4th & 5th Big Idea: Play
CHILD-DESIGNED PLAYSCAPE (4th & 5th grade)
PHASE 2 of A2STEAM renovation included the relocation of the K-1st grade play structure. Seizing the opportunity to create a real-world PBL experience, I co-developed with U of M MFA Graduate, Laura Amtower, a yearlong PBL centered around the Big Idea: Play. We integrated classroom core curriculum with elements of art and design to encourage students to develop innovative theories on play and create a child-designed playscape proposal. We implemented a hands-on pedagogical approach by observing and physically exploring the STEAM landscape, research and in-depth inquiry, studying movement through play, and processing group dynamics of play. 4th grade created projects based on group dynamics, while 5th grade focused on projects related to the use of wind and kinetic motion. Both grade levels created all school polls and calculated outcomes from each poll to help generate sound research for their playscape proposals.
PHASE 2 of A2STEAM renovation included the relocation of the K-1st grade play structure. Seizing the opportunity to create a real-world PBL experience, I co-developed with U of M MFA Graduate, Laura Amtower, a yearlong PBL centered around the Big Idea: Play. We integrated classroom core curriculum with elements of art and design to encourage students to develop innovative theories on play and create a child-designed playscape proposal. We implemented a hands-on pedagogical approach by observing and physically exploring the STEAM landscape, research and in-depth inquiry, studying movement through play, and processing group dynamics of play. 4th grade created projects based on group dynamics, while 5th grade focused on projects related to the use of wind and kinetic motion. Both grade levels created all school polls and calculated outcomes from each poll to help generate sound research for their playscape proposals.
Observation and Research
After 5 minutes of exploration of the current play structure students were asked create observational drawings, focusing on a few elements that they felt were important to keep in the new playscape.Students were encouraged to search for line variation, details, and the use of overlapping.
Zany Playground Concepts
The "pendulum" theory was shared with the students, and that good designers start off with research and observation, and then swing the pendulum to the opposite side for a while- going to the most imaginative, playful, zany side! Students were excited to use their imaginations, hopes and dreams, and were given "all the money in the world" to imagine the best playscape ever! Overlapping, repetition, line variation, and form.
Objects at Play
Students observed and rendered one the most common objects of play for children, the bicycle. Students considered the composition before drawing and coloring with Prisma colored pencil.
Roller Coaster Ride
Integrated learning occurred as 5th grade students learned about Potential Energy and studied roller coasters. We practiced drawing roller coasters and students designed their own marble ball roller coasters.
THE FIGURE AT PLAY
Students observed and studied the human figure at play. Students learned about the proportions of the human body, the skeletal structure, and joints. A final composition of a figure playing their favorite sport was created in chalk pastel.
Wind Tunnels
In conjunction with the 5th grade unit on natural energy, solar and wind, students considered if they could create something related to play using wind energy. We decided to construct large scale wind tunnels for the all school EXPO. Plastic, tape, and industrial fans were used.
Child-designed Playscape 1st-5th grade
Each class 1st-5th grade created one large scale model to represent their class ideas about elements on a playscape. Students used recycled and natural materials to construct their playscape features. Classes presented their models at a community-wide playscape voting session which included the landscape architect and buildings and grounds of AAPS
Singapore Delegates
Two students from each grade level had an opportunity to share their class concepts with Delegates from Singapore who visited our STEAM school.
Parachute Play
Integrating the 4th grade general curriculum on collaboration and dynamics of groups, we had students breath new life into an old gym game, the parachute. Working in teams of 5 or 6 students created a scaled-model of a new parachute design with two invented games to go with it. These designs were then made full scale by the students. These parachute games were led by the 4th graders at the all school EXPO.
