Third graders at Hawthorne Elementary redefined their learning by creating an innovative DIY bike project. Students were introduced to this project by learning about an organization called “Maya Pedal.” This group, based in Guatemala, alters bikes to make pedal powered machines that complete tasks for everyday living such as creating aloe for hair care or shucking corn to be canned and sold. Students using an artistic design process were asked to problem solve and create an original bike design that could help take them on a special journey or help them complete a task.
After completion, students learned that critiquing is an essential component of the artistic process. Therefore, students from Hawthorne Elementary and Lansdowne Elementary critiqued each other’s design by Skyping. This learning experience combined the use of art, science, and technology in an engaging and meaningful approach to learning.