Grade 1: The Science of Playgrounds
In Michelle Benge’s science class, first grade scientists are currently studying simple machines. First graders have learned that simple machines make work easier by reducing the force needed to move an object over a distance. They learned the basic physics of the inclined plane, lever, wedge, pulley, screw, gear, wheel and axle. In order to apply their learning first graders are working in the Gates Lab within engineering teams on the Playground Challenge.
In Michelle Benge’s science class, first grade scientists are currently studying simple machines. First graders have learned that simple machines make work easier by reducing the force needed to move an object over a distance. They learned the basic physics of the inclined plane, lever, wedge, pulley, screw, gear, wheel and axle. In order to apply their learning first graders are working in the Gates Lab within engineering teams on the Playground Challenge.
"The Playground Challenge is to design and create a playground using at least four different simple machines," Michelle explains. The materials they could choose from to build their playgrounds were miscellaneous items such as straws, toothpicks, popsicle sticks, marshmallows, foam pool noodles, cardboard, yarn along with lots of tape and glue. At the end of the challenge students will share out what they learned by taking the other students on a tour of their playground.
"The Playground Challenge is to design and create a playground using at least four different simple machines," Michelle explains. The materials they could choose from to build their playgrounds were miscellaneous items such as straws, toothpicks, popsicle sticks, marshmallows, foam pool noodles, cardboard, yarn along with lots of tape and glue. At the end of the challenge students will share out what they learned by taking the other students on a tour of their playground.
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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.
