Chinese New Year

In 4th grade enrichment, we are studying China and had fun celebrating Chinese New Year a few weeks ago.  The students solved some mathematical riddles related to the Chinese Zodiac, practiced using chopsticks, and created "Dancing Lions."

The Tower Puzzle

In 5th grade enrichment, we have been learning about combinatorics and the different numbers of combinations that possibilities have.  Here's a sample problem:  At the sandwich shop, you can choose wheat, white, or rye bread.  You must order 1 (but only 1) meat and can choose from ham, turkey, or roast beef.  You can also choose whether you want mustard, mayo, lettuce, and tomato.  How many different sandwich combinations are possible?  ANSWER: 144 (3 x 3 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2)

The "tower puzzle" (related to the Tower of Hanoi myth) is also a type of combinatorics problem.  Go to this link and try to solve each puzzle in the minimum number of moves.

Engineering

As a part of our McWane Center project in 5th grade, we have been learning more about what engineers do and the engineering design process.  Check out these links to learn more about engineering or to discover fun engineering activities you can do at home, with your parents' permission of course!

Discover Engineering

Engineering for Kids

PBS Zoom Activities