International Dot Day:  The Maker Way

Our Collaboratory Cubs have been busy reviewing everything they know about engineers and the technologies that they create, and they have learned so many new facts along the way!  

Our youngest Collaboratory Cubs are always surprised to learn that technology doesn't have to have batteries or wires or a fancy touchscreen and that technology can be anything that is designed to help people or solve problems!  Students explored some of the most underrated technologies that we use every day (pencils, cups, socks, etc.) and discussed how they helped people and how they have evolved and improved over time.

Our oldest Collaboratory Cubs got into some deeper conversations exploring ways that different technologies were combined and transformed into new technologies (flashlights, baby bottles, etc.).  All of the students love trying to compare technologies and decide which ones were created first and why.  They also learned about how the development of a new technology might solve one problem and also create another one that needs to be solved.  And, of course, we always discuss the quote about how "necessity is the mother of invention". 

After exploring different technologies, the Collaboratory Cubs rolled up their sleeves and tested out all different types of technologies.  In honor of International Dot Day (which is linked to the book The Dot which celebrates creativity and innovation), the students got to transform a dot-shaped technology (a bottle cap, lid, or button) and use the other technologies in the classroom makerspace to transform that dot into something completely new.  Students also had to be able to explain why each material they used was considered technology.  I was blown away by their incredibly creative ideas!  Take a peek:

 I can already tell that our Collaboratory Cubs are going to accomplish amazing things this year!

The Collaboratory is back open for business!

It was an amazing first week back at school!  The Collaboratory and I really missed our students and their creativity!  We spent this week exploring our updated learning studio.  It has some oldies but goodies, but it is also filled with lots of new and exciting additions!   Check out the pics below!

The students have already started taking charge of their own learning by setting some goals for the year as well!  Each class of students brainstormed some problems that that they would like to tackle and solve this year, and they already came up with great ideas for community-focused projects.  

I can tell that we are going to have another incredible year together!  

The Wrap-up to the Collaboratory's Fabulous First Year

Now that the school year has come to a close, there has been some time to reflect on the amazing year that it has been.  It's crazy to think that one year ago, the Collaboratory was just an exciting idea that held so much promise and opportunity.  Not only has the Collaboratory's studio been completely transformed, evolving throughout the year to meet the needs and interests of our students, but the program itself has blossomed into something truly spectacular.  It's not just a makerspace or an engineering lab or a project studio.  It's the land of possibilities and adventures.  It's a world full of "how might we..." and "what if we tried..." and "I bet we could...".  It's a place where the impossible seems possible and where problems can be tackled and solved together as a team.  It's creativity, determination, collaboration, and perseverance, all rolled into one.  For me, it's my happy place.  I want to take a minute to thank everyone who made this year possible: our fantastic administrative team, our dynamic staff, our supportive and generous families, and most importantly, the incredible kiddos who have taught me so much along the way.  I can't wait to keep this momentum going next year!

Also, you may have been curious to see how some of our final projects turned out during our last few weeks of school.  Take a peek at how we finished the year:

In Pre-School, the students created "Maker Monsters" who could watch over their maker adventures this summer.  Of course, the Maker Monsters contact Mrs. Murro to let her know about all of the cool creations that were made! 

Our kindergarten engineers completed and tested their solar ovens!

Our first grade engineers finished building and improving their maglev transportation systems.

Our second grade engineers improved and tested their oil spill clean-up systems.  

Our third grade engineers finished testing different simple machines!

Our fourth grade engineers created and tested their alarm circuits.

On the last day of school, it was time to set our worm babies (who grew into beautiful full-grown worms) free into the TES Garden so that they could work their magic on the growing vegetables over the summer!

I wish all of you a wonderful summer, and I hope you will continue to follow our Collaboratory adventures next year because we have some big plans for Year Two!