We are studying the Industrial Revolution right now and today’s assignment was for the boys to make a working steam engine. After much discussion about what is needed as far as materials, supplies and resources I showed them this picture and yelled, “GO!”
(Sorry it’s fuzzy.)
So they looked at the picture for a long time and then one headed to the garage and one to the pantry. They decided that Austin would make the engine half and Keeve would make the propeller. Aus asked if he could empty a can of chicken broth and proceeded to poke a small hole with a nail. But, as you know, without two holes, it takes FOREVER to get the broth out. But patience is being learned along with resourcefulness. I was wondering how he was going to get the water back in the little hole???? They are so smart.
Next, the fire. I can’t believe they thought of using the camping lantern! Ingenious. A constant flame that can be controlled (not like a candle or lighter). Then there was the malfunctioning plastic propeller that was replaced with a tin one. They had some smoke alarm issues so they moved outdoors and then had wind issues. But eventually it worked! Yeah!
And the little engine that could… did.
Keeve has been consumed with watching MythBusters lately, so he made this sign when all was said and done.
Tags: homeschool, industrial revolution, mom raising boys, MythBusters, steam engine
My Sister's Jar 
August 26, 2009 at 5:23 am |
Wow! That’s great! There’s nothing like hands on learning.
August 27, 2009 at 10:19 am |
My dad bought a steam engine for my brother and I, for Christmas, before we were old enough to make one. Then he and a friend tested it out before they gave it to us, and they broke it. So we never did get our steam engine that could.
August 28, 2009 at 10:21 pm |
The patience and resourcefullness displayed is fabulous and warms my old pea pickin heart. Keep up the good work. And “not” from jilly but GRAMPS.
August 29, 2009 at 9:49 am |
I knew you would love this, Gramps!
August 29, 2009 at 9:50 am |
Gramps and Gram, you need to sign out of the wordpress account and sign back in as yourselves. Jilly’s account is signed in on your computer.