Rainbows and Transformers and Snakes Oh My!
11/22/2020
The second annual Balloon Parade was a smashing success! The second graders joined the third and fourth graders in planning, creating and handling these awesome "balloons" for a parade for the rest of the school and parents. Inspired by the book Balloons Over Broadway, students learned about the history of the amazing parade that happens every Thanksgiving. This project is not only a fun way to keep learning in the week before Thanksgiving Break, but it includes so much authentic learning for students. Alignment to Standards The Next Generation Science Standards provided the backbone for 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. Design Process Students worked through the steps of the design process using project pages to help guide them. They did research before the project started, made sure that they understood the complete challenge and parameters and set off to put their great ideas into action. 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 as they not only had to figure out how to get their 2 dimensional idea into a 3 dimensional object but how to support it as well. Critical thinking was at an all time 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
March 2021
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