[Samwaldo]

We did this activity when we presented in front of future teachers, at Western Connecticut State University. We taught them about STEM and FIRST. After our presentation we did the activity with them BUT for every stick of spaghetti, and every inch of tape, it costed a certain amount of money (it was just recorded on a sheet, no wallets were actually taken out). Every time they came up for more materials the cost was higher. In total they had 25 minutes and the goal was to support a ping pong ball 30 inches or higher using the least amount of money.

surprisingly no one got it (1 group was half an inch short, and 1 group's kept falling). This activity though taught them about, budgets, making a plan first, time limits, competition, teamwork, never giving up and more. Many aspects of FIRST.

It was a huge hit with the audience. A week later we got a letter that after we left they had so much fun, they continued to discuss how to improve upon there designs. They also mentioned that the students on the team were better public speakers and more interesting than their professors. (It really made me realize how much I am getting out of FIRST)