UNVEILING THE MAGIC OF LEVERS AND RUBE GOLDBERG MACHINES : A FOURTH GRADE ADVENTURE AT THE BRENTWOOD EDUCATION STUDIO
In the heart of our middle-high school , we ’ ve recently unveiled a new learning studio , with a treasure trove of learning opportunities , where young minds ignite with curiosity and innovation . Thanks to the support of the Martinson Family Foundation and in partnership with Penn State University , the newest addition to our educational landscape , the STEM Education Studio is shaping the future of learning for students . In a recent visit to the studio , we witnessed an inspiring journey of discovery as students delved into the world of levers and Rube Goldberg machines , uncovering valuable lessons that will resonate far beyond the classroom through virtual instruction from pre-service teachers remotely from Penn State . Illyas Bellamane said , " It was a lot of fun learning from the teachers on the tablet ."
LESSON 1 : THE MECHANICS OF LEVERS
As Mrs . Dobson ’ s fourth grade students joined us in the lab , none of us were quite sure what to expect . Their excitement peaked as they were greeted by iPads set up for small groups to receive remote instruction from their pre-service teachers on Zoom . Each group participated in a different lesson , working with varied materials to understand levers through hands-on exploration of the mechanics behind these simple yet powerful machines , gaining a deep understanding of how they amplify force and facilitate movement . “ We ’ re doing so good ,” one student commented throughout the morning , “ We ’ re having fun !”
This lesson would be followed for two consecutive weeks building on this knowledge to create Rube Goldberg machines with their enthusiastic pre-service teachers . With each successful experiment , their confidence soared , laying the foundation for future exploration .
LESSONS 2 AND 3 : UNLEASHING CREATIVITY WITH RUBE
GOLDBERG MACHINES
With their newfound knowledge of levers as a springboard , students embarked on an exhilarating journey into the whimsical world of Rube Goldberg machines . Inspired by the legendary cartoonist ' s intricate contraptions , they worked with their pre-service Zoom teachers , set out to design and build their own chain reactions , fueled by creativity and imagination .
Noel Jett said , " I liked building the projects ! It was fun using the dominoes , paper , rulers , and books to create a path for the marble to run down and hit the bell ."
Equipped with everyday materials and boundless ingenuity , students transformed the hub into a bustling workshop , where innovation knew no bounds . With the flick of a lever , their creations sprang to life , weaving together a symphony of motion and marvel . Kaleah Villa said , " Building was my favorite ! Me and my partner tied a bell around blocks and let the marble run down to hit it ."
LOOKING AHEAD : NURTURING TOMORROW ' S INNOVATORS
Thanks to the generosity of the Martinson Family Foundation , our students can continue to experiences learning in this way in our newly equipped space . Mrs . Dobson shared the following about her experience , “ I am appreciative for the opportunity for my students to connect with Penn State pre-service teachers and engage in STEM related activities . Each week , my students looked forward to seeing what they were going to create , and I was excited to see them engage in the engineering design process .” With new opportunities like this , our students will be not only equipped with the knowledge and skills to thrive in an ever-changing world but also filled with a sense of wonder and curiosity that will propel them towards limitless possibilities . rentwood Borough
SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
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