Collaboratory Corner

The Wonderful World of Engineering

In Collaboratory, we like to kick off the year talking about our favorite topic:  technology!  Each grade level has its own special way to review all of the amazing things that are considered technology!  Whether it's exploring technologies in our classrooms or in our homes, it's always fun to see how technology has evolved and changed over time.  Mr. Cramer, one of our 5th grade teachers, was even able to bring in some cool technologies that were used in Tabernacle long ago!  It was so interesting to see how far our own town has come in the last 50-100 years!

After our deep dive into the world of technology, we learn all about the incredible people who create these technologies:  engineers!  We learn about all different types of engineering and the jobs that exist in those fields!  We also learn about a very important tool that all engineers use:  the Engineering Design Process.

All of the students get to work on special projects so that they can practice the steps of the Engineering Design Process.

In Kindergarten and 1st Grade, we kick off the year with a Cardboard Construction Challenge!  In Kindergarten, we read What To Do With a Box and in 1st Grade we read Boxitects.  Then, both grade levels are challenged to transform a plain box into something completely new!  Take a look at some of their works in progress:

      

In 2nd and 3rd Grades, we participate in the Collaboratory Invention Convention!  In 2nd Grade, we read Rosie Revere Engineer and in 3rd Grade, we read Made By Maxine.  Both stories explore the excitement and challenges that come with inventing and how to persevere every step of the way.  Take a look at some of these inventions in the making:

In 4th and 5th Grades, we work on our Makerspace Magic projects!  Our virtual 4th graders did an amazing job presenting their great projects during our Google Meet!  Our fifth graders are working on a very special project:  designing and creating our Collaboratory Cruiser!  Stay tuned for updates on our progress!

I can't wait to see the students' creativity continue to shine this year!