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Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Cardboard Construction program challenges New London students
Henry County ISU Extension and Outreach program visited the New London Library again on Tuesday, June 18. Sadie Martin and her crew arrived with Cardboard Construction challenges. The goal was to introduce students to the Engineering Design Process. Planning, designing and building are all part of the fun. The principles of Plan, Make, Test, Revise are seamlessly integrated.
After group-reading a book on architecture, the excitement began. Small groups were formed and given the task of using paper and tape to build something that would protect a Pringle from disaster. The ideas flowed and the work began. The three tests were being dropped on the floor, dropping a book on the construction and placing the construction in water. As everyone anxiously waited and watched as each group’s idea was analyzed. Two designs withstood the destructive tests.
The next challenge was to use the knowledge just gained to create a better protection device. Interestingly enough, most groups did not change their basic idea but tried to add features to their original idea and further protect their new Pringle. This time, only one group succeeded.
The final endeavor assigned to the students was to create a cardboard home. This time, students were given very strict standards. Among the standards were such features as the structure had to have two windows, a door and hold at least three students. Since this construction would involve cutting cardboard and holding it together by some means, tools were provided. The Make Do tools are plastic and include a cardboard saw and a nut driver and screws. The tools are extremely safe and reusable. Parents should investigate these products for beginner construction engineers in the family.
A huge thank you goes to Lamont Molding for generously donating the Make Do’s. The ISU team has used them in libraries all over Henry County. The ISU crew of volunteers also deserves a big thank you. They preside over super excited, noisy, enthusiastic groups with an understanding but firm hand. The summer camps are a great addition to the summer library programs.
