This month, Wilcoxson Elementary students had the exciting opportunity to become engineers for a day through a hands-on residency with Playful Engineers. Through this engaging, play-based experience, students were invited to design, build, and experiment with creative chain reaction machines.
During the school day, students worked collaboratively to create their own Rube Goldberg-style contraptions—complex systems designed to accomplish simple tasks. Using materials like dominoes, ramps, balls, and everyday objects, students explored key scientific concepts such as force and motion, cause and effect, and problem-solving through trial and error.
A central message from the instructor was that failure is not the end result—it’s part of the process. Students were encouraged to test, revise, and try again, building resilience and perseverance with each attempt. Just as importantly, they were taught to “start with the end in mind,” carefully planning their final goal and then working backward to design each step. By testing each section of their machine along the way, students learned how small adjustments can lead to big success.
Groups of students could be heard cheering when they would meet with success. Each challenge became an opportunity to think critically and creatively—skills essential for future innovators.
The learning continued into the evening, when families were invited to a special parent event. Students proudly shared their knowledge while working alongside family members to build new chain reaction machines together. The event highlighted the power of hands-on learning and strengthened connections between home and school through joyful, collaborative experiences.
Programs like this exemplify how meaningful, play-based learning can spark curiosity and deepen understanding. We are grateful to Playful Engineers for inspiring our students—and their families—to think like engineers and embrace the power of persistence.