The Zipline Project

The Zipline Project was started by a student in our class (S.S.).  He began building a zipline in the block center and his creation sparked interest in the other children.

He was joined by several other children about five minutes into his construction of the zipline.  The children discussed what a zipline is and ones they have seen.  One student (M.P.) told the group that he had been on a zipline over water and landed in water.  The group found this very interesting.
Another child (A.F.) told the group that he went on a zipline when he was a baby.  His comment brought up a discussion about if ziplines are safe for babies.

S.S. invited the children to join him on his construction of the zipline.  More and more children were drawn to the project as the children worked.

During the construction of the project, a child asked what they were building.  The group explained that they were building a zipline.  She asked them what is a zipline.  The children began to describe and create a definition for zipline.

M.P. - "Zipline is something that goes very high up."
S.S. - "Yes.  From one place to another place."
A.H. - "It is a rope."
M.P. - "You get attached to it and then you kind of fall down it.  Not fall off.  Like swing.  Not really swing.  Like you go down the rope."
S.S. - "It is scary and fun."
G.R. - "Mrs. Mahern, can you find pictures of ziplines on the computer?"

The children looked at the pictures of ziplines on the computer.
A.H. - "That one goes from trees."
G.R. - "That one goes so high."
M.P. -  "See it goes over water."
S.S. - "I'm making that one."

"I am making a blueprint for the zipline."

The group children worked together to create their zipline using blocks.

The interest in ziplines spread to the entire class and the children asked if they could all make ziplines.  

The children choose groups and together planned and designed their zipline.

We created a small zipline for the teddy bear during free play.

During small group time, the children met with their group and constructed their zipline.

Indiana Learning Foundations

SC4.1: Demonstrate engineering design skills

SC5.1: Demonstrate scientific curiosity

APL4.1: Demonstrate development of social interactions during play

APL3.1: Demonstrate development of sustained attention and persistence

APL2.1: Demonstrate development of flexible thinking skills during play

APL1.2: Demonstrate interest and curiosity as a learner

ELA3.1: Demonstrate mechanics of writing

ELA1.3: Demonstrate ability to engage in conversations

ELA1.2: Demonstrate expressive communication

M5.2: Understand measurement through description and comparison