There are a million reasons why I love my neighborhood! For one, the children (and adults) are up for any challenge, game, or project. These people are insanely creative, ultra-competitive, and collaborative.

Yesterday, while at a neighbor’s pool party, we challenged the kids to a raft-building contest. Divided into groups, the kids used 2 cups, 1 sheet of plastic wrap, 10 straws, and duct tape to create a structure that could hold the largest number of pennies without sinking.

The kids worked so well together, creating unique rafts to enter into the competition.

The penny count was intense and we had a very close contest!

You can find engineering challenges for kids (including this one!) at https://pbskids.org/designsquad/pdf/parentseducators/DS_Act_Guide_complete.pdf. There, you’ll find printable easy-to-follow instructions, materials lists, and project extensions.

***At the project’s end, you’ll want to be sure to recycle the plastic materials. Learn how to safely recycle the straws at https://get-green-now.com/recycle-plsatic-straws/. (Protect the sea turtles!)***