This term we started making Meccano models in class. If you want to know the rationale behind the decision to do this then check out my previous post, Meccano. The students have worked hard to move their models along and have had to overcome a lot of problems. Following the instructions has proven to be a fantastically worthwhile task in itself. The students have had to overcome so many problems, frequently referring back to their instructions, finding where they went wrong and dismantling the model to correct it. The teamwork, problem solving skills and oral language that has come out of this programme has proven what a worthwhile activity it is. I recommend it to all teachers!