This week the first graders got to put their creativity and their maker boxes to use! We started with a couple introductory activities to help them understand the purpose of their maker boxes. Their first challenge was to create something that represents an important part of them. Then, the practiced giving a presentation as each student took turns sharing their creation and its meaning with the class. 

Their second challenge was to use their maker box contents and their imagination to create a device that could help them escape from a giant pit in the ground. This will connect to our lessons next week where we talk about The Learning Pit. This will be an extension for a few students who utilize The Learning Pit in their regular classes and an introduction for most students. The Learning Pit is a district-wise initiative being rolled out this year that can help students visualize the importance of struggle in the learning process. This is an invaluable worldview for GATE students especially who often lack significant struggle in the classroom or learn to avoid trying things that they think might lead to failure. One of our biggest goals in GATE is to become experts at failing!