Building Shelters

Ms. Conway and Ms. Kalowski's sixth graders went to Fresh Pond and the Maynard Science Center to build a 'shelter'. The classes finished the book Hatchet by Gary Paulson. It is about a boy who survives a plane crash and must survive alone in the Canadian woods. Students were divided into groups of four students and asked to build a shelter for an animal -- stuffed animal. The shelter was 'successful' when water was poured onto it, and the animal inside remained dry. The shelters were well designed and the groups worked cooperatively to accomplish the goal. The hot chocolate at the end of the mission was great! Special thanks to Susan Agger for her assistance.