Brashear Teens: Design Challenge: 'Gingerbread' Houses!

Hey guys! It's Danyelle from the Hilltop. It's the holiday season and everyone knows that it's a time for fun, laughter, and treats, but learning is still a part of the process. Our teens gathered yesterday to construct their own 'gingerbread' houses from graham crackers, icing, and candies. Little did they know that it's a lot harder than it looks!

The students used the A-B-D-C-E Engineering Process to utilize their math, science, and problem-solving skills to design their houses. Students brainstormed design styles and used trial-and-error to determine adequate layering techniques and amounts of 'glue' (icing) needed to keep their houses together. Students also considered building the structures around an object for support and experimented with layering and stacking to assure it would stay standing. Even though it was pretty frustrating at times, after a few tries, they got the hang of it and some of the houses turned out pretty amazing!

Since pre-boxed kits are expensive and baking our own would be a heavy endeavor, we used graham crackers and icing instead, as well as small candies easily found in most stores. This may have made it more challenging at times, it allowed each teen to make their own to take home and enjoy. Although they were made individually, the kids really enjoyed helping each other design and decorate the houses and sharing 'tips.' Every one definitely had a great time building their sweet treats and enjoying them when they were finished. 

Join us next Wednesday for How the Grinch Stole Christmas (movie) and enjoy some Grinch 'Santa Claus'-es (fruit kabobs) and Grinch popcorn. Mark your calendars: Wed., Dec. 9, 3:30 PM at Hilltop Connects, 500 Brownsville Rd. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions! See you there!

Danyelle :)