During Tuesday's discussion, we talked about the subway system. Since our room has train tracks, we decided to recreate the subway line we are most familiar with, the 7 train. I loaded up the MTA subway map and we pinpointed the 7 line. We got to building. We discussed where the last stop of the 7 train and other lines they may have been familiar with. In the end, time was not on our side as we did not complete the 7 line track. Perhaps tomorrow?
I asked them where the Twin Towers were located. They quickly told me, "New York City."
"Ahh, these building sound interesting. How can I get there to see them today?"
"They don't exist anymore. Two planes flew into it."
They knew enough. I asked if they'd like to build the Twin Towers in our building center. Everyone agreed to it. They quickly devoured their snack and started to build eagerly. Two groups were formed. One group built with straw connectors and the other group chose the path of the blocks. The straw connectors had a great start and was able to keep their structure standing. Unfortunately, the block group did not have the same result. They could not prevent their structure from falling. At the end of the class, the block group had to clean up and we were able to save the straw connector group's product for the next day.
It's a great feeling to see students who are so proud of their own work. These kids were glowing at the end of this.