is a program that encourages everyone to indulge in their natural creative abilities and address random challenges with surprise materials. By tapping into their natural sense of curiosity and creative instinct, kids in MacGyverClass! learn valuable skills by coming up with creative solutions to simple challenges using an array of assorted materials. Materials typically include items like twist ti
es, egg cartons, yogurt containers or bottle caps. Solutions are created within a non-competitive and positive environment. Challenges are chosen at random in order to strengthen students ability to think quickly while adding an element of excitement. Each class ends with presentations, allowing kids the chance to share the ideas behind their solutions with the group. In an effort to promote crossover learning and help students make connections, the program challenges are designed with the public school curriculum and standards in mind, making use of relevant vocabulary and terms. Students begin to understand many of the core physical science concepts outlined in the CA State Content Standards, K- 8, such as force and motion, levers and pulleys, and the language of scientific inquiry, as well as math standards. The materials are chosen without the challenges in mind, and the kids consistently create impressive, well thought-out solutions. Past materials have included: egg cartons, cardboard shapes, popsicle sticks, beads, wicker, clothing, baseballs, envelopes, and more. The kids are encouraged to experiment and test the limits of each material by cutting, ripping and twisting to achieve imagined effects.
