Straw Tower Challenge - STEM

Completed by 6 learners

Ages 7-12

Live Group Class

Students will think like engineers as they plan, design, and build straw towers, while meeting challenges!

Mrs. Jeanne

Average rating:

4.8

Number of reviews:

(24 reviews)

Live video meetings

2x per week, 1 week

4-9 learners per class

45 min

About Learning Overview Teacher Reviews

What's included

2 live meetings

1 hrs 30 mins in-class hours

Homework

1 hour per week. Time will be given in class to build. Students may want to spend time changing or improving their designs after class.

Class Experience

US Grade 2 - 5

Beginner - Intermediate Level

During this one time class, students will be challenged to think like an engineer.  We will begin by discussing what an engineer is and why it is important for them to assess and improve their designs as needed.  Then, students will plan, design, and build a straw tower that is capable of holding weight.  Students will be challenged specific rules for the task, and encouraged to share their design ideas with their peers.  Furthermore, after students have had time to explore their ideas, we will talk about strategies students can use to make their structures stronger.  This is a fun hands-on class that allows students to think like engineers!

Learning Goals

Students will learn plan, design, and engineer a structure.  Students will need to be problem solvers and use trial and error as they experiment with design ideas.

Other Details

Learning Needs

Hands On Class

Supply List

Students will need an area to build during this class.  A large desk, table, or floor area is recommended when setting up your computer/device for this class.
To participate in the class, students will need:
100 Straws (non-bending ones are preferred)
Masking Tape
Scissors
Ball (about the size of a baseball)
Paper
Pencil

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Meet the teacher

Mrs. Jeanne

Joined August, 2020

4.8

24reviews

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

Hello!  My name is Jeanne Schoening.  I am excited to offer courses in writing, reading, math, science, and social studies for elementary students on Outschool.  My classes will have a thematic approach and will include topics that are high interest for children.  As a result, you will often find a bit of reading or writing hiding in my science and social studies lessons.

I have been teaching for 27 years in a public school, where I am currently a second grade teacher.  I also have experience teaching Kindergarten through fifth grade students in all subject areas.  I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from Michigan State University, where I also minored in Environmental Science and History.  I also have a Master of Arts Degree in Curriculum and Teaching from Michigan State University.  Furthermore, I have countless hours of Professional Development and am always looking for ways to improve my teaching! 

I believe all children can learn, given the right encouragement and instruction, yet they all learn at their own pace.  I also believe that learning should be developmentally appropriate, with hands on activities and real world connections.  

When I am not teaching, I love to spend time with my family and travel.  I am a mom of four wonderful children, well three are actually young adults.  Together we love to camp, visit National Parks, cruise, and go to Disney (my favorite).  I am a Disney fanatic and collector, as well as a Disney College of Knowledge graduate!  

I hope to meet your child in my virtual classroom soon!