08/19/2026
During the first days of school in several of our sixth and seventh grade science classes, students jumped right in to a hands-on learning experience with the Great Cup Challenge! This engaging activity gave students an opportunity to begin building the teamwork skills they will use throughout the school year—and beyond.
As students worked together to complete the challenge, they quickly discovered that success depended on more than simply having a good idea. They had to communicate clearly, listen to one another, collaborate, share responsibilities, and problem-solve as a team.
These are essential skills for any successful scientist. Scientific investigations often require teams to share ideas, communicate observations, consider different perspectives, and work together toward a common goal. Through this challenge, students experienced firsthand that effective communication and collaboration are key to being a successful team member—and an effective scientist.
What a great way to start the school year by learning that science is not just about finding the right answer; it’s about working together to figure it out!
