by Cori Hilsgen
news@thenewsleaders.com
All Saints Academy third-grade students recently completed a project about simple and compound machines, using the Project Lead-the-Way program.
Third-grade teacher Robin Kremer said 14 students worked on the project for about two weeks.
Students began the unit by learning about simple and compound machines.
They used the 123 Auto-Design app to learn how to build simple machines using Vex kits, which are modular building kits. After working in small groups of two to four students to make the simple machines, they worked together to design and build a compound machine.
Project Lead-the-Way creates a real life scenario and problem which the students needed to solve.
They were given a problem that involved a tiger being trapped in a moat at the zoo and were given the task of designing and building a compound machine that would lift the tiger at least four inches and then move it to a safe area. Students also had to use a magnet and design a harness for the tiger.
Groups of students worked together sharing ideas and problem-solving while completing the assigned problem.
Kremer said she wanted students to have an understanding of effort and resistance forces, as well as how to use and build simple machines and compound machines. She also wanted them to experience the problem-solving process involved in designing a machine to accomplish a specific task within a small group.
“The third-graders worked together to solve the problems,” Kremer said. “They didn’t always agree on the solutions, but they were always able to discover a compromise. In most situations they learned the compromised design was better when they used bits and pieces of everyone’s ideas.”
A few ASA third-grade students commented about the assignment.
“I liked the project because it taught me how to work as a team and it was really fun to build the machines,” Austin Baird said.
“I liked the project because I was able to use my brain,” Lily Schmitz said.”It made me have to think hard.”
“This project will help kids who want to be engineers when they grow up,” Joseph Forbregd said, “because we had to build some complicated machines.”
“It was fun to work with my friends,” Sylvie Bechtold said.
“I liked when I was able to move the tiger on the machine,” Ava Nicoll said.
“I enjoyed the project,” Kaidance Stephens said, “because we could build the machines with the Vex kits.”
“It was fun to be with my friends,” Maleah Thielen said, “and make the plan to solve the problem of getting the tiger out of the moat.”
“It was fun exploring to see what we could build,” Addison Keul said.
“We built machines,” Wyatt Kutzera said, “and then we lifted the tiger up.”
ASA uses the Project Lead-the-Way program in kindergarten through sixth grade. Project Lead-the-Way is a leading provider of science, technology, engineering and math programs. Through curriculum, teacher professional development and more, the program helps students develop skills needed in today’s economy.
ASA third-grade student Ava Nicoll (left) and Maleah Thielen work on their compound machine.
ASA third-grade students (left to right) Brady Notsch, Roe Hargrays, Austin Baird and Anthony Brown work on their compound machine.
ASA third-grade student Lily Schmitz shows the compound machine she worked on.
ASA third-grade students Joseph Forbregd (left) and Wyatt Kutzera work on their compound machine.
