunch, I began to explain the challenge to our learners!  They were going to collaborate as a design team that consisted of both boys and girls.  In 17 minutes, each group would create the longest chain possible, using only a sheet of paper, scissors and glue.

Needless to say, we returned from lunch and learners were ready to work!  Prior to the 17 minutes beginning, we clarified that each group would only have 1 sheet of paper, 1 glue stick and 1 pair of scissors.  I'm glad we asked these questions, so all of us would be on the same playing field!

As the minutes ticked by, the excitement in our room, was busting beyond the 4 walls of our classroom!  Some groups got straight to work cutting and glueing, while some groups talked about their strategy and how each person would contribute to the group.  I over heard some group complimenting each other on their ideas, while others were struggling with accepting their idea wasn't the best.

When time was up, all supplies were put down and representatives were sent to measure the length of their team's chain.  As learners measured their chains, we asked for clarification on if a chain had to be linked chains or if chains could be straight.  Smithfield students looked up the definition and determined a chain is a series of objects connected one after the other.  There was no set rule that they had to be chain links!

Much to our surprise, we had chains that required being measured in the hallway.  Using our square foot tiles, learners quickly measured their chains.

Our longest chain was 29.5 feet long...NRMS Falcons were considered the winners of the first STEM Challenge!

Stay tuned for what the learners of Room 27 think their greatest contribution was to their group's success, as well as what would happen if we had used multiple scissors or liquid glue!