The Challenge:
Children were given three sheets of paper and asked:
“Make the tallest standing tower you can.”
Struggle Phase (5 minutes):
Most children simply stacked flat sheets. The towers fell quickly.
Some tried rolling the paper but did not secure it; some crushed it; some gave up after the first fall.
Mini-Lesson / Turning Point:
I asked:
“Why did your tower fall?”
“What shape can help it stand?”
Then I demonstrated one idea—rolling the paper tightly and taping the cylinder.
Second Try:
Children made cylinders, triangles, and combined shapes. Many towers stood much taller.
Evidence:
Before the tip: Only 2 out of 15 towers stood for more than 5 seconds.
After the tip: 11 out of 15 towers stood tall and stable.
A student said, “Round is strong! My tower is like a pillar!”
Takeaway:
Struggle helped children invent shapes. A small hint unlocked understanding of strength and stability.
3rd Reflection- The Fast Boat Challenge – Floating and Moving
The Challenge:
Children were given foil, straws, and tape.
Task: “Make a boat that can float AND move when blown.”
Struggle Phase:
Some boats sank, some flipped, and some did not move at all.
Mini-Lesson:
Questions asked:
“What made it sink?”
“What shape helps it float?”
Then I modelled a simple idea—making a flat base and folding the edges upward.
Second Try:
Children made wider bases, lighter shapes, and better “sails.”
Evidence:
Before: 4 out of 20 boats floated and moved.
After: 15 out of 20 boats succeeded.
Child quote: “I made it light, so it zooms!”
Takeaway:
Children learned through mistakes that shape and weight affect floating.
Bhawna Jalan
Sunbeam Annapurna
