DREAM IT Final Update
- I have learned so much during my DREAM IT Project. I have learned how to make STEM come to life using all type of ordinary materials. As I taught my students how to bring Engineering design to life by using everyday objects and materials my classroom opened to a world way beyond my classroom doors.
- In using the design process through my DREAM IT project it strengthen my foundation in the engineering concepts I already possessed. The DREAM IT project has influenced my teaching in many different levels. Materials and activities I used in the DREAM IT project was tools I once would have not considered in my past lessons. Now, after working on my DREAM IT project through-out the year it has opened my eyes to various innovative projects my students enjoyed. I now have additional STEM skills and tools that will influence my instruction for years to come.
DREAM IT April Update
Students have started to video tape and photograph their Bristlebot designs. The Cardboard Challenge will come to an end of various designs students have created. On April 28th we have planned STEM Night. Students will showcase their Engineering projects from grades K- 8th grade. Some projects that will be presented at STEM are Puff Mobiles, Boats, Hand-Pollinators, and Bristlebots to name a few.
At STEM Night students will present their prototypes and teach parents and community members how to use the Engineering Design Process to design and test their own models. Middle school students from our Peoples Gas Science Club members will demonstrate several scientific experiments they have been working on with me after school. (Pictures Below)
The first week of May we will have Illinois Math and Science Academy (IMSA) come and help teach an engineering class on recycled green material.
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DREAM IT March Update
Bristlebot Design Challenge and Hand-Pollinator Design Testing
Students are actively constructing their Bristlebot projects and discussing their plan to win the Drag Race. I have included a Youtube video via Blendspace to capture students’ work thus far. All students are using the Engineering Design Process of: Ask, Image, Plan, Create, and Improve to create prototypes. Each student will be given extra material to practice their best model at home in efforts to win the race.
Students are amazed at how they can use simple material around them to create a fully functioning mini robot.
During several tests so far some students realized their initial ideas for their Bristlebot is not working as planned. This process has been frustrating for some but rewarding. They are testing with additional materials and actually asked if they could bring some materials from home. In a few weeks, I plan to have student teams video tape their design process and share the video with the class. This will help students use a documentary format to analyze their procedures and present their best practices to their peers.
Next steps for Spring Dream It will be to explore the Cardboard Challenge and have a Makers Faire. We are excited for the Cardboard designs as well as the planned STEM Night coming at the end of April.
Students are amazed at how they can use simple material around them to create a fully functioning mini robot.
During several tests so far some students realized their initial ideas for their Bristlebot is not working as planned. This process has been frustrating for some but rewarding. They are testing with additional materials and actually asked if they could bring some materials from home. In a few weeks, I plan to have student teams video tape their design process and share the video with the class. This will help students use a documentary format to analyze their procedures and present their best practices to their peers.
Next steps for Spring Dream It will be to explore the Cardboard Challenge and have a Makers Faire. We are excited for the Cardboard designs as well as the planned STEM Night coming at the end of April.
DREAM IT February Update |
Engineering Class held at Children's Museum Tinkering Lab
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My students have just completed their field trip to Children’s’ Museum. The third and second grade students as well as chaperons had a great time at the Children's Museum! As planned, they allowed me to teach my own Engineering Class at the Tinkering Lab with all the materials provided, as you will see in the pictures I have forwarded. I created the lesson and gave the students the challenge to design and construct an apparatus that would help a disabled military veteran with daily activities throughout their life. Pretty much construct something that will improve their quality of life. Our students as always rose to the challenge! One of our second graders created a wooden artificial hand that would help a veteran if they lost their hand due to combat.
We are currently working on researching and designing Bristlebots. Students are so excited about their bristlebot design. They are using the Engineering Design Process to understand the background and process an Engineer would use in real-life. They are learning how engineering is all around them by using everyday objects. Students will use objects such as toothbrushes, watch batteries, small motors, pipe cleaners, and double-sided tape. Once the bristlebots are created they will test their bristlebots on various drag race strips. They will try to make sure the bots will keep straight to race the other team ‘s bristlebot.
After students complete this task we will be moving on to exploring a Makers Fair and STEM Night to showcase their projects and prototypes.
We are currently working on researching and designing Bristlebots. Students are so excited about their bristlebot design. They are using the Engineering Design Process to understand the background and process an Engineer would use in real-life. They are learning how engineering is all around them by using everyday objects. Students will use objects such as toothbrushes, watch batteries, small motors, pipe cleaners, and double-sided tape. Once the bristlebots are created they will test their bristlebots on various drag race strips. They will try to make sure the bots will keep straight to race the other team ‘s bristlebot.
After students complete this task we will be moving on to exploring a Makers Fair and STEM Night to showcase their projects and prototypes.
Engineering Explain-IT Video
DREAM IT Project Updates
Getting a lot of buzz from students about my STEM board.. Mission accomplished #msurbanstem
Getting a lot of buzz from students about my STEM board.. Mission accomplished #msurbanstem
Engineering All Around Us DREAM IT is coming to life. Tallest Tower with simple materials..Makers Faire coming soon...
Engineering Design Challenges for DREAM IT Phase II
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