By maria caporizzo
Providence Journal video by Andrew Dickerman
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Wheeler School science teacher Suzy Williams challenges fifth graders to build a car in 20 minutes that can travel 100 centimeters without being pushed.
The assignment employs plastic parts and teaches kids to think creatively and appreciate engineering principles. The children work in teams of two and quickly devise ways to design and assemble a vehicle that meets the assignment's requirements.