Science Update: Snowshoes!

Science class and Outdoor Education are a natural place for collaboration. Nowhere is that more apparent than  when 6th graders build snowshoes and then get to use them on the trails at the Gold Creek SnoPark.

During the building process, students get to use tools like a drill press, grommet set and hammer to create their very own pair of snowshoes. (A huge shout-out goes to the many parent volunteers whose help was invaluable!)

Since 6th graders first built snowshoes at EW in 2006, each new year has brought changes to either the design, the construction process or both. This year, eight students volunteered to beta test a new binding design that we hope will make putting on the snowshoes and taking them off just a bit easier. They each constructed one snowshoe with the old binding design and one with the new, so they can compare them side by side.

We’re hoping it’s an improvement, but in science, not all experiments yield the results we expect. We’re open to surprises and certainly to the wonder and joy of three days spent with friends in the snow.