Chapter 8: Discovery Learning and 21st Century Skills

Today in class, we designed a discovery learning task for students to complete in science class. Last week, students worked in groups to complete an Egg Drop Challenge: to use teamwork to design a container that would protect a raw egg as it falls to the ground from a height of 5-8 feet. The students were given a list of materials, and provided with detailed graphic organizers that broke down each task into simple, concrete steps. Utilizing this scaffolding, students completed this activity, although, in all three homerooms, not a single egg survived the fall in tact.

Before moving on from our materials and objects unit, we decided to try a similar task, but to remove the scaffolding, and allow the students to self group and tackle a new challenge: to design a structure out of tin foil, straws, and tape that could hold as many pennies as possible while in a tub of water without sinking. With no structure or further directions, the students were all able to complete the task. It was wonderful watching them problem solve, use trial and error, and test out hypotheses independently. In addition to cognitive problem solving skills, they also needed to utilize 21st century skills. They needed to work collaboratively and innovatively, using their imaginations to discover a solution.

At the end of the class, the room was a mess and the students were excited and proud. And, all the groups in my homeroom were successful, with all structures able to float and hold pennies- one group's structure was able to hold 217 pennies before sinking.