Eighth-graders in technology class at Dodd took part in a real-life engineering simulation, as they were tasked with displaying their problem solving, creativity and collaborating skills.
In small groups, students were required to design and build a structure that could support the weight of a textbook for at least 10 seconds. In the event of a tie, the highest textbook would win. To complete the activity, each group was given 30 toothpicks, 10 Starburst candies, 10 Twizzler bites and 12 gumdrops as building materials. At the conclusion of the activity, the class tested each structure and discussed what worked and did not work.
