This week we began a new science unit focused on structure, function, and design. We began by making a list of things that can hold water, noting the similarities in their design and structure (they all had sides and a bottom), which were connected to their function of holding water. We repeated this process for writing tools, again connecting structure to function.  We then read a version of Jack and the Beanstalk and talked about the function of the beanstalk and how this was supported by its structure. Children were given 10 pipe cleaners and challenged to create their own beanstalk, as tall as possible and strong enough to hold a plastic egg. This task can be frustrating, so before beginning we talked about what children could do if their ideas didn't work and the importance of learning from mistakes and not giving up. Most students were not successful in their first attempts and had to make significant adjustments to their original plan or completely start over while some needed inspiration from classmates. It was a great opportunity for children to practice important skills including taking risks, modifying expectations, and working through frustration, things we noted scientists must do all the time.