Patricia Dianto

Dam Challenge Reflection

Fifth graders were asked to design and construct a dam using the provided
materials to hold back water without leaking. Prior to the STEM lab, students
worked in their classrooms on various activities with constructive and
destructive forces. The assessment for this challenge was the finished
product. Time was built in to allow students to make adjustments to their
dams if they did not successfully hold back water. Students worked in
random groups according to the color of their apron. Even though students
had time to make adjustments to their dam if they were not successful, some
groups still were not successful in their construction. During our closing, we
discussed as a group what they may have done differently in order to be
successful. Some students thought they should have been given different
materials to use. One group said they would like to have used a glue gun to
secure the craft sticks. This was the second time fifth graders came to the
lab for this school year. In order to prevent problems with group work,
students were each assigned a role. Next year, I would allow more time for
students to write and reflect in their science journals. Some teachers were
using journals, but I did not plan enough time for students to write in them.
Not all teachers go back to the classroom and allow time for reflection.