Thinking Outside The Box in the MS
The Grade 8s have been engaged in learning about the Design Cycle and how engineers as well as designers are constantly engaging in planning, creating, re-developing and prototyping.
Over the past month, our focus has been on how to think outside of the box and redevelop objects that they are already familiar with. Our first redesign was developing the longest paper chain. They were given 5 pieces of paper and 30 cm of tape to create the longest chain. We defined a chain as having more than one link, and each link being a loop of material. They could trade paper for tape and vice versa. The goal was to have them think about how they could use a limited amount of materials, what defines a chain, how they can work with or without tape to create links, as well as how best to cut the paper for maximum link creation.
On average, the classes were able to create chains that ranged between 17 and 23 feet. The longest chain created was 62 feet long, utilizing a thin cut spiral that turned the entire sheet into one long piece of paper. They traded all but 5 cm of their tape in for more paper. These projects demonstrated their ability to critically assess and problem solve in a creative way.
Our most recent unit was learning about paper airplanes and the different models that exist. After test flying the models, each group decided on one to re-design using paper clips and changes to the wings to see if they could get it to fly further and straighter; redesign in action. Stay tuned for the next update on what our Grade 8 students are up to in Design Technology!
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
