In this ongoing class students will be learning without even knowing it through fun hands on activities! Each lesson will begin with a mini lesson to provide background knowledge on the topic. For example- if we are building a bridge that needs to hold weight without falling, we will learn a bit about bridges and how they work before our building time begins.  If students finish during the class time, they can improve their design, begin a new design, or  present their designs to the class. Some students may want extra time to complete the challenges after class. They are welcome to post their results in the classroom.

Supplies will be listed in the classroom (and course description) each week. Students that plan to attend class often may want to create a supply basket of materials. Good things to keep on hand are straws, craft sticks, toothpicks, marshmallows, cardboard, empty containers, cardboard rolls, etc. Don’t forget the scissors and tape, keep plenty of tape on hand! Masking tape is my personal favorite, but any strong tape will do.

No prior knowledge is necessary to participate in any of the classes, join us anytime!  More topics will continue to be added.

Note: If the supply list for the week says "needed" students will need these supplies to participate.  If the supply list says "suggested" students may build with whatever they have on hand, I have just listed some ideas.

Schedule of class topics:

Week of December 31: Snowball Structures; Students will learn about strong shapes and structures.  They will then build their own strong structure using marshmallows and toothpicks. 
Needed Supplies: 30-40 mini marshmallows, 50 toothpicks, ruler (optional)
Set the marshmallows out overnight, if possible, so they are easier to build with.

Week of January 7: Build a Sled; Students will learn about how sleds work.  They will then build their own sled for a small toy to use. 
Supply Suggestions: straws, craft sticks, pipe cleaners, string/yarn, anything else you might want to use, scissors, tape, and small toy/figure (optional) 

Week of January 14: Build a Raft; Students will learn why some things sink and others float.  They will then build a raft that can float.
Supply Suggestions: straws, craft sticks, toothpicks, pipe cleaners, styrofoam scraps or pool noodle pieces, anything else you might want to use, a bowl of water, scissors, tape, and small toy/figure (optional)

Week of January 21: Build a Home for an Animal; Students will learn about the different habitats animals live in.  They will then build a home for an animal of their choosing.
Suggested Supplies: building blocks/bricks, magnet tiles, playdough, cups, popsicle sticks, straws, pipe cleaners, anything else you might want to use, scissors, and tape

Week of January 28: Cup and Craft Stick Towers; Students will learn about how tall structures are designed. They will then build a tall tower for their small toy or figure.  
Needed Supplies: 15-20 plastic cups, 20 craft sticks (large works best), and a small toy or plastic figure (optional)

Week of February 11: ; Build a Bridge; Students will learn about what makes bridges strong.  They will then build a bridge that can hold weight. 
Suggested Supplies: building blocks/bricks, magnet tiles, craft sticks with cups, marshmallows with toothpicks, anything else you might want to use.

Week of February 18: Build a Slide; Students will learn about ramps.  They will then build a slide for a small toy or figure to go down. 
Suggested Supplies: Building bricks, magnet tiles, straws, pipe cleaners, toothpicks, cardboard tubes, cardboard pieces, anything else you might want to use, scissors, and tape.