Can you build a ramp and a vehicle that rolls?

Today's challenge was two-part. First the teams were told to build a ramp. We discussed what a ramp is and gave a few examples. We did not say how big it needed to be or what they would be using on the ramp. 

Some teams completed this part rather quickly while others debated what materials to use for the ramp. This was the first time they were not given specific materials for a challenge. 

After each team had constructed a ramp they were told the next part of the challenge was to build a vehicle that rolls down the ramp. We discussed the difference between sliding and rolling. The kiddos had several examples of what a vehicle might be: dirt bike, Jeep, electric scooter, car....

To build the vehicles they were given lifesavers, index cards, coffee stirrers, thin wooden sticks, popscicle sticks, two different size straws, tape, and scissors. They tested their vehicles as they built. 

In the end we had a variety of vehicles that successfully rolled down the ramps. 

We used one large ramp to test each group's vehicle as a class. 

Finally, we raced the vehicles to see which made it down first. 

The most challenging part was agreed by all- getting the wheels to stay on yet also roll. 

The best part was watching the vehicle successfully roll down the ramp and was also agreed by all. 

I asked what they learned and I heard- 

Never give up

Listen to your teammates

Learn from mistakes