Learning Through Productive Struggle: Classroom Reflections on Stability and Floating - Bhawna Jalan

 

2nd Reflection- Paper Tower Challenge – Building Stability

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.

4th Reflection- The Rolling Ramp – Speed & Slope

The Challenge:
Materials: Cardboard ramps, toy cars, books.
Task: “Make the car go the fastest.”

Struggle Phase:
Some cars stopped midway, and some fell off the ramp.

Mini-Lesson:
Questions:
“What happens if the ramp is higher?”
“Why did this car stop?”
I showed how changing the slope changes speed.

Second Try:
Children adjusted the ramp height and made smoother paths.

Evidence:
Before: Only 6 cars reached the end
After: 16 cars reached the end quickly

Child quote:
“Higher ramp = faster car!”

Takeaway:
Children learned that slope affects speed and movement.

5th Reflection -The Tall Tower Test – Balance & Stability

The Challenge:
Children were given paper cups, ice-cream sticks, and clay.
Task: “Build the tallest tower that can stand on its own.”

Struggle Phase:
Some towers fell immediately, some leaned, and some broke in the middle.

Mini-Lesson:
Questions asked:
“Why did it fall?”
“Where should the base be strong?”
I demonstrated making a wide base and adding support at the bottom.

Second Try:
Children focused on wider bases, even spacing, and stronger joints.

Evidence:
Before: 5 out of 18 towers stood for 10 seconds
After: 14 out of 18 towers stood firmly

Child quote:
“If the bottom is strong, the top can be tall!”

Takeaway:
Children discovered that balance and base strength affect stability.

Bhawna Jalan
Sunbeam Annapurna

Defender of our borders: A salute to Indian soldiers - Punita Chouhan

In the honour of our Indian soldier today I want to share a poem. 

Words can never describe.

What a soldier and his sacrifice.

They put on hold their dreams and lives.

They die so that we can survive.

They are the most disciplined persons.

On them, depend.

The security and stability of our nation s,

They are the true son of our country,

Who fight to protect is from all the enemies

They are the real heroes of the nation, serving the motherland is their only passion.

Whether it's the blood-freezing cold 

Or the scorching sun's rays,

They are protecting us without holidays. 

They are the pride of our nation,

Their life is a source of inspiration.

Away from the mother, kids and wife 

They are fulfilling their duty for the sake of our life.

We are grateful to the mothers

Who gives birth to these soldiers,

We are obliged to the wives and kids.

Who sacrifice their rights for national deeds

Punita Chouhan

The Fabindia School

pch@fabindiaschools.in