This week in our class we dove into the topic Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies (ADST), which is in the BC Curriculum for all Grades. ADST can be integrated across all subject areas, and teachers are encouraged to connect with their local resource centre to learn more about how it can be incorporated and to explore the resources available within their district. As a class, we were introduced to and watched Rube Goldberg creation videos. We were then tasked with creating our own Rube Goldberg inspired creation. Our Instructor put us into groups of three with the only instructions being: 5 transitions, must use a wheel and axel, must use a pulley, and the goal was to ring a bell. We got straight to work. After we completed our Rube Goldberg inspired machines, we did a gallery walk where each team shared their think process, struggles, and then did a run through of their circuit. Here is a video of my groups creation and how it worked!

This almost worked perfectly, but technically did not use a wheel and axel as our car did not move. I am very happy and proud of my group for how well we worked together and changed our minds and bounced ideas off of each other. An integral part of being curious, be open to new ideas! And try, try again, try again and again and again.

Curricular Connections:

We received this sheet before creating our machines and used it to relate the BC grade 5 curriculum – Simple Machines.

AHA Moment:

This was such a fun, hands on learning experiment that I want to provide my future students with. Every group had such a different machine that worked just as well. The power of people together is better than alone. As mentioned in my Asters and Goldenrod post, when we work together, we can make the world a better place.