At the beginning of the year the enthusiasm of 1st graders is high, and a unique and exciting adventure is about to begin. These young explorers are embarking on their first-ever STEM Survival Camp, where they will learn to fend for themselves in the wild using nothing but their wits, creativity, and engineering skills!
The Challenge, which will last for the entire month of September is to create their own fishing poles from limited supplies they have been given. They are going to be sent into the wild for several days, and catching their own food is essential. With nothing but a handful of materials, they have to figure out how to engineer a fishing pole capable of reeling in the elusive fish of the pond.
The Engineering Design Process
Guided by their camp counselor, Mrs. Bryant, the 1st graders will embark on a journey through the Engineering Design Process: Today they focused on the ASK and IMAGINE steps.
Ask: The young engineers started by identifying the problem: How can you create a fishing pole to help catch the fish? They asked questions about fishing techniques and the anatomy of a fishing pole and different types of hooks. They wanted to understand what makes a good fishing pole and how it functions.
Imagine: With newfound knowledge about fishing poles, the kids let their imaginations run wild. They brainstormed ideas for their own fishing pole designs, considering factors like length, flexibility, and durability.
Plan: Each camper will draw up plans for their fishing pole, complete with sketches and lists of materials needed. They will carefully think about how to make their pole strong enough to catch fish.
Create: Armed with their plans, the children will begin building their fishing poles. They will use string, pipe cleaners, rubber bands and other materials they find in the Big Backyard.
Test and Improve: After constructing their initial prototypes, it will be time to put them to the test. The campers will head to a nearby pond (plastic tub) to try their luck at fishing. Some poles will be more successful than others, but that is all part of the learning process. The kids will take notes on what works and what needs improvement.
Reflect and Share: They will catch fish and record their results in graphs, comparing their success rates with their initial designs.
The 1st Grade STEM Survival Camp ignited the spark of curiosity and creativity in these young minds. Through the Engineering Design Process, they will not only learn how to engineer a fishing pole but also acquire problem-solving skills, resilience, and the ability to adapt and improve their designs.
Who knew that a simple fishing pole could teach such profound lessons to these budding engineers?