Since first graders have analyzed the results of their mortar tests, they know they have to design a new mortar mixture! Each pair of first graders has created a "recipe" for the earth materials they want to use in their mixtures. They could choose different combinations of sand, clay, and soil.
The next important part comes at looking at the structure of their walls. Before students actually use the mortar mixture and rocks, it is important to know how to stack the rocks they'll use in their wallsl. In lieu of using rocks for their initial tests, first graders used Legos to build walls with blocks that were both stacked and staggered. Using a wrecking ball to test the strength of their walls, students quickly discovered that staggered walls disperse the force and stay standing a lot longer than their stacked wall counterparts!
The next important part comes at looking at the structure of their walls. Before students actually use the mortar mixture and rocks, it is important to know how to stack the rocks they'll use in their wallsl. In lieu of using rocks for their initial tests, first graders used Legos to build walls with blocks that were both stacked and staggered. Using a wrecking ball to test the strength of their walls, students quickly discovered that staggered walls disperse the force and stay standing a lot longer than their stacked wall counterparts!
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