Problem solving in Team CB

Our enquiry focus for this half term is problem solving.  Problem solving in science involves children thinking creatively to implement a solution to a problem from a scientific perspective. It often includes and is centred on a ‘big question’ for children to investigate. Our big question in Team CB was “What is the best structure to protect an egg from breaking?”  Using a basic set of supplies, in teams the class had to collectively design and create a holder for an egg that would be dropped from a given height. The class had time to create an initial design before we went outside to test our structures. We had some success but some structures needed further refinement. As such, the class were given time to problem solve and make amendments to their design, taking what they had learned from successful designs. We then tested a second time where we had a higher rate of success in protecting the egg. To conclude the session, we discussed what structures worked best and discussed the need for “absorption”, “compactness” and “security”.