Bridge Engineers

This week in math, our Esprit third graders transformed into bridge engineers.  They were given two tasks to take on.  One dealt with building a bridge that was strong and another dealt with building a bridge that was long.  For each challenge, a team of children had to design, plan, and "shop" for materials. They then had to test their bridges and make any adjustments before the final test.  In the strength challenge, they had to build a bridge that could hold 50 grams and have a bridge span of 10 inches exactly. In the length challenge, they had to build a bridge that could hold 60 grams of weight, but had a bridge span of at least twenty inches!  They were able to use cardboard, popsicle sticks, newspaper, paper towel rolls, aluminum foil, straws, and lots of tape!  Be sure to ask your children how their bridges handled the challenges!  Did your child construct a beam, arch, or suspension bridge?

In our economy unit, we have been watching some videos and having some great discussions about needs vs. wants and good and services.  Can your child explain those terms to you?  As a part of the economy unit in Miss Niles' class, the children are earning "money" for doing their jobs or going above and beyond helping their classmates.  They can then use this play money to purchase items at Miss Niles' School Store!  The children have to decide each week if they want to spend their "earnings" or if they want to save for more expensive items.  Items for sale include bookmarks, pens, sticky notes, books, and even extra recess.  What is your child saving up for?

Please check the upcoming events section on our blog as the end of the year is always busy!  We will be having the Jog-a-thon on Monday so please make sure your child has sneakers.  Also, on Tuesday our third grade team is having a book swap. If you have any children's books that you no longer want hanging around your home, please send them in on Monday for our swap!  

Have a great weekend!