First Weeks of GT

For the last couple of weeks in GT pullout we have been warming up our brain with some challenging logic/math problems, finishing an engineering challenge, and starting our grade level units.  Below are some pictures of us working on the "Flag Pole Fiasco", an engineering challenge with which all grade levels started the year.  Groups were allocated the same amount of everyday household items, eg. 10 craft sticks, 10 rubber bands and so on, in order to build a better flag and flagpole that could stand by itself!  Groups earned additional points for each inch of height on the flagpole; the most points earned was in the "cooperating with our group" category.  My favorite ideas were using paper clips as connector pieces on the straws, support systems using a counter-weight, and using flexible parts of straws as support beams!  Some of our students at work below: