Reading Resource Teacher, STAT Teacher, and Grade 2 Teacher at Edmondson Heights Elementary
Fourth grade students created a trash collection device for picking up schoolyard trash as part of their Rubbish Rescue Unit. The trash collection devices did not have to be fully functional but had to be a valid solution to the trash collection issue and had to convert energy in at least three separate ways! Their designs included “The Garbage Muncher 9,000”, “The Clean Machine” and “The JXM 2018”.
Third grade students participated in a Safe Racer competition, where they constructed model cars to see which car would travel the furthest distance while keeping an egg from cracking or breaking. There were restrictions as to materials and design, requiring students to apply their knowledge of forces and motion to design a winning car. Along the way, there was lots of research, revisions, and roughed up eggs! At the conclusion of the unit, each car was released down a ramp to see how far it could travel. While not every egg survived the competition, there were plenty of cheers and tears (of joy) in the halls on Safe Racer day!
Fifth grade musicians provided an additional highlight as they showcased their instruments with an "Instrument Petting Zoo." All who wanted to try out an instrument they have always dreamed of playing had the opportunity! Students taught guests how to hold the instrument and make sounds using it. Students as teachers- music to our ears and at the very heart of a learner-centered environment!