A large component to our project based learning is learning to collect information that will spark questions and interests. Just like in college, we had to read articles, etc. before starting on our writing assignments. We provide the students experiences which they make their own, whether they draw, take pictures with the camera, or construct a model. At the same time, they are using observation skills that promote higher level thinking skills. Questions and investigations stem from these observations and they want to understand the "why" behind how things work.
This week, I have constructed a house and pulled out a big box to make a vehicle. Immediately, it was decided that it would be a mail truck. We gathered keys from the Navigators room, and took a quick bus ride and noticed that we needed mirrors and buttons and sunroofs (even though we have a convertible!) This is based on their interests. As we continue to learn about ourselves and our community, we will pay special attention to how the mail moves from one place to another.
Motion is everywhere! Signs on the road tell us how to move and we can do amazing things with our bodies. As the year progresses, we hope to build on these concrete understandings as we move more abstract in our ideas.
