Journey to the Center of the Earth

Who wants to venture to the center of the earth? Fifth graders learn about them but we all know that just reading an article may not help them grasp a concept of something they can't touch. Clearly we can't head there on a field trip...What if (the start of every amazing creation)...what if we built it?
Fifth grade thought it was a great idea and their buildings are well underway. They will be using Bloxels as their platform, or program, to make it happen.

"You don't need to understand fancy code and own super expensive computer programs to make video games anymore. All it takes is your Bloxels Gameboard, some blocks and a mobile device and, of course,  your imagination to take the guesswork out of building your own video games!" http://home.bloxelsbuilder.com

The students have been working hard learning the Bloxels program, learning about the layers of the earth and planning out the game.

Bloxels is also a free download for your personal device. Apple iOS   Amazon   Google Play

When the character in the game bursts the white box,
 a secret message will appear.

After creating their game on the plan sheet, the teams will
need to use the blocks to begin making their game. 

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

Kindergarten  has been learning about apples and trees that it only seemed  appropriate to continue the conversation. The young engineers first viewed the video below.

The students were given some wooden blocks, letters and a pipe cleaner. Their task was to build a tree that balanced the letters on it. Many attempts were made and creative approaches were taken. View some of their creations below. 

Different Pipes

Pipe cleaner are supposed to be used for removing moisture and residue from smoking pipes. However, ask any teacher and they will tell you 1,000 ways to use it in the classroom. They are a versatile tool that can be twisted and turned to create anything a child can dream up. Add in the colors, texture and they can easily be cut and 1,000 ways just quadrupled!

In our Makerspace, we have found a few great ways to be creative. Students were given a handful of them and a purple card with a direction. They might vary from a container to hold pencils or pulley system to lift a bag off the floor.

Working in small groups, they needed to discuss ways to create the item described on their card. Collaboration and critical thinking are major parts of this project. Students need to share thoughts, compromise and listen to other's idea.

Their creations proved that learning through play is so important.

 

MAKEing some Music

Piano lessons are finally paying off! Fifth grade students have been creating symphonies out of...Makey Makey and Playdoh. Students were given a computer, wires and that amazing toy that seemed to get stuck in every possible crevice in your play room. Today it is being used to make beautiful music.

 Each group was given one arduino board, a set of wires and a lap top. They were tasked to study the items and connect them to a machine that would produce a sound. In this case, it was piano music. Through trial and error classmates solved challenged and connected it all. To say our room was loud would be an understatement.


Once it was connected then they had to make the music. Part of the process is a bit of trial and error. Once student was able to play a song she had been working on in her piano lessons. She assessed which keys where which notes, adjusted cords and moved the 'Playdoh keys' around to accommodate her song. The result is in the video below.