Our classes are enjoying lots of brainstorming, planning and constructing using all sorts of construction materials such as duplo, wooden blocks, lego, k'nex junior, k'nex, marble runs, First Lego League sets, Lego Spike kits and even jelly this week!
We have lots of CETNS parents visiting our classes who work in the field of Engineering. Stephen (Sinéad’s Dad) visited First Class. He told us about his job as an electrical engineer and answered all of our questions about engineering.
First Class completed an engineering challenge in groups. Each group had to try and make a slow marble run. Our winning groups’ marble took 32 seconds to complete the marble run! Imaginative 3D playgrounds were constructed. The classes also enjoyed k'nex junior creativity!
Our 2nd class had 'fun with forces' as they explored the force of gravity using marble run sets. They are also reading two engineering books this week - 'Rosie Revere Engineer' and 'How do Bridges Work?'.
For engineering week, 4th class have been learning about earthquakes -
"We now know that they are caused by movement of the Earth’s tectonic plates. We saw on a map that countries on the Pacific Ocean lie on the ring of fire and are prone to the most earthquakes. Countries like Japan can experience up to 1500 earthquakes each year. We studied how Japanese engineers take measures to ensure buildings are safe from the shockwaves.
We discovered that a wide base and deep foundations add stability to the structure and X shape supports prevent the building from twisting and make it stronger. Thin walls with steel bars help to reduce movement of the building and shock absorbers at the base can absorb shockwaves produced by an earthquake. Our teacher then set us a challenge to design and build our own earthquake proof structure. Using toothpicks and marshmallows we constructed 3D structures and simulated an earthquake by carefully placing our buildings into jelly and shaking the tray for 20 seconds. Thankfully all of our buildings were safe and sound and survived!
We also observed famous landmarks around the world and learned that on St. Patrick's Day many countries around the world light up their famous landmarks green to mark the special occasion. We each chose one landmark and researched its features on the iPads. We then sketched and coloured the landmarks green in preparation for Seachtain na Gaeilge."
Lots of our middle & senior classes are undertaking a special challenge called the 'Great Book Race Challenge' this week to tie in with World Book Day. They have been tasked with constructing a vehicle that will securely carry a book using k'nex sets! The completed vehicles are then put to the ultimate test in the class 'Great Book Race!'.
Our 6th class students are also undertaking a very complex engineering feat this week- assembling and setting up our new school 3D printer!
Watch this space for updates as the week goes on!