Building, September 21, 2015 Daily Reflection

Toothpick structures

Toothpick structures

My family went to the Maker’s Fair this weekend. There were all types of inventions, from robotics, and welding, from steam engines, to bubbles. It is awesome to witness the creations of forward thinkers. My children really enjoyed looking at the inventions as well as taking part in the interactive creations.

One of the only activities that my children did not get to participate in was an architect table with marshmallows and toothpicks. The object of the activity is to create the tallest, and most stable structure. I told my children I would buy the materials and they could work on it at home. Yesterday, they had the chance and the picture above is the progress they were working on.

I have always been a strong proponent for creativity. If it makes your brain hurt from thinking too hard then you are right where I want you to be. We need to encourage our children and teens to be forward thinker, to use their imagination and creativity. These are the skills that will change our world in the long run. Sitting in front of a video game for 6 hours a day will not use the brain capability that making structures with marshmallows and toothpicks do in 30 minutes.

Try it with your children, teens, or students. Give them the time to think, imagine, and create.

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