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.  

First Grade: Oceans!

First graders have been deep in our ocean unit!

Students learned all about the layers of the ocean and the species that live in the layers.  

Students created an ocean animal Infographic to teach others about an animal of their choice.

Students created mythical sea creature stories and turned their stories into I-movies.  

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Students also learned about the ocean food chain and even took a virtual ocean field trip.  

Then, students started to learn about plastics ending up in the world's oceans and how that affects the ecosystem.  

Presently, students are learning about our Lego Prime Robotics kits so that they can create a prototype that will help to solve the problem of plastics in our oceans.  

We will share our prototypes with you when they are finished.  Stay tuned...

4th Grade Idea Lab Update: Architecture

4th graders are having a great time while learning about architecture!  We are learning the architectural features of various architectural styles, the elements of art, and the principles of design.  

Our creations of architectural styles began with a bit of convergent thinking-- students had to put together a 3 dimensional puzzle with well-known architectural masterpieces and feats of engineering from around the world.  Students used instructions and visual plans to build these models in small groups piece by piece.

Students also labeled architectural masterpieces from around the world.  

Students created their own architectural glossaries with sketches of architectural features and famous buildings that have those features.

They also made a digital timeline of architectural styles.

 

Then, students researched a particular architectural style of interest, created a slideshow to teach others, and are presently working on a 3D model in that architectural style.  The work required a bit of divergent thinking as we were only allowed to use recyclable materials to create our designs. We hope to invite you to our presentations when our work is finished.  Stay tuned...

This has been an interesting, hands-on unit for us!