All-New! Hawk's Nest Happenings

 

The second-grade boys recently completed a four-week Sci-Tech unit. Their charge was to collaborate with a classmate to design and create a small container that could hold a special item belonging to their partner. To ensure a vessel would keep a special item safe, boys interviewed each other to understand what the object’s needs were for the container. Using the design-thinking process (the methods outlined at Stanford University’s d.school), the pairs looked to uncover the genuine purpose of each container so that this understanding could inspire their designs. Our second graders proved to be dedicated and hard working in making their designs just right. After sketching and prototyping, the boys finally began building their containers using simple materials like cardboard and glue. Throughout the process, they checked in with their partner to ensure their "client" was getting the desired outcome, and to change design direction, if necessary.

 

Through critical thinking and creativity, second graders developed interesting solutions like false bottoms, locks, and padded surfaces to protect their classmate's object. The final stage involved a “client” debrief and process reflection. Together, boys talked through their successes and challenges of the project. These learnings and the results culminated in a presentation to teachers and parents. An iPad was used to showcase the stages and process of each container. In the end, second graders felt successful because they had worked hard to create something important for their classmate. As teachers, we stressed the importance of making mistakes in the learning process, as from mistakes can come great world discoveries.

 

For more information about this second-grade Sci-Tech unit or the Hawk's Nest, please contact Tom Rankin or Chloe Banks.