I just wanted to start by saying I'm been viewing this site for some time now, but this is my first time posting...
I am going to help the local Professional Society booth at the Boy Scout Fair this coming weekend in Houston, Texas and was wondering if anyone had suggestions for some fun, short activities for kids. Last year we had a level set up to take a reading on a rod. The children range from very young to some advanced, so all ages appropriate.
Thanks in advance.
the twelve know rope always seems to impress. maybe it is just my inner child
I've done a few of these:
1) Plumb bob with gammon reel throw-stab into tree.
2) Bush axe toss into tree (two hand overhead).
3) Machete attack on already-stepped-on snake. Deduct point per inch of self-inflicted laceration from 100.
4)Stomp-tripod-leg-while-looking-in-optical-plummet-upper-lip-devastation competition
(extra points per traumatic tooth removal.
5)Hammer throw into truck bed toolbox (your truck).
6)Yellow jacket emergency disrobing/evasion.
7)Mis-hit concrete nail thumb smash (per 50)
Seriously though:
Pacing competition. Let them gauge their pace with a 20' tape first.
Guess the angle between two objects.
Once I set up some stuff where a math class could use taping from various points to find candies I had placed. May be a bit advanced.
very simple - measure distance between two points(say 25-60 feet)
closest to correct wins the prize what ever that might be:-)
You could set up an area behind your booth and have the kiddos Map it. Give out a cool prize like a tape measure, plumbbob or a pentel mechanical pencil to the best map.
I've done number 7 and it isn't very much fun. I was rather surprised by my ability to hold my tongue when this happened.
I went to my son's 3rd grade class and had them draw a map of the school grounds. I printed an aerial photo off of google, made bunch of copies. Took in some tracing paper and masking tape and had them trace the buildings, parking lot, sidewalks, etc. I also took in a robot TS and it blew their minds.
There is a Surveying merit badge. I am looking at the BSA book now. If you can get a copy, it would give your presentation some information needed by a scout.
The requirements include first aid, lot survey, mapping, writing descriptions, elevation survey, title research and knowledge of GPS.
I am sure that they will think the TS robot is cool.
Thanks for all the responses.
I think it will be a successful event. This is a large expo with all kinds of booths trying to keep the kids attention for just a few minutes. It is an introduction to surveying for the younger kids and getting the older ones interested in our profession.
There is a merit badge and it is put on once a year, but that is an all day event that has them running field procedures and calculations.