C

This week we made structures out of toothpicks and gum drops. Students were given a limited quantity of gum drops and toothpicks and were instructed to make something that could hold a heavy spiral notebook. Students planned their designs on paper and were then given the materials once their designs were "approved." Many of the students did preliminary tests to find that their structures were not adequate. We then did a demonstration of strong shapes (triangles versus squares) and the students were allowed to redesign. Overall, the activity went well, but it was frustrating at times. Many of the structures did not hold and it was difficult to stay focused when most the students were more interested in eating their structures than testing them!