In order to demonstrate the Big Idea, "Things are more stable when different elements are in the correct or best possible proportions", grade 6 students made a number of things such as a bridge made of spaghetti, Guacamole and Smoothies! The different learning activities provided an engaging and exciting experience to introduce the students to their new unit, Balance, based around the Big Idea.
Unit: Balance
Big Idea: Things are more stable when different elements are in the correct or best possible proportions.
Some of our 6th graders decided to put their design and construction skills to the test by building a spaghetti bridge using only limited materials. They were tasked with testing the stability of their structure by placing a 1Kg bag of salt on it. The bridge stayed intact and they were delighted to have succeeded in their task and demonstrate the big idea that Things are more stable when different elements are in the correct or best possible proportions!
“This was the funnest Entry Point we have done” Carlos
Another group of students made smoothies and experimented with a range of ingredients. Mr. Muller, and some brave 11th grade students volunteered to taste their smoothies. As you can see below there were mixed reactions.
The students learned that to make a good smoothie, it was best to have some ‘secret ingredients’ and some included cinnamon and all spice in their recipes. Others put frozen bananas which made the smoothies much sweeter. Yummy! They successfully demonstrated the Big Idea.
“I thought it was very fun and inclusive because people were split up into small groups.” -- Victoria
“I feel like it was really fun making the smoothie and the last two entry points were really fun! It was fun to make things instead of just talking about them.” -- Johanna
Another team of students decided to make guacamole. There were mixed reviews as to the winners but all judges agreed that both were delicious! Each team carefully and meticulously chopped their ingredients and some accidentally observed that Hot Sauce is a good ingredient! They continued to taste their guacamole until they made the perfect combination. Unfortunately they cannot remember the proportions of ingredients they used in their recipe, but nonetheless they were able to demonstrate that Things are more stable when different elements are in the correct or best possible proportions.
“I loved it! I learned how to guacamole and it also gave me a good explanation of what we will do in the next unit.” -- Tim
"The Entry Point was awesome because it was very interactive!" -- Iggy
“It wasn’t like, ‘Our new unit is 'Balance' and here are some worksheets to work on.’ It was actually fun!” -- Keo
