Organized Chaos

So much fun!!!

The fourth graders are currently working on a coding/design project.  They spent the month of January learning the ins-and-outs of Scratch, a program that teaches coding.  They then designed a project that they're going to do in the makerspace that will have some component that is being run by coding, either with Scratch, or WeDo software (that goes with the Lego WeDo Robotics kits).  Some have decided to create robots with moving parts; some are creating sports equipment with built in sensors, to help keep score; others are making interactive artwork, where they're using scratch to program designs drawn on the computer to follow the mouse or change colors; and some are making interactive posters, board games, displays, charts or dioramas, programmed to light up, play sounds, or have moving parts.

The energy of this kind of project is contagious - they're all so excited about what they're starting and there are a dozen different things going on at the same time.  My administrator observed me last week during one of these classes with a fourth grade group, and he commented on the same thing - they all get right to work and work right up to (and often past) the very last minute.

Check out the activity today - there were kids breaking apart old headphones to study how speakers work, building a soccer goal out of wood, creating video games in Scratch, using conductive thread to sew flowers that will be a part of an interactive musical bouquet, designing  on Tinkercad, constructing Lego creations to program with Wedo, using the 3D pens, and working with the Makey Makey.

Looking forward to seeing (and showing off) their final products!

First Grade Non-Fiction Projects

Our first grade students just wrapped up a non-fiction reading/writing unit in their classrooms.  We decided that this lent itself nicely to some design and technology projects as a culminating activity.  It ended up being a great way to integrate our library/research/technology skills with the design element in the makerspace.

Each student chose one non-fiction topic they'd read and written about in class, or one that interested them but they hadn't had time to research yet.  They used Pebble Go to do a bit more reading, and then they sketched their design idea.  In weeks 2 and 3, they built their models using the following criteria: It had to be 3-Dimensional (great conversation with these first graders about what that means and the difference between 2D and 3D), it had to be realistic (shape, color, features, etc.), and it had to be small enough for them to take it home with them on the bus . . . no life sized rhinos allowed!

They did such a great job putting detail into their objects, some even building dioramas to create a "backdrop" for their object.  This was the first time I've tried a completely open ended design project with first graders.  Usually they are designing to meet a certain challenge or creating something a bit more directed.  I was really pleased with the level of creativity and effort.  During this time, we had a few different groups of visitors coming through the makerspace, and many commented on the level of engagement from the students, and how there were virtually no behavior issues while they were working.  They were also impressed with how well the kids clean up - the room went from chaos to order in 10 minutes!  Our kids love and respect the makerspace, and they realize how lucky they are to have it.  They know they need to keep the room in good shape!

Up next, they are going to use Chatterpix to add narration to their objects, so that they can share some of the facts they've learned as well.

Seesaw!!!!

Available at: https://app.seesaw.me/#/login
IOS App: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/seesaw-the-learning-journal/id930565184?mt=8

One of the things that's always bothered us about projects that we make in the makerspace, or engineering design challenges that the kids do in groups, is the idea that when they're done, there's not a way for them to take them home.  It's so frustrating for them to work so hard on something and then have to take it back apart.  Last spring, a visitor to the makerspace introduced us to an app called Seesaw (thank you, Todd!).

Seesaw is an online portfolio that can be accessed from tablets or from the computer.  Students have a class login (via QR code) and they can add drawings, pictures, videos, notes, voice recordings, files and links.  Their parents can subscribe to their portfolio (again, using a unique QR code) and follow their progress from home.  They can set up their account to receive an email or a text when their child adds something new, and they can comment on posts as well.

The app is very accessible for students as young as Kindergarten, and the students love posting updates to their account.  So far we've only posted finished products, but with the design project that my 4th graders are starting right now, I am going to ask them to post an update at the end of each class to show their progress along the way.  Seesaw is a great find, and I highly recommend it, whether you're working in a makerspace or not!