1st Grade Idea Lab Update

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.

This meaningful work combines ecological awareness, teamwork, and a commitment to improving our environment!

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! 

4th Grade First Lego League Challenge Event

So excited to celebrate the achievements of our teams at our First Lego League (FLL) Challenge event held yesterday at Spoede Elementary! The event marked the culmination of months of hard work, creativity, and problem-solving, and I couldn’t be prouder of our two teams.

The Bio Builders team was recognized for their Teamwork and their outstanding Innovation Project. Their project tackled a pressing environmental issue by creating bioplastic—a completely biodegradable and compostable alternative to traditional plastics. After consulting with the mayor, the students took on the challenge of encouraging local buyers and consumers to adopt this eco-friendly option, which is already available in stores but not widely known.

The team’s journey was not without its challenges. They persevered through numerous trials to try and perfect their bioplastic formula, demonstrating that if a group of 4th graders can innovate and make a difference, businesses and consumers can too! Their bioplastic decomposes in months—a stark contrast to the many, many years it takes for traditional plastic to break down.
The Bio Builders also showed resilience during the Robot Game. When their main coder was unable to attend the competition, the team rallied together, displaying perseverance and a never-give-up attitude.

The Fantastic Fungi Fanatics were recognized for their outstanding research and Innovation Project. Their project addressed the growing issue of plastic pollution in our oceans. Thanks to Elina's mom, students were able to get feedback from scientists from Washington University that validated their approach. The team developed a prototype tank featuring marine fungi capable of consuming plastic. Their innovative solution not only highlighted a potential way to tackle ocean pollution but also reminded us all to be mindful of our plastic consumption.

In addition to their Innovation Project, the team impressed me with their skills at the Robot Game table. They chose to design and use an advanced base—something many teams didn’t attempt—and executed their strategy with focus and precision. Their ability to remain locked in and work together under pressure was great to see. 

Here is a link with more photos from the event.

So, so proud of these two teams!  OUTSTANDING WORK! 

2nd/3rd Grade First Lego League Explore

This semester, our 2nd and 3rd graders have been diving deep into the ocean—figuratively speaking, of course! As part of the First Lego League Explore season called Submerged, students have been working in teams to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing our oceans today.

Each team has been hard at work designing a team model that provides a creative solution to an ocean-related problem. Here are some of the important issues our young innovators have been exploring:

• Chemical Pollution: Teams brainstormed ways to reduce harmful chemicals entering the ocean and proposed solutions to clean up existing pollution.
• Artificial Habitats for Coral Reefs: Students investigated how artificial habitats could support marine life as coral reefs continue to face threats from warming waters and pollution.
• Plastic Pollution: One team is creating a model to address plastic pollution by designing innovative ways to clean up ocean debris and reduce plastic waste.
• Noise Pollution: Another team is working on a solution to minimize noise pollution, which can disrupt marine life communication and navigation.

We’re excited to invite you to a special showcase where students will present their team models and share what they’ve learned about ocean challenges and their innovative solutions after the break! Excited for you to see what your children have accomplished and to celebrate their achievements together.