Session 1:
Session 2:
Session 3:
In this 3-part series participants will experiment with designing towers, bridges, and launchers using simple materials, most of which can be found in your home. Each session will begin with a warm-up activity, and will revolve around a different principal - balance, strength, and motion – through fun, hands-on design activities. While there’s a progression of challenge across the 3 workshops each session stands alone, so you can register for 1 or all 3. This series is designed for ages 8-12; for maximum fun and success participants are encouraged to come with a friend or family member to brainstorm and collaborate with! Please note materials needed for each session. (For illustration purposes links have
been added to some of the materials.) You may sign up for each session invidually.
Session 1
Four Engineering Challenges
Thursday November 5, 3:00-4:30 pm
We’ll informally explore balance and tower design using simple materials. How tall can you go?
Materials needed:
Box of 3 oz Dixie cups
Pack of 1 inch wooden cubes
Pack of craft sticks
Paper and pencil
Session 2
Toothpick Bridges
Thursday November 12, 3:00-4:30 pm
We’ll experiment with different bridge designs to see how much weight they can hold. How strong is your bridge?
Materials needed:
2 sturdy tall cups of the same height
Several sheets of construction paper
1 box sturdy toothpicks
1 bag gum drops
A few 3oz Dixie cups
4 rolls of pennies
Paper and pencil
Session 3
Marshmallow Launchers
Thursday November 19, 3:00-4:30 pm
We’ll explore motion through designing a device that will launch a marshmallow. How far can your marshmallow fly?
Materials needed:
4 large paper clips
8 craft sticks
2 feet of string
1 pink eraser
4 thumb tacks or push pins
4 rubber bands
1 pair of scissors
A ruler or measuring tape
2 marshmallows
Paper and pencil
Register for each session at separately at:
These classes are free for participants and will be presented via Zoom. After registration, you will receive the Zoom connection link.
Instructor Jacqueline Labate:
Jacqueline Labate is a veteran educator and owner of Galusha Hill Consulting, which offers customized professional development in mathematics, science, and literacy to schools across the US. She is also the founding director of The Growing Peace Project, a peacemaking, social justice, and youth activism educational nonprofit.