Program Highlights
Give your students a strong foundation and build their interest in science with the Structures program. The program, led by Museum interpreters, is designed to support Grade 3 Science curriculum outcomes for the Materials and Structures unit. During the program, students engage in activities that explore how shape, and the forces of compression, tension and gravity act on structures. Students then put theory to the test by building their own structures in small groups, using Zomes® construction components. The challenge: to work as a team and build the tallest structure that will stand up on its own, with the time and resources provided.
Curriculum Outcome Links
Outcome 3: Students will construct a structure safely to meet certain established criteria.
- Ask questions about materials and structures
- Observe and describe various structures both natural and built
- Build a structure thinking about shape, strength, stability, and / or balance
- Test the strength of the structure
Duration
90 minutes
Program Capacity
2 classes (60 students maximum)
1 chaperone for every 10 students
Availability
September – June
Program Outline
Arrival: Bathroom, hang up coats
5 Minutes: Welcome and Introduction
Students are given an orientation to the Museum and the Structures program
20 minutes: Gravity, tension, compression and shape in structures
Students are introduced to how shapes, and the forces of tension and compression, are used to strengthen structures and overcome the force of gravity.
45 minutes: Building structures in small groups
Students are divided into small groups, and begin building 2- and 3-dimensional shapes using Zomes® components. Small groups are then challenged to build the tallest Zomes® structure possible that will stand up on its own. Students must work together to solve problems they encounter
10 minutes: Evaluation of structures
Student-built structures are measured for height. Students discuss some of the problems they encountered, and what they did to solve them
5 minutes: Clean-up
5 minutes: Conclusion and dismiss
Information and Reservations
To reserve your program, please call: (902) 755-5425 or email andrew.k.phillips@novascotia.ca
Registration will begin in September. We encourage you to book early!