Fourth-grade students at Pine Bush Elementary had a very interesting project recently that involved some serious planning, engineering, building and reflection.

The students have been studying the scientific method, testing their hypothesis and afterwards reviewing the results and determining why it was successful or not.

 

 

Here was their challenge: build a structure that will protect a water balloon when tossed from the second floor of a building.

The students were given a list of materials that could be used. All construction was done at home. There were lots of cotton balls, shoe boxes, duct tape, even some paper bags used as parachutes to help slow the descent of the device.

 

Before the big event, each student presented to the class their theory of why their project would be successful. They explained what they used and why they believe it will work.

 

Principal Eric Winter stood in the second floor window in the back of the school as the students, class by class, waited with much anticipation for their device to be tossed. There were cheers when a student opened their concoction to find an intact water balloon. There were groans when water leaked from projects as they landed on the pavement below.

 

 

 

The next step was for the students to record their results and discuss why their hypothesis worked or didn’t.

 

Such an excellent hands-on experiment for the students!