The 2016-17 school year is well underway in PLTW classrooms! Third grade has been learning about forces and they are currently building simple machines with VEX construction kits. So far, they have built a device with a wheel and axle, an inclined plane and a lever. Next up, they will be building a pulley and learning about magnetic forces. This is all in an effort to prepare them to follow the Engineering Design Process to build a compound machine that will help rescue the (toy) tiger out of the moat at the zoo!

 Students using the 3D app Inventor Publisher to build an inclined plane. Student sketch of a device that includes a wheel and axle. Students collaborate with specific job roles: iPad Keeper, Builder, Materials, Quality Control.