PNA Parade
11/26/2019
It all started with this incredible book in which the history of the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade is beautifully illustrated through text and pictures. It ended with an all school viewing of the balloon parade on Friday afternoon right before break. What happened in between was where the magic happened. This project had all the components of what learning looks like at PNA. A Guiding Question How can we, as student engineers, design and create a balloon float for our school parade? Collaboration & Communication The second graders worked alongside their fifth grade buddies to each create a balloon float for the parade. These students helped each other, encouraged each other and offered help and feedback regardless of age - 2nd graders were helping 5th graders and 5th graders were helping 2nd graders. Alignment to Standards The engineering focus from Next Generation Science Standards were the backbone of this challenge. K-2-ETS1-1.Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool. K-2-ETS1-2.Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem. K-2-ETS1-3.Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each performs. Creativity & Critical Thinking
There was no shortage of creativity flowing during this process. Students had amazingly creative ideas for their balloons and even more amazingly creative ways to pull off their ideas. Critical thinking was at a high as students persevered through design challenges that arose and reworked original designs until they succeeded in their attempts. Comments are closed.
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Marcella HitchcockMs. Hitchcock teaches second grade, is a mom of two, an avid reader, lifelong learner, and a seeker of sunshine! Archives
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