2nd Grade Idea Lab Update

 We started this quarter by getting to know one another in creative ways. Students shared their interests and hobbies, then used drawing and writing to “map out” their brains before sharing with classmates. It was a fun way to build connections and celebrate how we each think and learn.

After that, we launched into our First Lego League Explore: Unearthed unit. Students began researching what archaeologists do—learning about tools, artifacts, famous discoveries, and how archaeologists work to protect the past. To deepen understanding, students became teachers themselves, sharing their research with others. We quickly discovered that when we teach, we learn even more!

Next came a hands-on challenge: each student designed and built a unique “artifact,” then carefully took it apart. Their classmates were given only a photo and tasked with reconstructing the artifact. Just like real archaeologists, students had to piece together the mystery using limited clues, strong observation skills, and collaboration. 

     


Our Unearthed journey is off to an exciting start. Students have been putting their creativity to work by designing Lego models of archaeological tools. So far, they’ve built a Ground Penetrating Radar and an Excavation Model, and they’re brainstorming innovative ideas for new tool prototypes that could help real archaeologists in their work. We can’t wait to see what discoveries come next!

Big shout out to this crew for the majorly awesome Honeysuckle Clean Up in our Bird Restoration Area! 

 Check out the Before and After! Amazing teamwork! Thank you for sending all the garden gloves. That really helped!
 

3rd Grade Idea Lab: "Unearthed"

We’ve kicked off our First Lego League theme of “Unearthed”-- a journey into discovering what’s hidden beneath the surface. To start, students created their own artifacts and clues to represent who they are. Just like archaeologists, we “unearthed” these treasures to get to know our teammates better. It gave us a fun way to learn more about each other while also practicing how archaeologists use clues to figure out the people of the past.

We also introduced the 6 Core Values of First Lego League, which guide all of our teamwork and projects. To show their understanding, students built LEGO scenes where LEGO people acted out one of the values. We displayed these creations in a little LEGO Museum of Core Values—a fun reminder of the importance of teamwork, discovery, and innovation.

Next, we dug deeper into what unearthed really means by researching the fascinating field of archaeology. 

Students worked in teams to jigsaw their learning into four areas: 

Tools Archaeologists Use

Artifacts and What They Teach Us

Famous Archaeological Discoveries

How Archaeologists Protect the Past

Soon, each group will present their research to the class, because we believe the best way to retain our learning is by teaching others. If you would like to see the First Lego League sneak peek into the season, click HERE. 

New School Year-- New 1st Grade Members!

We’ve had such a fun couple of weeks in Idea Lab getting to know each other! Welcome to our new 1st grade members!

Another student will join us next week!
 
To start our time together, students created “brains” filled with our hobbies, interests, and talents so we could all learn more about what makes each of us unique. We shared our creations using a Kagan cooperative learning structure called Mix, Freeze, Pair. With music playing, students mixed around the room and, when it stopped, they paired up and traded their “brains” to peek inside each other’s minds.

We also built LEGO scenes to show something we love to do in our everyday lives. From arcades to playgrounds, swimming pools to skate parks, and even museums—our LEGO worlds gave us a glimpse of the places and activities our friends enjoy most.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to start meeting our P.E.T.S. (Primary Education Thinking Skills) characters. 
First, we’ll be introduced to Max the Magician, who helps us stretch our visual-spatial intelligence. 

It’s been a wonderful start to the year! 

3rd Grade Update: Short Films & SAM Labs

 Our students recently wrapped up an exciting project where they transformed into broadcasters, filmmakers, and researchers! Each student selected a topic of personal interest and worked either independently or with a partner to create an informational short film designed to educate their peers.

Click HERE to view the students' short films.

The creative process involved researching their chosen topics, gathering reliable data, writing an engaging and informative script, and designing eye-catching visuals to support their message. The end results were impressive — and students had a great time viewing and learning from each other's broadcasts.

An interesting trend popped up during the project: many students chose topics related to climate change. After noticing their strong interest, we explored the topic even more through hands-on lessons with SAM Labs — a STEAM-based learning platform that helps students build coding and problem-solving skills by working through real-world challenges.
With SAM Labs, students used hands-on blocks and digital coding to bring their ideas to life! They built projects like natural disaster alert systems for tornadoes and tsunamis, all while exploring how we can help tackle real-world problems like climate change.

Click HERE to see a student explaining how they created an alert system using SAM Lab tools. 

1st Grade Update: Divergent Thinking

Our 1st grade Idea Lab students have been stretching their imaginations and learning to think like inventors — just like Isabel the Inventor! This unit focuses on divergent thinking, which encourages students to explore many possible solutions and ideas, rather than just searching for one “right answer.” It’s all about creativity, curiosity, and thinking outside the box!

    

      

 

Some students even started naming their production studios! 

As part of this journey, students created their very own stop-motion films using LEGOs. Stop motion is a simple but powerful animation technique where still photos are captured frame by frame and stitched together to make objects appear to move on their own. This project gave students the chance to plan, design, and bring their ideas to life — a fun and creative way to practice storytelling and problem-solving!

Our viewing party was a hit. Click HERE to view a clip from one of our short films.

Next, students were introduced to the SCAMPER method, a tool inventors use to improve and rethink existing ideas. SCAMPER stands for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Rearrange — all ways to spark new ideas and see things from a fresh perspective. Using this strategy, students put their creative thinking to the test by SCAMPERing donuts — imagining new, inventive twists on this classic treat! 

Students will use this method with other objects and will really stretch their imagination! 
With a little imagination and the right tools, our creativity really is endless!