We wrapped up our motion unit last week with a design challenge to build a mini sled. I introduced the challenge by reading the book "Red Sled", by Lita Judge. This story, told largely through illustrations, depicts the sledding adventures of an array of forest animals. We reviewed some of the motion concepts from this unit by talking about what makes a fast sled and how various snow conditions affect the way sleds move. Students were then presented with a variety of recyclables, pipe cleaners, craft sticks, and colorful duct tape, and encouraged to use their imaginations as they designed sleds for some of our classroom animals.