{"id":5624,"date":"2019-12-20T14:31:55","date_gmt":"2019-12-20T14:31:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/dg\/portpatrickprimary\/?p=5624"},"modified":"2019-12-20T14:31:55","modified_gmt":"2019-12-20T14:31:55","slug":"christmas-stem-challenge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/dg\/portpatrickprimary\/?p=5624","title":{"rendered":"Christmas STEM Challenge"},"content":{"rendered":"

Our naughty elves, Elvis and Coco, said goodbye to the boys and girls today.\u00a0 Before they departed for the North Pole, they left the children a present of gingerbread house building kits.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The school divided into small teams and got stuck in with their construction and design skills.\u00a0 The children quickly realised that patience and a steady hand was required to complete the challenge.\u00a0 They had to consider what edible materials they could use to ‘glue’ the sections together. Whilst they were waiting for the structures to stabilise, the boys and girls decorated gingerbread figures to enjoy at morning break.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Design and decoration skills were then put into action to create a pleasing, sweet treat pattern finish to their home decor.<\/span><\/p>\n

Throughout the task, a range of soft skills were applied, such as discussion, idea sharing, encouragement and cooperation.\u00a0 Even when there was a collapse or two, the children demonstrated perseverance with a smile.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

At the end of the challenge, ever team had successfully constructed a fine, free standing gingerbread house fit for any elf to live in.<\/span><\/p>\n

Each group’s entry was entered into a competition where 1st, 2nd and 3rd place were awarded on the basis of criteria such as stability, resilience and presentation. Names were put into a hat and drawn for a lucky pupil to take their team’s entry home.<\/span><\/p>\n

# Successful learners<\/span><\/p>\n