Cao Cong Weighs the Elephant - Boat Building Challenge
by Linyong Yao
Around two thousand years ago, weighing an elephant without advanced equipment posed a challenging problem. However, a clever solution was devised by a seven-year-old named Cao Cong. He ingeniously proposed using a boat as a medium to determine the weight of the elephant. This remarkable story has been passed down through generations in China, highlighting the brilliance of young minds even in ancient times. Incorporating this historical tale into a STEM challenge, students will be tasked with constructing a robust boat capable of supporting the weight of an elephant-shaped watering can filled with water.
Lesson Grade Level
5th GradeLesson Plan Link/URL
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1dSDOI_fY3a_WiCR_Y__wyK5ITRZRhltP/edit?u…Subject Area
Science Physical Science P3: Net Force Engineering S1: Engineering & Global Society S2: Apply the Engineering Design Process S3: Apply Mathematics to Engineering Mathematics Number and Operations in Base Ten (NBT) English Language Arts (ELA) Reading (Literature)
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