First Grade Communicates with Light

At the end of the spring semester, first graders come into the Lab to learn about and create with light and sound. Using two units from the Engineering is Elementary program out of the Science Museum-Boston, students learn about light and sound. As a culminating project, we have developed a way for students to communicate with each other.

After discussing the Morse Code system and S-O-S (which almost all the children were familiar with) we come up with a list of common words and a code system of long and/or short light bursts. Next, using breadboards, batteries, LEDs, momentary switches and jumper wires we create a simple circuit. Most of the circuit is made when the students get to class, but they are responsible for finishing up the connections so their light will work.

Next, the students are put in pairs and are given paper and pencil. They come up with a question using the words on the board and try to communicate that question to their partner. Once the partner things they know what is being asked, the partner responds with an answer. They each take turns asking and answering a question.

We finish by talking about how we created a communication system and how today, we also use similar ways to communicate using symbols like emojis or text short hand (like LOL). I different years, we also do a communicate with sound system where the students use 2 different sound combinations to communicate with their partner. For this exercise, they are given a list of words, but working as a pair, have to come up with a system that they agree upon and use that to communicate with each other.

It's SEV (Space Exploration Vehicle) Time Again

One of the highlights of the school year for 3rd grader students is the study of "Space". Under the expert direction of our 3rd grade science teacher Ms. Warner, students spend almost the whole second semester learning, researching, writing, planning, designing, creating, things that have to do with space. The culmination of the unit is the creation of their SEVs...space exploration vehicles.

After the students research and make a poster of a planet, star, solar system, space anomaly, scientist, astronaut, etc., they start planning and designing their SEV. If they researched a place to visit, then their SEV has to visit that place. If they picked a person to research, then they pick a place their SEV can visit. From their, students follow the design process to imagine and plan their SEV.

This year, part of the research process included using AR (Augmented Reality). Mike Fricano from the Educational Technology Integration Specialist, introduced the students to "Spacecraft 3D" an app from the NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab. This app allowed the student to look and manipulate actual SEVs on their iPads.

 Next the students go through a collection of recyclables and the creating starts.

Once the SEVs are done, they are given a spray of paint. Next piece of old electronics can be added thanks to the "Take-apart Club" that takes apart old computers, printers, etc. After that, some of the SEVs are connected to the computer via a MakeyMakey. The students write an interactive program using Scratch and the whole project gets put on display in the Lower School Library.

We are once again this year going to have some of these talented, creative 3rd graders display their SEVs at this summers Mini Maker Faire on June 23rd here at 'Iolani in the Sullivan Center For Innovation and Leadership between noon and 5pm. If you are in the Honolulu area, please come over and see them in person.

Job Posting: Lower School Design Lab Teacher @ 'Iolani School

I will be relocating my family back to the Mainland (the Dallas/Fort Worth area) this summer and because the commute would be a pain, I have sadly stepped down from my position here at 'Iolani.

If you have ever thought about teaching in Paradise (both a place to live and place of work), the Lower School (K-6) Design Lab Teacher job is now posted at www.iolani.org/employment

The school year isn't over and I'll be teaching all summer, so check back to see what our kids are doing.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. 

Much Aloha!

Matthew Dillon