Farewell Fourth Grade: Final Video & Goodbye

 Students were able to share their ideas for their final challenge: How can we repurpose a vacant lot into a community gem? 

4th Grade Idea Lab students shared their ideas with 3rd grade students (who acted as our community members). 3rd grade students asked many questions and gave feedback on the students' ideas. 

Please ask your student about the idea that they shared. Students shared in many ways-- 3D models, digital 2D/3D rendering, slideshows, or I-movies. We were impressed with their creativity and their sincere desire to help create an idea that would help their community.

Prior to this challenge, students were given a chance to experiment with a digital floor plan. Students were asked to create a bedroom, bathroom, and closet that met exact size specifications. Once students finished this, they could try their hand at making a whole house floor plan.

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I may have to hire a few of these designers for myself one day!!!

We culminated our year with peer-voted awards and a video that shares some of our highlights together.

HERE IS THE FAREWELL FOURTH GRADE VIDEO

that we shared during our last class.

I will truly miss this group of students. Not only were they brilliant-- they were happy, funny, caring, and hard-working.

It is no wonder that they were winning teamwork and innovation awards. They have a special place in my heart!!!

Once a turtle...always a turtle.

Please don't be strangers and come back to visit!!

3rd Grade Scratch Projects: Teaching About Countries in Africa

 Students created Scratch projects to teach others about some of the countries in Africa.  You're probably thinking..."What is Scratch?" 

Scratch (created by M.I.T.)  is the world's largest coding community for children.  It uses visual block-based programming to create games, stories, animations, or even lessons. 

Since students are very new to the Scratch interface and coding, we were very impressed with what they were able to accomplish in such a short amount of time.  

Click HERE to view our projects to learn about some of the countries in Africa. 

We have had a great school year. I sincerely hope that the students enjoyed their time in Idea Lab.  

I hope your child has a wonderful summer, and I look forward to continuing our adventures when we return in August! 
 

Relax, have fun, and pursue your passions, kids! 

First Grade Update: How Can We Help Our World's Oceans?

 We learned a lot about our world's oceans and some of the common problems associated with threatening the health of our world's oceans and ecosystems. After finding out about plastics and microplastics ending up in our world's oceans, students were challenged to create a prototype for a machine that could assist with plastic clean-up in the world's oceans.

To adequately solve this problem, we not only need to stop more plastic from entering the ocean but also clean up what is already out there.

Click HERE to learn about an actual invention helping to clean up plastic in the ocean.  

Here is a design created by Avya, Carlo, & Emilia.

Here is another design by David, Liya, & Russell.

And another design by Antonio, Ariana, & Yousef

And a design by Aiden, Emily (absent on final reveal day), & Harrison  

Click HERE and HERE to see some of our prototypes in action.
Students attached motors and created programs that allowed their prototypes to move.

Then, we created t-shirts that advertised ways to help our world's oceans. 

Loved seeing the students' creativity and their messages for the public about protecting our oceans.
We are finishing up the school year learning about world geography and physical features.  This will help us with an upcoming project-based learning unit in second grade's Idea Lab.  

We've really enjoyed getting to know each other this year in Idea Lab.  We look forward to our continued adventures together!

2nd Grade Idea Lab: Cardboard Arcade Challenge

Our Idea Lab second graders would like to share our Cardboard Arcade games with you. Please click HERE to view.

Fourth Grade: Architecture Unit Update

 When students finished their 3D models and presentations, they taught their peers about a particular style of architecture in history. 

Students had to note particular features, find buildings both in the world and around St. Louis in that style, and create a quiz for their peers to give at the end of the presentation.  

After learning about architectural features and styles, students learned that architects and engineers work together to create stable, safe structures.  There are many different types of engineers that work with architects.  Students tried their hand at civil engineering by planning a two-level parking garage that had to hold 8 toy cars safely, an on/off ramp, entrance, exit, and parking spaces.  

Our prototypes consisted of wooden Keva planks, but students learned that steel and concrete would most likely be used to hold the weight of many vehicles.

Students learned about the requirements and constraints that many architects and engineers have to face. 

Recently, students took a field trip to the Missouri History Museum and participated in a hands-on experience called Building Brick City.

Students learned about many architectural features and styles right here in St. Louis.  

Students discussed the past and the present with the guidance of history museum docents.

There were many really cool St. Louis artifacts to see and read about.

The students learned about the design process and making of the St. Louis Arch.  If our present design had not won the concept, see what might have been in place of the St. Louis Arch.  Many agreed that we like the look of the present Arch and its symbolism the best.  

We also saw and read about interesting trivia related to St. Louis architecture.  If this interests you, I highly suggest taking the family there for a visit.  It's free, and it's part of the Color STL exhibit which is also really fun for all ages.  

The second part of the field trip involved a hands-on experiment and design challenge.  
Challenge: Design a home that can withstand a common St. Louis problem (flooding). 
Experiment first with materials to find the best material for your home's design.  
Students worked in teams to complete the experiment first and then worked individually on a home design.  

We have really enjoyed learning about architecture.  As you take a drive around the St. Louis area, I hope the students take note of what we've learned and share their knowledge with you.  There are so many wonderful architectural features and styles in our city.