Building Bridges

On Wednesday second graders began their engineering science unit, Building Bridges.  We learned what forces (pushes and pulls) act on any given structure.  We learned the difference between "stable" and "sturdy" as we applied forces to two different structures (metal bolts on one, and wind on another). We then talked about ways to modify and improve the structures to withstand the additional force.  Ask your child about these experiments. 

Today we built three different types of bridges (beam, arch and deep beam) and determined which one was the strongest.  Again, ask your child which one we predicted would hold the most weight and which one actually did.  Our next writing unit is integrated into this science, as we learn how to write a lab report.  

We have also spent some time reviewing much of what we have learned about the continents, oceans and landmarks of the world.