BY Darlene McQuade
John W. Decas School
The goal of this project is to create Lego wall that will be housed in our bus lobby which houses our interactive Imagination Playground. It is our objective to provide different materials and tools to foster creativity and the basic principles of STEM exploration and learning to excite and motivate all learners in different ways. This wall will be another tool available for all students and be used to supplement hands on learning in conjunction to our STEM and Focus K2 curriculum. Our focus K2 curriculum is a program that approaches teaching through Expeditionary learning that is active, challenging, meaningful, public and collaborative. Students will be able to utilize and apply engineering, building and construction techniques to build model communities and habitats in relation to school related themes.
How will the project be evaluated (e.g. how will you gauge its success)
Success will be measured through the completion of the project and the recorded usage of the wall during school hours, after school and summer enrichment programs. Teachers at our school are asked to make appointments to use the indoor playground and will be asked for their input on the success of this added resource. The wall will be on display during parent conference evenings and surveys will be available to gather community input.
Benefit to the students and the school
Using this Lego wall would provide a meaningful context for children to learn concepts and skills as well as building creatively. This will make learning fun and enjoyable while building fine motor skills. It will allow children to extend and discover together and on their own and help build confidence, endurance, cooperation and teamwork. It will provide opportunities for collaborative learning with adults and peers to help strengthen problem solving skills as well as increase awareness of engineering.
Timeline of Project (when will you do the project, if applicable)
The project will begin as soon as funding is received and be completed by the beginning of spring 2017.