Kids Learn About Engineering through Working Alongside an Engineer
Today I visited a school where a group of 7 and 8 year old kids worked alongside an engineer to design and build an outdoor chess court for their school. The principal had set one up originally, but the kids were critical because the squares were black and red, and too small. They felt it should be black and white and larger.
An IPENZ competition provided the fuel for these kids to select building a new chess area for their competition entry. A local engineer volunteered his time to work through the design and specification process with the kids. They found out about using a theodolite, measuring angles, calculating dimensions and depth requirements, drawing up plans and scale diagrams, calculating and costing materials, and then assisting to carry out the work.
The chess court has recently been completed and the write up of their process submitted for the competition. Today the students were finalising a presentation about their process, and practising delivery for this week’s assembly. No doubt they will eagerly await the results of the competition, but the real benefit was obvious when talking with the kids involved about the learning that had occurred while working alongside the engineer and asking their questions.
Anyone for chess – just check out Otatara School in Invercargill. The paint is now dry.
Well done and good luck to this great group of Yr 2 & 3 students.
