Last week students were assigned a task of constructing a model of any building or structure of their choice. They were supposed to maintain a journal to record the informations and experiences. They were encouraged to experiment and come out with their own solution. This activity enabled them to understand the concept of gravity. They realized the need to create a strong base in order to build a tall building. They also realized that the weight should be distributed in such a manner that the building stands erect. As most of their buildings/structures were made of paper, straw, ice-cream sticks, thread and wooden blocks, they had to be extra cautious. Many a times they switched on the fan at high speed to test the resistance of their buildings and structures. This often resulted in the buildings and strucrures disintegrating. However they kept up their spirit and rebuilt them every single time, till they were successful in their effort.
It was endearing to watch them understand the concepts of force and tension along with gravity through these activities.
Here are some pictures of the initial brainstorming session before begining the process of construction.
It was endearing to watch them understand the concepts of force and tension along with gravity through these activities.
Here are some pictures of the initial brainstorming session before begining the process of construction.
And now some glimpses of the final structures or buildings:
1) Statue of Liberty and Kabba
2) Pyramid Of Giza
3) Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
4) The White House
5) The Burj Khalifa
It was gratifying to see them put all their efforts into this activity and recreate the famous strcutures in their own way with the resources they could find in class.
