Think Tank

Kindies have been learning basic expectations of the Think Tank room and have practiced applying those expectations as they create and build in centers. Students will move on this month to learning the proper handling of our iPads and will have fun as they learn how to use a new app!

First graders will begin their learning of the Engineering Design Process as they plan and design a bat (the mammal, not something you swing at a ball) with given materials. The focus this week will be on using the Engineering Design Process to plan, create and test their ideas. Perseverance will also be stressed when plans don't go well the first time they're attempted.

Second graders will use Snap Circuits as they learn about different forms of energy, electricity, renewable and nonrenewable resources, conductors and insulators. They will end the week making a light-up card that includes a closed circuit and LED light!!!

Third graders will be using our VEX GO kits to build a magnet car and will learn basic principles of magnets/magnetism using their car. Teams will then be challenged to make their car move down a track using only magnetism! This activity not only gets them ready to build robots using our VEX IQ Kits but it also gives them some background knowledge on magnets for when they discuss that topic in their classrooms! Collaboration and compromise are stressed within teams!!

Fourth graders will be learning about informational systems and the transfer of information. Binary code and Morse code will be discussed and students will then try their hand at designing a pixelated picture using 0's and 1's. Finally, we'll talk about the basic principles of waves and how energy can travels through waves!

Fifth graders will be learning about prosthetics and then using the Engineering Design Process to make a prosthetic hand using common materials (card stock paper, string, straws, etc). They'll also have some fun challenges and relays to try using their prosthetic hand! We'll end the week learning what a career as a biomedical engineer would be like!

Many have asked how they can support the Think Tank classroom. One way is through donations. At this time in the year, the following items are always graciously accepted!!

• empty toilet paper and paper towel rolls
• cotton balls
• markers
• Elmers glue sticks
• masking tape
• straws
• pipe cleaners

Thank you in advance for any items you may be able to donate!!