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!

Happy New (School) Year!

I can't believe the first week of school has already come and gone!  It was so nice to see the students' smiling faces both in person and virtually!  Although this year may look different in many ways, I am confident that we are going to have a fabulous year!

I have always said that we like to keep things moving and shaking in the Collaboratory...and now that is true in a new way!  We are taking the Collaboratory "on the road" this year!  Instead of having the students come to my classroom, I am taking the Collaboratory into their individual homerooms with my trusty sidekick:  the Collaboratory Cruiser!  I'm looking forward to rolling through the halls and bringing the Collaboratory to life in each and every classroom!  Stay tuned to see how we transform the Collaboratory Cruiser!

Another change this year is that our Collaboratory schedule is now based on marking periods instead of on a five-day rotation.  I will have one class per grade level every day for an entire marking period.  I am excited about this change because it will allow for better lesson continuity, and it will really allow us to dive deep into some activities without having to wait an entire week in between them.  If I do not have your children this marking period, please let them know that I am looking forward to working with them soon!

I am also excited to announce that fifth grade is now part of our Collaboratory program!  I can't wait to share these new Collab units with our students!

A dear friend used to always share this quote with me:  The only constant in education is change.  For the first time, I think I am finally realizing just how true that statement is.  

But when it comes to change, it's all about perspective.  If you view change as a negative thing, you may miss the chance to embrace some of the really wonderful things that could come out of that change.  

Personally, I've always tried to welcome change with open arms.  I'm not saying that's always been easy.  But I truly believe in the positive power of change.  Sometimes change helps to force a refresh on things.  Sometimes change creates new opportunities that didn't exist before.  Change can be an exciting thing.  And that's how I will always present changes to your children:  new, exciting adventures overflowing with possibilities.  

Let's tackle this crazy year of change together and focus on all of the wonderful things that can come with it.  I can't wait to share this wild ride with you!

Collaboratory Close-out

This school year has certainly been an interesting adventure!  The transition from in-person learning to distance learning was an experience unlike anything we could have ever imagined.  However, our Tabernacle family rose to the occasion.  Our teachers worked hard to continue making connections to our students and to bring lessons to life virtually.  Our students navigated new platforms like Google Classroom and Zoom in order to continue to learn and grow, and their families were by their sides to support them every step of the way.  Distance learning was a new challenge that no one anticipated, and there was definitely a learning curve on how to navigate these new waters.  Yet, together, we all persevered and tackled the challenge, like the true #TigerStrong team that we are.  We did our best every single day, and although there may have been some bumps along the road, we took it one day at a time, and we all got through it together.  I have never been more proud to be part of the Tabernacle family.

To the students, thank you for your dedication to keeping the Collaboratory spirit alive!  I loved seeing all of the awesome Collaboratory projects you completed at home!  Once again, you showed me that you are true engineers:  you find problems that need to be solved, and you find innovative ways to solve them!  You were resourceful, creative, and hard-working, and I feel so honored to be your teacher.  You never cease to amaze me with your great ideas and your outside-the-box thinking.

To the families of our incredible students, thank you for all of your help, support, and understanding throughout this journey.  You were such an integral part of this process, and you are so deeply appreciated.  Thank you for being project partners, Zoom coordinators, and encouraging cheerleaders.  We couldn't have done it without you.

To the Tabernacle teachers, staff, and administration, thank you for your teamwork, your inspiration, your leadership, and your support as we leaned on one another to get through these difficult times together.  I feel so lucky to work with all of you.

We do not know what awaits us next year.  Will we be back to school?  Will this virtual learning continue?  As I pack up the Collaboratory and prepare for whatever next year brings us, there is one thing I do know for sure: no matter what happens, I am confident that we will get through it together.

I hope you all have a healthy, safe, and relaxing summer!  I miss you all!