The Tightrope Challenge

by: Bill Burton
edited by: Linda Froschauer

When confronted with a robotics engineering task, fourth-grade students develop growth mindsets. In this chapter, the tightrope challenge will be discussed and a length of rope is suspended at student height and secured at each end of the room. While this chapter demonstrates the engineering process through the lens of Lego products, there are certainly other activities that require less investment in materials. Six steps will be followed: problem statement; research; design; create; test; and improve. When facilitating engineering activities such as these, it’s often easy to spot examples of fixed and growth mindsets. While growth and change often takes time, we can create an engineering atmosphere where every student experiences some level of success while learning that there’s always room to improve their work. A materials list, teacher background information, assessments, and outcomes are provided. This book selection includes the Table of Contents, Introduction, References, Internet Resources, and Index.

Grade Levels

Elementary

Topics

Engineering Science and Engineering Practices STEM

Details

Type Book ChapterPub Date 5/17/2016Pages 26Stock # PB413X_35

NSTA Press produces classroom-ready activities, hands-on approaches to inquiry, relevant professional development, the latest scientific education news and research, assessment and standards-based instruction.

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