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Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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Fellow travelers,
We currently  have a wonderful, well received, "elegant" program on
inventions. Using Googolplex, the students have to "invent" some sort of
transportation device to transport a load of textile artifacts. It is
inquiry, it is fun, it uses a material unfamiliar to them that they like
to manipulate.  So what is the problem? The company went under several
years ago, and we have exhausted the world of its spare parts.
Hence, the need to re-invent inventions.
The activity needs to be inquiry based, not something the schools would
do (otherwise, why the field trip?), suitable for grades 5-8, has to fit
within an 80 minute time slot and preferably "compressible" to
accommodate the schools that arrive late, has to be fun and compelling,
& demonstrate the engineering design process. Forces & Motions is in our
state standards grades 6-8, and energy is in the engineering and
technology standards 6-8.
We have looked at all types of building materials.  I am intrigued with
solving an energy problem, but the activities I have looked at either
take too long or are simple follow the directions, not student driven to
"invent."  The kids need to be in charge of what they come up with.
My brain has gone numb with this problem, and I have a gut feeling that
I am missing a simple answer because I have made it so complicated, and
so I turn to all of you because I know you know what makes, as Bernie
Zubrowski says, " the playful educational experience." You may reply off
list, if you wish.
Thanks,
bp

--
Beverly Hill Perna, Ed.D.
Museum Education Specialist
Tsongas Industrial History Center
115 John Street
Lowell, MA  01852
Phone: 978-970-5080
Fax:  978-970-5085

A collaboration of the Graduate School of Education,
 University of Massachusetts/Lowell
and Lowell National Historical Park
http://www.uml.edu/tsongas

"Together we achieve the extraordinary."

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