Grade 3 building with construction kits!

 We are learning about forces and simple machines in grade 3. To help us understand how simple machines work and to solve a real world problem of a zoo animal being trapped in the moat in its habitat, students are using VEX construction kits to build each simple machine and conduct experiments with them. They also get plenty of practice using 21st century skills of collaboration, communication, and critical thinking as they work in groups to build them. 

Kicking off the 23-24 Schoolyear!

 First and second graders have been learning how to program a computer by playing an "offline" coding game where they have to give directions to a robotic dog to get her home without stepping in any puddles! This game encourages collaboration, communication, and critical thinking. It also helps students understand that we have to give computers directions in the exact order we want the directions followed, and we have to be specific in what we want them to do. We then moved onto programming in Scratch, Jr. which is an app developed by MIT to help young learners understand the basics of coding, (it's a free app available for Apple devices). Students have worked in partners when coding to help grow their communication and collaboration skills. 

5th graders have gotten their groups and robotics kits, and have begun building a testbed so that they can explore the electronic components that will be a part of the robots they will build later. Each student has a job role of either builder, getting needed parts for the builder, or running the video and double checking the builder's work as they complete each step. Students do a fantastic job of working together to complete the day's tasks!