The purpose of this four-week project is to cultivate early learning experiences around the concept of constructing strong buildings, with a focus on engagement, curiosity, and hands-on exploration. Through partnerships with community experts and interactive activities, students will delve into basic architectural concepts using recycled materials to understand strength and stability in structures. This experience will not only enhance core content knowledge but will also support personal growth through self-directed learning, critical reflection, teamwork, and effective communication skills.
Learning goals
Students will explore fundamental engineering concepts by experimenting with different shapes and materials to understand what makes structures strong and stable. They will engage in hands-on activities to identify the roles of various community partners in building strong homes, enhancing their communication and understanding through guided discussions and reflections. Throughout the project, students will use peer and community feedback to self-direct their learning and creatively build models showcasing their comprehension of building robustness. Additionally, students will develop a sense of belonging and place through reflections on their contributions and abilities, ultimately constructing strong architectural models using recycled materials.
Competencies
Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
Products
Pre-K students will collaboratively construct simple models of strong structures using accessible, recycled materials such as plastic containers and paper. Throughout the project, they will craft various mini models, refining their designs based on insights gained from interactions with community partners, such as builders and architects. In the culminating Strong Homes Parade, these models will be exhibited, allowing each student to showcase their understanding of building strong homes to peers and community visitors.
Launch
Introduce students to the concept of building strength by transforming the classroom into a 'Strong Structure Zone.' Provide various materials like playdough, popsicle sticks, and blocks for hands-on exploration of balance, shape, and architectural strength. Engage children in guided free play to create their own structures, sparking curiosity about what makes buildings sturdy and setting the tone for the project ahead.
Exhibition
Organize a Strong Homes Parade where students proudly showcase their mini models made from recyclable materials, inspired by insights from community partner visits. Students will parade around the school, inviting classmates, parents, and community partners to observe and celebrate their creativity and understanding of strong building principles. This exhibition not only reinforces students' learning but also promotes a collaborative and festive atmosphere, where students communicate their knowledge through their creations and reflections.
