Primitive Structure Science Occupies 5th Graders

Fifth grade students explored engineering, collaboration and construction as they built mini-forts using natural materials in anticipation of the Lorado Taft Trip.

Knowing the outdoor education opportunities that await students at Lorado Taft, Science teacher James Audrain works in advance to help students understand how to engineer a stable structure and work collaboratively to design, plan and build a primitive shelter in the woods. 

Teachers used a series of class experiences to help acquaint students with the tools and techniques to make this possible. Initially, teachers worked with students on builds with dowels and rubber bands, as simpler building materials allow students to more easily recognize stronger shapes and ways to assemble materials. They also worked with ropes and learned a handful of basic, practical knots. Later, students had more organic materials such as sticks, twine, bark and burlap in the classroom to “work small” and further explore ways of combining materials for structural integrity, using different knot types in the process.

Working together, students learned how to divide responsibilities, make a plan and work as a team to actualize their ideas in the classroom as a precursor to the fort-building challenges that awaited them at Lorado Taft the following week.

Enjoy photos from this learning experience here.