Grade 3: Shaking Up Science
How can engineers help protect people from natural disasters? Grade 3 students explored that question with Lower School Science Teacher Ms. Elise de Geus by designing and testing model structures.
The unit connected geography and earth science with engineering. Third graders learned about tectonic plates and Earth’s different climates, then considered how engineers plan and test designs to protect communities.
For their earthquake challenge, students studied earthquake-resistant structures in San Francisco and Japan before designing their own buildings. They tested their models on shake tables, platforms that simulate an earthquake’s ground movement, to see how well their structures held up.
“I love watching kids use real-life designs to inspire their own engineering,” Ms. de Geus said. “Also, the shake tables are just so much fun!”
Students also explored hurricane engineering and will tackle avalanche protection next.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing how the third graders use their background knowledge about avalanches and skiing when designing their avalanche protection systems,” Ms. de Geus said.
Each challenge helps students understand how testing a small model can inform a larger design, connecting their classroom work to the ways engineers keep people safe.
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
