This week in math we re-visited word problems using the part-part-whole model. Each student was given a dry-erase board, dry-erase marker, and tissue and was asked to set up a part-part-whole model on their boards. They were then presented with a word problem and had to fill in their part-part-whole model using the information from the word problem. Not only did they have to fill in the numbers, but also label each section! Students were then challenged with the task of writing the equation that would help them solve the problem. High Tide tickets were given for solid thinking and problem solving! I observed a lot of growth from the first time we did this activity a whole group to when we did it this time as individuals.
Here is an example of the kind of problems the students had to work with:
Here is an example of the kind of problems the students had to work with:
Engineering Challenge
This week first graders had their first experience with the Engineering Design Process! The challenge they were given was to build the tallest tower they could in five minutes using only a stack of cups. After hearing the challenge and seeing the cups they had to work with, students worked in teams to imagine solutions to the challenge and plan their design. Next, they were given 5 minutes to create their towers - and boy did they have fun with this!
Following the build time, students were pulled back together to reflect on the challenge.
What went well with your design?
What were the challenges you faced in this task?
How can we overcome these challenges?
Students were given a chance to look at other teams' designs in order to get ideas and then it was back into their teams to devise a plan to improve their design. Finally, students were given another 5 minutes to re-create their towers using what they had learned through reflection.
Congratulations to every team who experienced success building a tall tower!
Following the build time, students were pulled back together to reflect on the challenge.
What went well with your design?
What were the challenges you faced in this task?
How can we overcome these challenges?
Students were given a chance to look at other teams' designs in order to get ideas and then it was back into their teams to devise a plan to improve their design. Finally, students were given another 5 minutes to re-create their towers using what they had learned through reflection.
Congratulations to every team who experienced success building a tall tower!