7th Grade English Students Use Maker Space for Study of Symbols in Fahrenheit 451

Fahrenheit Symbols Project

Students in seventh grade English headed to the Beard Center for Innovation to create a three dimensional object using Makerbots and the laser cutter to create a physical rendering of symbols gleaned from a close reading of Fahrenheit 451. In making their designs students were asked to explain how the object connects to the big ideas in the novel.  Symbols were constructed from 3d printers and textual evidence was be etched on wooden boxes that were laser cut for component assembly..  

5th Grade Paper Circuit Design Challenge

Fifth grade students in Lauren Vanin's class learned about how electricity flows though a circuit by engineering circuits on their own.  Experimentation and self-direction were key elements to this unit as students were not told explicitly how to build the circuit.  Using a project specific design brief in their design thinking process, students had to strategically place a light in their construction that highlighted the achievements of the person they studied.  

Middle School Students Make Media Using TouchCast

"In Public Speaking 7, I try to find innovative and different ways for the kids to increase their confidence speaking in front of a group while also putting the necessary skills to be a successful speaker to work," reports Joanna Rominger, middle school drama teacher. "Now that we have access to a green screen in the MS, I thought it would be fun for the kids to expand on our current event unit by creating an original news broadcast/program based on what is happening on campus, in the USA and all over the world.  The students worked in groups of six or seven, and were assigned to be either the news anchor or reporter.  After picking their topics, and articles to focus on, they worked to create an original script inspired by news programs that are currently on TV.  Using the iPad app, TouchCast, they were able to put their script to work to record, and edit their news program.  The students had an amazing time from start to finish, and the end results were fantastic.  This was a learning experience for both the students, and myself.  I am looking forward to doing the project again in the spring with my second semester students.  It was a great way for the kids to put what we learn in class to work in a team atmosphere, while allowing them to explore a new area of technology at the same time."