The GT cuties have excitedly launched into new projects this week! Check out these fun and challenging activities:
- Kindergarten: Using Tangrams. Students are discovering the problem solving potential that lies within the tangram, a Chinese geometric puzzle consisting of a square cut into seven pieces. A tangram can be arranged to make various other shapes. The GT cuties are getting used to the seven pieces, and they are enjoying working with this ancient critical thinking challenge.
- 1st grade: Straw Bridge Building. After learning about basic bridge parts the students designed a bridge of their own. They are building it out of drinking straws and masking tape. The bridge must span two chairs that are three feet apart. Plus, the bridge must support the weight of a can of beans. The GT cuties are using strong perseverance and problem solving skills on this fun project!
- 2nd grade: The Art and Science of Origami. The students are really enjoying learning all about origami! First, they downloaded an app called "Origami 3D." Using the app they are learning how to fold different figures. This week we watched a documentary called - "Japanology Plus: Origami." The GT cuties are mesmerized by the history and magnificence of this ancient art!
- 3rd grade: Design your own Marble Maze. The GT cuties used several different marble run kits during the week. After exposure to these, they were asked to classify the parts of marble runs. Next, they began planning for a marble maze that they will design and make using the recyclables in our classroom. Students will draw their maze and then generate a list of materials they will need. Then they will start building!
- 4th grade: Begin The Great Paper Airplane Contest. The students are energized to begin this project! They will work in "companies" and design paper airplanes for a contest that we will have in a few weeks. The first step is to determine what company to work for and then to organize the company. Each company will have a President and a Treasurer. They may also have a Marketing Director, Vice President, and Research & Development Director. Companies must generate a name, slogan and logo - we will work on that next week.
- 5th grade: Design Contest - Wooden Art for the GT classroom. The 5th grade GT cuties want to leave their mark on the GT classroom. To do so, they will be working together to make a decorative work of art. The students were asked to make a design that utilizes several wooden branches. Then, each student pitched their design to the class. After all ideas were shared the students voted on the design they most want to make. The winning design was submitted by Eva, and we will create the piece next week :-)
