Grade 5: Students vs. Machine
Students in Andy Dodge’s science class went up against the infamous crushing machine this week to culminate a lesson on structural engineering. After learning about good design and attending a cutting clinic on miter joints, students got to work making balsa wood towers. The objective is to understand structural engineering and design principles and apply those on a micro scale.
Students in Andy Dodge’s science class went up against the infamous crushing machine this week to culminate a lesson on structural engineering. After learning about good design and attending a cutting clinic on miter joints, students got to work making balsa wood towers. The objective is to understand structural engineering and design principles and apply those on a micro scale.
"I learned how architects build towers," says Michael Ryan. "The webs prevent torquing, the girders provide tension and the pillars prevent compression."
Students designed and built the structures to meet size specifications, and each engineer had hopes of a good result against inevitable destruction by the crushing machine.
Naomi Gillis was a little worried about her webs and girders, but still hoped for a score of 100-120 pounds of pressure. "I think the girders could be stronger," she said before watching Mr. Dodge place her tower under the crushing machine's power. Her structure held 64 pounds -- not bad.
"I'm going to build a new tower, and this time I'm going to be more cautious when I make the cuts so they're the perfect size," she decided.
GO build!
Back
"I learned how architects build towers," says Michael Ryan. "The webs prevent torquing, the girders provide tension and the pillars prevent compression."
Students designed and built the structures to meet size specifications, and each engineer had hopes of a good result against inevitable destruction by the crushing machine.
Naomi Gillis was a little worried about her webs and girders, but still hoped for a score of 100-120 pounds of pressure. "I think the girders could be stronger," she said before watching Mr. Dodge place her tower under the crushing machine's power. Her structure held 64 pounds -- not bad.
"I'm going to build a new tower, and this time I'm going to be more cautious when I make the cuts so they're the perfect size," she decided.
GO build!
No comments have been posted
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
