Today was the 2nd build day for our package engineering project. We analyzed our cookie from the first build using the rubrics we created. Then we decided on the final score for build 1 using the package rubric. After that we walked around and looked at other groups ideas. Then they redesigned their package.

Winter Holiday Party

Please remember to send your child to school tomorrow with their 19 "Santa" treats!  Thank you!

Heifer International Community Service Project

Check out the cute refrigerator magnets our 2nd graders have made to raise funds for Heifer International. We are raising money to purchase honey bees for families in other countries. If you would like to purchase your child's magnet, please send a $2 donation for our cause. All magnets will be on sale Thursday evening from 5:00-7:00 during our choir concerts.

Today in engineering we created our cookie packaging.  They had to purchase their supplies and the cost of their packages determines a score on their rubric. 
After building we watched a video showing what packages go through when they are shipped.  Then we put our cookie packages through similar tests.  We then analyzed how our packages did using the rubric.  We discussed what worked well and what didn't so we can gather information for our improve stage. 

Then we discussed what was source reduction and why it is an important part of the job for a package engineer.

Then they were given all of the other optional materials for their design. They looked at the properties of the materials and then applied those properties to how it will function in the package design.

As a group we worked to analyze a sports water bottle with a pop top and grip. We had to analyze the qualities or characteristics of the package and identify how they make the bottle a good match for the product and the consumers. We filled in a Analyze a Package Chart to complete this task.

Then we discussed how each of the functions of packages is shown with the water bottle. But we talked about how this is not always true with all packages.

They worked with groups to analyze another package. Each group was given a package. They had to examine their item and then make a an Analyze a Package sheet for their package.

Package Engineering

Mr. Loftice from FedEx came to discuss package engineering with us. 

Grapevine Tour

Coding

Today we got to Skype with Aaron Pigeon, an engineer and coder.  He talked to us about how he codes and explained how to does it in his job.

And we got to ask him questions.

Magnet Kite Flying

Our engineering challenge was to build a kite that used a magnet to fly instead of air.

Magnets

We explored magnets today in magnet stations.