Teachable moments

1
Teachable moments the concept of balance

• The Kent Gardens Think Tank is a hands-on
  learning center for grades one through six.
  Students gravitate to centers activities of
  interest and are allowed time to flow and meet
  challenges. Through inquiry, students are able
  to problem solve and reflect. There are many
  teachable moments to help students identify
  concepts such as balance. A few follow.

2
Balance in Art Symmetry
Creation with magnetic tangrams.
3
Structural engineering building
Branch blocks (left) are uneven, providing
greater challenge and increased need for balance.
Strawberry baskets balance on top of others to
form a more fragile structure. Kapla blocks are
evenly sized and shaped planks that here are used
for a spiral. The Roman Arch is a challenge to
create based on a map all blocks are of similar
design and balance is required due to lack of
support.
4
Nail Challenges
Two students worked together to meet the
challenge of designing a structure where 6 nails
balance on the head of one and no nails touch the
base. The second nail challenge involves
balancing twelve nails on the head of one where
all nails must touch the base.
5
Equilibrium Mobile
This project consists of lightweight metal
structures that balance on top of others.
Balance is tested when marbles are added.
6
Teambuilding Activities
Flag House is an activity where six students hold
short poles to support balance a long pole with
a moveable weight inside of it and carry it from
point to point. In the second photo, students
are lowering a Helium Stick to the floor as a
group without force by balancing it on
fingertips. If any fingers disconnect from the
stick, the team must start again from a standing
position.