Africa & Antarctica

After learning about some of the political and geographic features of the African continent, it was wonderful to see all of the students' research of a country in Africa represented in unique ways.  Students researched and presented about many different countries on the continent.  Students chose the type of project that they wanted to create:  Google slideshow, Imovie, Scratch code, or some other method of their choice.

We listened to some music in several of the presentations, and we even tried a few dances (depending on which Idea Lab class your child is in) ... We tried the Ekista (from Ethiopia), the Kpanlogo (from Ghana), and the Maasai Jumping Dance (from Kenya).

After learning about so many unique countries with different governments, cultures, languages, and religions, the students answered the essential question:  Why is it important to understand and empathize with differences in other cultures?

We also learned about the urbanization of Africa. Africa's urbanization percentage has doubled since 1960, and we discussed the many effects it has had on the continent (as well as continents in general).

Our next project-based learning was centered around the continent of Antarctica. While learning about the continent, the students learned that several countries have scientific research stations in Antarctica (due to the Antarctic Treaty) like the American's McMurdo Station. Students discovered that some jobs at McMurdo Station (including dangerous and difficult ones) are utilizing robots to complete tasks.

Yeti is a rover robot that helps detect cracks in the ice and travels in front of tractors to ensure safety. It only makes sense for the students to receive a robotics challenge related to the continent of Antarctica! 

Second and Third Grade students were challenged to design a robot that can fulfill a task that is required at the science research center or base.  Second Grade students were also challenged to create a science research center or base that utilizes some resources that encourage sustainability and had a low carbon footprint. Some groups built designs with solar panels, wind power, or hydropower.

Here is one group of 2nd graders getting ready to try out the green screen technology to try make it really feel like we were in Antarctica.  You can click here to see their programmed Lego Robot completing the task of delivering supplies to their research station in Antarctica.  They made that sound effect on the program themselves!  We all thought it sounded very realistic! 

Click here to see a 3rd Grade EV3 in action with the green screen. 

The Second Grade virtual students programmed a virtual robot to complete a task at the science research station or base.  Click here to see one student's idea! She combined both her legos and pictures that she made.  

Super inventive and funny too!  Don't you just love her joke and the robot laugh?!?  

Virtual 3rd students completed tasks to program a virtual EV3 robot.  

You can click here to see how the virtual students were able to program virtual EV3 robots.  Click here and here to see in-person students trying out the programming of the EV3.  

The EV3 is a complex robot. It is typically used with older students.  The goal was to introduce the 3rd grade so that next year they would be more familiar and ready to do a more in-depth challenge. 

I was extremely impressed with both 2nd grade students with the Lego We Do Robotics and the 3rd grade students with the EV3 Lego Mindstorms.  I am proud of the students and how they really dove into exploring the Lego Robotics!  They really showed some grit and perseverance.  Can't wait to see what they accomplish with these robotics tools next year!