Fourth Grade Engineers

Shorecrest fourth graders are exploring the exciting world of design and engineering! The unit kicked off with inspiring guest speakers—an architect, a civil engineer, and a traffic engineer—who shared how they shape our built environment.

Next, students got hands-on, testing the shapes of strength through experiments that explored key vocabulary like compression, tension, and torsion. They discovered which shapes and materials could withstand the greatest load without bending or breaking. They also investigated different structures, from beam to truss bridges.

Now, it’s time to apply their knowledge. Some students will use these principles to design and build their own functional bridges. Others will build a "hurricane" proof structure. 

Thank you to our guest experts Patrick O'Connor, Civil Engineer and Shorecrest Parent; Jason Jensen, Architect/President and CEO of Wannemacher-Jensen Architects; and Casey Shanahan and Doaa Tawabini from Keller Engineering Tampa.