Design Challenge

We all had a great time at the Design Challenge at the science center. There were lots of other kids there (50-60 per session) from different schools and most of them seemed to be around 10 years old. Aiden and Zoë had no trouble meeting each challenge. They were given a piece of foam track (1/2 of a piece of foam pipe insulation), a cardboard toilet paper roll, masking tape, a tin can, and 2 marbles. The first challenge was to create a ski jump making sure some part of the track was touching the ground. Once the marble landed in the can two times in a row, they could move on to the second challenge. The other challenges were to make a longer "jump", make a track with a loop, and finally to design a track with at least two sets of hills and valleys. We all ran out of time on the last challenge, but they would have finished it if they had a few more minutes. They just got the marble into the can for the first time when time was called.

I got to play the roll of tape dispenser. I refused to help them in any way except giving them pieces of tape, and twice when they were having problems I did say "remember Newton's first law of motion" and they would quickly rearrange things without any other assistance. I was very proud of their teamwork, determination, and ability to use what we've been learning. They really are amazing!

After the challenge we spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the science center. We could have spent all day in their new lab doing experiments. If you haven't been to that part, you really should check it out! The experiments are all on touch screen computers with clear directions. Neither of the kids needed help. Aiden created DNA using wheat germ and Zoë solved a crime by figuring out which pen was used to write a ransom note. There were probably six other experiments that they could do, but we were running out of time and hadn't eaten lunch yet!

If I was ever questioning our choice to home school, it's days like that I'm reminded how different the kids are and how they are much better served being at home and learning at their own pace. It seemed like every new thing we did that day opened my eyes to their abilities, how much they've learned, and how I actually make a good teacher for them. Sure, I constantly feel like the house is a mess and I have a giant list of things to do, but overall we are a much happier family now, and that is much more important.