What We've Been Up To...

We have been some busy bees down in the 2nd grade hallway!

We are on Week 2 of our Project-Based Learning unit (PBL) about U.S. landmarks and how they make places unique.  Next week, the learners will be issued their challenge for the rest of the project, and get ready--it's a doozy!

So far, they have learned the basics about the Washington Monument, the Casa Grande ruins, Mount Rushmore, and the Golden Gate Bridge.  They have also completed missions based on these landmarks, in which they used creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking (our 21st century soft skills).

Below are some photos from today's mission, "Big, Big Bridge."

The learners worked in their PBL teams to construct a long bridge to span between 2 desks.

They were judged on the length of the bridge, its beauty, and teamwork.

Top left: The "Tae Kwon Do Dallas Stars British Team" is really improving in their teamwork!

Top right: The "4 Cute Best Friends" team won the Creativity award for using red pipe cleaners to create roses that decorated their bridge.

Bottom: The "Awesome Launchers" team had a great idea to add straws below their bridge for support.

Top: The "Crooked Arrows" team won today's mission by building the longest bridge and receiving high points in teamwork and beauty, as well.

Bottom: The "Lightning Bolts" team got the 2nd highest score for beauty and used colorful pipe cleaners to decorate their bridge.

Great job, teams!  I commended them all today for how well they worked in their teams.  I am so proud to already see their collaboration and communication improving after just 6 days of this PBL unit!  Way to go, 2A!

Stay tuned for all the fun and learning that is yet to come!