The Gumdrop Challenge

Many second grade classes at Claxton Elementary and Isaac Dickson Elementary have participated in the gumdrop challenge! Using only gumdrops and toothpicks, students must work in teams to build a structure that can support a given amount of weight. We have used everything from a small pumpkin to a reading textbook to test the strength of these structures.

Prior to building, students reviewed the importance of embracing challenges and brainstormed strategies for overcoming frustration. Students also received a mini-lesson on shapes in engineering, and they learned to use triangles to strengthen their designs.

All participants did a great job of thinking like engineers and demonstrating perseverance! Check out the photos below to see some of their awesome designs.

#IDES #Claxton