One of the things I love is seeing children thinking outside the box. So often, students are taught that things can only be done one way and that is the only correct way to do things. This is not reflected in the  world where the solutions to problems are not so obvious and can not be solved by any one method.

As one way I try to encourage students to think creatively, I like to pose Science Challenges. These Science Challenges are designed to be open ended- that is, there is not one right way to solve the challenge. We will do a few of these challenges throughout the year and they will be included as a mark on the report. They will be marked out of 5 with a 5 going for those challenges that follow and complete the guidelines laid out, are related in most ways to the challenge posed and show creativity. A 3 will be given to those that follow the above guidelines but are not done by the completion date and a 1 will be given to those students who follow the guidelines but are not done within a week of the due date.

The Challenge

Your challenge is to create a vehicle that can move on land or by air using the power of air. You may use scissors, pencil and rulers to design it but they can not be a part of the vehicle. You may only use any or all of the following in your vehicle:

1) Ordinary lined writing paper

2) Construction paper

3) Cardboard

4) Glue

5) Paper clips

6) String

7) 1 or 2 Balloons – must be used and must be a part of the vehicle. You can not use the balloon to push it. The vehicle must move using the balloon as a part of the vehicle itself.

Guidelines:

Your vehicle must be able to move on its own using the force of air from a balloon.

Children may have help from older siblings or adults. In fact, I would encourage this as a fun family project! However, keep in mind the proportion of work done by various members. The majority should be done by the Grade 4 students with other members acting as guidance and support.

Your vehicle may be decorated once you are done in whatever way you wish.

Due Date:

Projects must be completed and brought in by November 30th! You may start bringing them in by November 24th.

Have Fun!!!