We’ve been delving into some exciting projects and activities that encourage critical thinking, creativity, and hands-on learning! Here’s what we’ve been up to in 1st grade:
Missouri Green Schools Quest
Our 1st graders are participating in the Missouri Green Schools Quest, which focuses this year on biodiversity and wellness. Inspired by last year’s bird restoration project, students decided to build upon this initiative to support local birds further.- For the bird restoration area, students are studying birds native to our region. They’ve identified the need for sturdier feeders and nesting boxes suitable for these birds.
- This project stems from the fact that many trees were removed during the construction of our new Spoede building, disrupting natural bird habitats. With a global bird population decline, this effort is an essential step toward creating a welcoming environment for our feathered friends. This is the area that we want to work to improve:
- To support biodiversity, students also planted Missouri wildflowers, both in the bird restoration area and in Spoede’s garden, with the help of Elliot’s dad. We were thrilled to see sprouts before the snow, and we’re eagerly watching to see how these plants thrive come spring.
Convergent Thinking Activities
To hone their logical and problem-solving skills, students have been engaged in Convergent Thinking through a variety of activities:- Mathematical Magic Triangle: Students used numbers to balance the triangle so that the sums on each side were equal. This activity required persistence and critical thinking as they explored different combinations to solve the puzzle.
- Unifix Cube Sudoku: A colorful twist on traditional Sudoku! Students used Unifix Cubes to solve puzzles, placing cubes of different colors into a grid so that no color repeated in a row, column, or box. This hands-on approach makes logical thinking engaging and accessible for young learners.
- Mystery Logic Puzzles: Using clues, students solved scenarios to uncover answers. These puzzles challenged them to think critically and eliminate possibilities systematically.
- Decoding and Encoding a Cipher: Students explored the fascinating world of cryptography by learning to encode and decode simple ciphers. This activity combined logic and creativity, helping them understand how patterns and problem-solving can be used to send and interpret secret messages.
Introduction to Coding and Robotics
We also introduced students to the fundamentals of coding-- first creating a hands-on maze that they had to use a written code to get a Hex Bug through the Maze.Then we moved to a device and used Scratch Jr., a beginner-friendly platform that teaches coding concepts in a fun, interactive way. Students created simple programs and learned how to sequence instructions to achieve desired outcomes.
Building on their coding knowledge, students applied their skills with LEGO WeDo Robotics kits. They constructed robots and programmed them to perform specific tasks, blending engineering and coding in a hands-on, collaborative environment. This activity allowed students to see the tangible results of their coding efforts and fostered teamwork and perseverance.
We are so proud of the creativity, problem-solving, and enthusiasm students have shown in all these activities. Whether it’s restoring habitats, solving puzzles, or building robots, your children are learning to think critically, collaborate, and make a positive impact. Thank you for your continued support! Please be on the lookout for a possible way that you can help us with our Green Schools Quest project!