Here’s a few things we have been learning in term 2.

One of the first things we did at the start of the term was an activity called the Marshmallow Challenge.  To do this activity we worked in groups to build the tallest freestanding structure we could using the materials given to us.

The things we could use were…

• 1 marshmallow
• 1metre of string
• 1metre of masking tape
• 20 sticks of dry spaghetti
• scissors

At first the challenge sounded easy, but as time went on many students found the task hard as they had to keep to some very strict rules….

• You have 15 minutes to complete the challenge
• You can only use the materials provided
• You have to wait to the end to eat the marshmallow!!

To be successful at this activity the students have to work together and listen to each others ideas and suggestions.

 

 

 

 

They had to experiment and use lots of trial and error to find the best solution to the problem.

 

 

As well as being very beneficial group work can also be a very challenging experience for some students.  They realise that they can’t make decisions independently and that they usually have to collaborate and compromise to experience the best results (some students struggle with this).  These are skills which we all need have in life….

Group work and social learning is one of the big corner stones in educational theory.  Have a look here to find out more…