Problem Based Learning at Paine

During the third trimester at Paine Elementary second graders explored land forms, land masses and changes to land in their science unit using STEMscopes and Mystery Science.  To wrap up the unit for the trimester, students completed a PBL (Project Based Learning) activity.  Students were given the task of designing a barrier that would prevent erosion of sand due to wind and water.

The Task

Are you ready for a spirited competition on the beautiful beaches of California? Welcome to the Annual Sand Castle Days Competition. Every year during the Sand Castle Competition, there are teams whose castles are destroyed before they are finished, due to water and wind. You will be a part of a design team of experts who will design a barrier system to protect the sand castles from the natural forces of wind and water and the erosional destruction they could cause during the competition.  The barrier system protecting your sand castle must be made from any appropriate materials that are free and recyclable.  Be prepared as a team to explain why your design will be effective in preventing wind and water erosion.

The second graders used moss, plastic cups, foam plates, pebbles and popsicle sticks to create barriers to prevent the sand from blowing or washing away.  The majority of the models created by the students helped prevent erosion from either wind or water.  Students were more successful in preventing wind erosion, but one team was also able to completely prevent water erosion as well.

Second grade teacher, Mrs. Findley, reported, "All of the teams' explanations were excellent.  I was very proud of them and their application of what they learned this trimester.  I made brief videos of all of the teams explaining their design and why/how they thought their design would prevent erosion and sent them to their parents."