4th graders use robotics to delve into literature
As part of its interdisciplinary approach to art and science. 4th graders at The Ellis School are using the Hummingbird Robotics Kit, developed at Carnegie Mellon University, to craft dioramas that deepen their understanding of setting in literature. All 4th graders read the book Poppy, which is about a mouse in conflict with an owl.
The mouse must work to overcome her fears of the owl's antagonistic behavior. Setting is an important part of the story.
Working in teams, and using descriptive details provided by the author, students crafting dioramas that bring their understanding of setting to life in a concrete, creative, and imaginative ways.
The students then added robotic features to their setting. Some added LED lights to light up the sun, moon, or stars. Others used Servo motors to add movement, making the owl fly, the mouse turn, and the water move. Others added sounds of birds calling and owls screeching to their scenes.
"As a language arts teacher, I have worked to fit aspects of STEM into my program," said 4th grade teacher Jessica Nolan, who works closely with fellow 4th grade teacher Patrick Fagersten. Mr.Fagersten concentrates on math and history and has had training in design thinking and active learning methods. "When Mr. Fagersten introduced me to the Hummingbird Robotics Kit, I began to see opportunities for connection," Nolan said.
"Robotics turns this assignment into a STEAM--science, technology, engineering, arts, and math--project, and that gives our girls opportunities to see how to apply science and engineering concepts in creative and exciting ways," said Mr. Fagersten.
The Poppy dioramas are on view now in the 4th grade classrooms in the Ellis Lower School.
Back
Working in teams, and using descriptive details provided by the author, students crafting dioramas that bring their understanding of setting to life in a concrete, creative, and imaginative ways.
The students then added robotic features to their setting. Some added LED lights to light up the sun, moon, or stars. Others used Servo motors to add movement, making the owl fly, the mouse turn, and the water move. Others added sounds of birds calling and owls screeching to their scenes.
"As a language arts teacher, I have worked to fit aspects of STEM into my program," said 4th grade teacher Jessica Nolan, who works closely with fellow 4th grade teacher Patrick Fagersten. Mr.Fagersten concentrates on math and history and has had training in design thinking and active learning methods. "When Mr. Fagersten introduced me to the Hummingbird Robotics Kit, I began to see opportunities for connection," Nolan said.
"Robotics turns this assignment into a STEAM--science, technology, engineering, arts, and math--project, and that gives our girls opportunities to see how to apply science and engineering concepts in creative and exciting ways," said Mr. Fagersten.
The Poppy dioramas are on view now in the 4th grade classrooms in the Ellis Lower School.
Envision Her at Ellis
If you're interested in exploring Ellis for your daughter, let's connect! Request information about enrollment, attend one of our upcoming events, or hear about Ellis from those who know it best: our students.
