Image by Flickr user griffhome, used under CC licensing.
It’s easy to get caught up in talking about mindless topics during dinner — after a long day, reflecting on the weather, local sports teams, or just sitting in silence is simple and uncomplicated. But why not use this time together to challenge your kids (and yourself) with some thought-provoking questions that are both fun and educational?
Your homework assignment is to have a discussion with your family about this week’s question. There’s not necessarily a single correct answer and discussion may stretch beyond cleaning the dishes and involve some brief research, as well. Have some fun, consider all the possibilities, and stretch your brain a bit. Once you discuss with your kids, report back and tell us about what you learned and conclusions you reached.
This week’s question:
What would happen if the earth stopped rotating?
The idea for this exercise comes from Chris Rogers and Bill Church, both from the Center for Engineering Education and Outreach (CEEO) at Tufts University. Their work is dedicated to promoting STEM education, integrating engineering in K-12 programs and has resulted in countless workshops, products, and, most importantly, lots of inspired kids who are excited about engineering and robotics.
