February has been filled with fun, hands-on learning, problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, and growth.
February is Black History Month. Students learned about the following engineers that have made an impact on our world: Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, William Fauntroy, Lewis Latimer, Guion Bluford Jr., Mae Jemison, and Ursula Burns. At CAES, we celebrate diversity every day and every month. However by focusing on these amazing pioneer engineers, students learned about the mark they made on our world. We learned all people can be engineers. We learned from others that have gone before us and to connect to our own heritage. Students learned to look at these faces and many others as inspiration. They learned to say to themselves: If they can do it I can do it!
It's never too early to explore scholarship opportunities. Check out this wonderful opportunity.
A Scholarship Fund For Aspiring African American Engineers
Pre-K and Kindergarten
Students constructed many types of buildings out of Keva planks.
Using Albert's Alphabet by Leslie Tyron as a model, students were challenged to create the first letter of their name using a variety of materials, and it had to be 3-D and stand up. Students used a lot of tenacity, critical thinking, and creativity to ensure their letter could stand up.
Students celebrated the 100th day of school with a variety of stations with different building materials. Each station challenged students to build a structure or design using 100 items.
All first, second and third graders had a design challenge using the book Hansel and Gretel as a model. They had to design a cage or trap that contained the witch while setting Hansel and Gretel free. Their designs were interesting, creative, and worked. The explanations were priceless. It is so great that students get to orally share their learning experiences.
First Grade and Second Grade
Students learned about different architecture such as castles, pyramids, and cathedrals and the role of an architect. They created blueprints and created prototypes from their blueprints. In addition, they learned about symmetry. I asked students why symmetry was important. Most replied, "It creates balance." I love it when students draw their own conclusions based upon experiential learning. They also learned about a career in civil engineering.
While students were working, I overheard a first grader state, "I'm going to be an engineer when I grow up." Woo Hoo. My heart is filled with warm fuzzies.
Students were challenged to create a structure that would deliver a golf ball into a container 6 inches away from the drop point. They were only allowed to use Keva planks for their structure. They used a lot of trial and error and ingenuity.
Mrs. Lenz's first graders are learning all about germination and engineering hydroponic prototypes with their 3rd grade buddy class.
Third Grade
Students were challenged to create a structure that would deliver a golf ball into a container 6 inches away from the drop point. They were only allowed to use Keva planks for their structure. They used a lot of trial and error and ingenuity. They also accessed prior knowledge from experiences such as miniature golf, marble runs, and previous engineering class challenges.
Students learned all about civil engineering and a career in civil engineering.
Students created blueprints and prototypes of their dream houses and schools.
Students were super excited about sanding and painting their pinewood cars. They learned that coarse sandpaper is used to shape and fine sandpaper is used to smooth. Step by step, we are getting closer to the big race day. Be on the lookout for upcoming details.
Mrs. Harris' third graders are learning all about germination and engineering hydroponic prototypes with their 1st grade buddy class.
Project Based Learning Field Experience
Mrs. Lenz's first graders and Mrs. Harris' third graders visited the Culinary Institute of Virginia for hands-on, life applicable learning from our expert, Mr. Sadowski. The experience highlight was the greenhouse with hydroponic gardening, a way to grow food without soil.
As always, I love learning with your children. They are treat to teach.
Have a wonderful day!
Mrs. Pamela Hall
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