SAVE FRED!

(from an NSTA Convention presentation by Marlene Their from California)

Introduction
We all solve problems every day – from little problems like what to wear to a dance, to bigger problems like which high school should I attend. Different kinds of problems require different problem-solving approaches.

One problem can often be solved in more than one way. What do you do when you are faced with a problem?

Challenge
How can you and your partner solve a problem?

Materials
For each pair: 1 gummy worm, 1 gummy life preserver, 1 plastic cup, 4 paper clips

Save Fred!

Poor Fred! He was sailing along on a boat (your plastic cup) when a strong wind blew it upside down. Fred (your gummy worm) ended up on top of the upside-down boat. Unfortunately for Fred, his life preserver (your gummy life preserver) is still trapped under the boat. Your job is to place the life preserver firmly around Fred’s body, but you must obey three rules:

1. Fred may not fall into the “sea” (onto the table) more than two times; if he does, Fred “drowns”.

2. You may not injure him in any way.

3. You may use only the four paper clips to move Fred, the boat, and the life preserver. You may not touch anything except the paper clips.

First, you and your partner need to work out a plan.

Write your plan here as a procedure:
Did you make any changes to your plans?

Write your changes here:

Be ready to share with the group how you saved Fred!!!!