3rd Grade
Welcome to the 3rd Grade Innovation Lab Journal
We'll use our 3rd grade journal to share about each month's lessons and learning activities with the Innovation Lab Program. Teachers and Parents can follow along with the learning and find lesson resources that can be printed or shared and used to connect the learning to the home or in the classroom.
3rd Grade Lessons May 2023
3rd Grade students code Dash to turn left 360 degrees to draw circles on repeat.
Robots are designed to help humans. This month students explored how robots might help them make art?
This was a two step process. First students use the Dash robots to draw. Students needed to use their critical thinking skills to think of the drive movements Dash could do. Dash can turn left and right. Dash can move forward and backward.Students needed to think about their knowledge of shapes, the number of degrees found in shapes, and type of lines shapes have. Using this information, students began to code dash to move. By attaching markers to Dash with tape and commanding Dash to drive the result was a robot drawing shapes. Students recorded the blocks of code needed for Dash to draw different shapes. This lesson blended learning from previous lessons with Dash earlier in the year and math learning also.
Students began to innovate by considering different placement of the markers or by picking Dash up and moving to the robot to different locations on the paper.
The robot drawings were saved for the next session with students. The drawings were returned to student groups for another opportunity which required students to work collaboratively. In this lesson, students studied the work of Vincent Van Gogh. There was a focus of looking at a few of Van Gogh's paintings and his use of brush strokes as a source of inspiration.
Students were offered 3 paint colors of their choice and were encouraged to allow some of the pen lines from the first session of drawing with Dash to remain in the art work. This juxtaposition of lines creates a playful and interesting work of art.
So maybe robots can't do all the work, but what is interesting is how the circles that were drawn by the robots support the students who decided use the lines the robot had drawn as as a scaffold for their painted lines. They add paint, while mimicking the brush strokes of Van Gogh.
3rd Grade Lessons April 2023
Annual Innovation Showcase 2023
Students at Innovation Lab schools in CUSD were invited to after school events showcasing some of the most engaging learning happening in the program this year. This event showcased a variety of STEAM activities and encouraged children and families to explore, create, and innovate together.
One of the most popular stations at the event was the Dash programming station. Participants had the opportunity to program the Dash robot to move and meet challenge criteria. Exploring the basics of coding and robotics, this station encouraged visitors to think critically and problem-solve.
Another popular station was the Bee-Bots programming station. Children used coding skills to program a Bee-Bot robot to navigate a maze using sequencing and problem-solving. Students and visitors were challenged to use skills learned in the innovation lab to complete challenges and a couse mapped out on the floor in one of the showcase rooms.
For those interested in video game design, the Minecraft programming station allowed children to use coding skills to quickly build houses in a Minecraft world. Children and families also experimented with different coding blocks and learned how to create using Python code.
At the Scratch programming station, children could learn the basics of coding through interactive games and animations. Scratch cards at each station allowed visitors to create their own stories, games, and animations. This activity taught children the importance of creativity and logical thinking. For those interested in building, the Lego Buildtionary station challenged children to build various structures using Lego bricks. This activity encouraged children to think creatively and experiment with different building techniques.
Finally, the Soundtrap DJ booth allowed children to explore music production by creating their own tracks using digital tools. Innovative DJs could experiment with different beats, loops, and sound effects to create their own unique compositions. Parents took over this station at both events to show off and explore their creativity!
Innovation Showcase Night was an amazing event that offered a fun and engaging way for our school communities to learn about the program, our integrated learning and the profile of a graduate competencies. With a variety of activities ranging from coding and robotics to music production and building, there was something for everyone.
The 2023 Innovation Showcase nights were fun for families, teachers and students!
Visitors and students explore Mr. Natividad's OSMO station oudoors, combining simple thumbprint vart with complex drawings created with OSMO's drawing transfer feature.
We hope to feature showcase events at every school in CUSD next year as well as a large community showcase event. See you in 2024!.
3rd Grade Lessons March 2023
In the month of March, the third-grade students in the Innovation Lab embarked on an extraordinary adventure, exploring NASA's new Artemis mission and the wonders of the moon. Leveraging the power of technology and the popular game Minecraft, these young explorers deepened their knowledge and transferred their block-based programming skills to create exciting experiences in a virtual world. The students began their exploration by delving into NASA's Artemis mission, which aims to return humans to the moon. Through engaging discussions, informative videos, and interactive activities, they learned about the significance of this mission and the scientific discoveries it seeks to uncover. This exposure to real-world space exploration not only sparked their curiosity but also inspired their creative endeavors in the following weeks.
Building upon their block-based programming skills from February, the third graders harnessed the educational power of Minecraft EDU's Hour of Code missions. They seamlessly transferred their knowledge of coding concepts to the virtual realm, using Minecraft as a canvas to express their creativity and problem-solving skills.
By programming characters, objects, and events within Minecraft, the students brought the moon to life in their virtual worlds. They incorporated puzzles, challenges, and interactive elements inspired by NASA's Artemis mission, allowing them to showcase their understanding of space exploration and the moon's unique environment.
Lesson Resources:
3rd Grade Lessons February 2023
In the Innovation Lab, our third-grade students embarked on an exciting adventure in February, immersing themselves in the world of block-based programming. With a focus on developing their computational thinking and problem-solving skills, the students delved into creating their own two-player maze games. Let's take a closer look at their learning experience.
To kickstart their journey, the students were introduced to block-based programming, a visual coding language that allows them to create interactive games and experiences before learning the language andf snytax of a full coding language. Through this intuitive platform, they honed their logical thinking and developed a deep understanding of coding concepts in a fun and engaging manner while building skills they will transfer to Python programming in upper grades and beyond.
Using their newfound coding skills, the third graders took on the challenge of designing their own two-player maze games. With a focus on collaboration and creativity, they worked in table teams to plan, develop, and refine their games while learning the basics of loops, variables and coordinates. During the process, the students applied their computational thinking skills to design game mechanics, program character movements, and incorporate interactive elements. Through trial and error, they developed problem-solving strategies, iterated on their designs, and fine-tuned their games to perfection. The culmination of their hard work came with a joyful sharing session, where the third graders presented and played each other's maze games. This experience fostered a sense of pride in their creations and encouraged them to appreciate and celebrate their classmates' achievements. As they explored the diverse maze games, the students further developed their critical thinking skills by analyzing game mechanics, offering feedback, and appreciating the creativity displayed by their peers.
February was an exciting month in the Innovation Lab, where our third-grade students unleashed their creativity and problem-solving skills through block-based programming. The journey of designing two-player maze games not only allowed them to explore coding concepts but also fostered collaboration, critical thinking, and a sense of achievement. As these young innovators continue their educational journey, they are well on their way to becoming proficient problem solvers and creators in the world of technology.
Lesson Resources:
3rd Grade Lessons January 2023
Third Graders had the opportunity to design posters for the Arbor Day Poster Contest. The theme this year is "Trees Plant a Cooler Future".
Mrs. Delaye had students think of the many ways trees are cool and how trees help keep us cool. Students discussed this multiple meaning word, went outside to observe trees, looked at pictures of trees, and even practiced drawing trees. Students agreed trees are homes to animals, trees give us food to eat, trees are beautiful to look at, and trees give us shade on a hot day.
Students sketched out a design for their poster in their Innovation Journals. They included some of their favorite reasons trees are cool in their designs. Students were encouraged to add branches and realistic details to their drawings.
In a second session students took their designs a step further to create posters for the California Releaf 2023 Arbor Day Poster Contest. Students had the choice to work with colored pencils or cut paper designs.
Observing trees in the school community gives students inspiration for their poster designs.
3rd Grade Lessons December 2022
Innovation specialist teachers recently met with trainers from soundtrap to develop new learning for students
This month 3rd graders are working on independant software projects, developing podcasts and music in Soundtrap and continuing to develop problem solving skills in robotics.
While 3rd grade students in Mr. Pittman's class are continuing to work on their independent projects for the upcoming school arcade build event, students are also getting an introduction to a new piece of audio recording and editing software, Soundtrap.
As we continue to create new ways for students to document their learning, soundtrap also provides an opportunity to allow students to record audio logs of their learning as well as podcasting as a new medium for creating and sharing curricular content. Look for new audio uploads to SeeSaw as students become more familiar with this tool.
Of course during this week's introduction to Soundtrap, most students are enjoying learning to use the multi-track interface and creating their first loops, beats and songs.
3rd Grade Lessons November 2022
A Note from Mrs. Delaye >
I was learning to use Dash along with the students. It was fun for me to try something new. Dash as a learning tool is a wonderful avenue for encouraging collaboration in the classroom. We also enjoyed watching Dash dance to Monster Mash.
It was an exciting week in Innovation Lab; students participated in Dash Driving School, a puzzle in the Blockly app. Using Blockly, students learned the basic commands to program Dash to move forward and backward, move its head, turn on and off its lights, and make sounds. The app has various puzzles that students use to learn the many commands Dash can do.
Driving Dash requires collaboration as teammates help with different roles: being the driver, the reader, and the safety officer. The driver programs Dash, the reader reads the instructions for the puzzles, and the safety officer makes sure Dash doesn't bump into anything.
After completing the Driving School puzzle, students used their critical thinking skills to programed Dash to do a dance. They also built a lego hat for Dash to wear in the dance. Dash has many different attachments. The pieces that attach to Dash's ears are compatible with Lego.
Dash has many applications in the Innovation Lab setting. Students can complete more puzzles to learn more advanced programing with Dash.
IMG_9592.MOV3rd Grade Lessons October 2022
During these 3rd grade bi-weekly lessons in Innovation Lab, students learned about the CUSD Student Design Challenge, practiced coding, and continued in their investigation into forces and motion (supporting with this month's Twig Science lessons).
The student design challenge is an opportunity for teams of students and teachers to work together to create solutions for their school community. Teams are encouraged to use the design thinking cycle to uncover and respond to needs in their school community.
Each of the innovation lab teachers, along with teachers all over the district, are working to build teams of students and staff to respond to the design challenge. Among our projects are ideas to help create more positive social community, an arcade for computer science learning and student counsel leadership activities.
In our coding practice this week we connected our learning to using math and multiplication to create coding loops or more efficient shortcuts in our code.
3rd Graders gained some practice and experience using multiples of ten by programming movement of "sprites" in Scratch.
Next Lesson, we will continue to build on our CS practice while collaborating as engineers with Minecraft...
< Note from Mr. Pittman - Students and staff from all CUSD schools will be applying or "pitching" their school community improvement projects at Pitchfest November 9th. I am hoping to work with teams at Rosemary and Blackford schools to pitch creating spaces for CS learning in the innovation labs.
3rd graders are using iPads to photograph "Wow work" that they are proud of. They then record a few words about how their work, growth and progress.
This month innovation teachers also meet with students in small groups in their classrooms to help each student create their digital portfolios.
Mrs. Delaye and Mr. Pittman met with students in small groups and helped each student log into Seesaw and create the first post in their personal journals.
Student’s posts included images, voice recording, video, text, and other digital graphics and highlights. Students and classroom teachers identified work that students felt represents “Wow Work” or writing, art, or video that is an artifact of challenging learning activities that resulted in growth.
Our goal is to support classrooms in developing the habit of collecting WOW work and work that demonstrated progress in digital student journals, and to use those journals in reflecting on learning as well as planning future growth.
< Note from Mr. Pittman - Students at every grade level created their first post, so it was remarkable for the innovation team to observe and facilitate the spectrum of elementary performance expectations across each grade especially in language arts and math. It is a unique tool to leverage as a “specialist” teacher in any role that works with all elementary grades throughout weekly rotations.
Lesson Resources:
Download and view/ print animate a character Scratch sprite practice Activity cards
Download and view/ print animate a name Scratch sprite practice Activity cards
SeeSaw's Youtube video to help student select "Wow work"
Download and view/ print our Digital portfolio introductory slides
3rd Grade Lessons September 2022
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In general, during build time, my focus is on encouraging students to work together and share ideas by working in sub-group teams of two to quickly build and try things out. My challenge then is, "As soon as your team finds something that works or is interesting, show it to the team and share how it was built." I carry a camera connected to the classroom screen or projector to take pictures of student work and share student examples with the class on the fly-to help spread ideas among teams and keep the collaborating moving and productive.
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Extension challenges are to create a three-wheeled vehicle, sometimes with additional materials like carboard tubes, CD-roms, foam circles, sticky foam, knitting needles, and adding in string to replace the tape. Punch holes in the cardboard or corrugated plastic sheets with a golf tee to "sew" parts together with string.
3rd graders engaged in three independent centers this month as part of their experience in Innovation Lab. Students had just about 8 minutes with the warm-up "Build-tionary" (a repeat favorite from last week), and about 15-20 minutes each at two new centers. Our investigation this week focuses on forces and motion, as well as continuing our practice in rapid prototyping.
"Build-tionary" is a spin-off of Pictionary, and our last post (scroll down to the entry below) you can find a description of the activity as well as a set of build-tionary cards that you can print and play with at home or in the classroom.
The first of the new centers this week was a challenge to build a car with wheels that roll. Also using unique up-cycled building materials from RAFT, this independant center for student teams is based on this RAFT kit and lesson.
The learning targets here are to help students have a memorable experience creating a working wheel and axle, a friction-free linkage (a free rolling axle), and a friction-fit linkage (A tight fit between the axle and the wheel using only friction.) These few basic concepts will be useful in future lessons when building robots or machines and attaching our lab's up-cycled materials which keep creative problem solving at the forefront of the activities.
Working together, students can build a car in any way they choose, with the criteria that the wheels must roll. Students usually tape a small length of paper straw to a strip of corrugated plastic, and slide the skewer through the straw. Using the golf tee to make a hole in a half-cork, the skewer then friction-fits in the cork and can become a working wheel-and-axle.
The second of the new centers introduced today was to explore forces and motion by building potential energy or stored energy devices to work towards this NGSS science proficiency.
The students used popsicle sticks to create a few designs by "weaving" the sticks together. Once the step-by-step patterns are followed, the assembly of sticks is bursting with potential energy and gives a satisfying pop or explosion of sticks when dropped on the desk. Then students use the same concepts to design their own catapult, and I added rubber bands, plastic spoons, and large bottle caps into their building bins. I have a few pages of step-by-step designs that I offer students if they need help getting a 1st draft catapult design off the ground. (I have attached pdfs of the instructions for building the potential energy shapes.)
And we always try to end every lesson with reflection on three questions:
"What is something that was productive, went well or feels satisfying overall from the learning activity?"
"What is something that was challenging or difficult, but led to something productive today?"
"Who would you like to thank or share gratitude with?" (Think of a teammate to thank for great collaboration or sharing an idea or materials...)
< Note from Mr. Pittman - Among their table toolkits, students have a safe cardboard knife, scissors, and a golf tee (to punch holes), and a half sheet of mailing labels to use sparingly as tape. At this point in the year, I allow supervised use of the cardboard safety knife only, and I keep it with me throughout the lesson. As we learn and grow together I hope to train all students to use this tools safely and independently to build more sophisticated prototypes.
< Also, most of the kit items can be found around the house, and part of the reason we use these "up-cycled" materials is to build habits around responsible use of resources, so I'm only including the link here to illustrate what the "cars" might look like, and share some of the learning targets.
< Note from Mr. Pittman - For this challenge, I offered corrugated plastic strips, which are similar to corrugated cardboard, but plastic. If you're following along at home, cutting strips of cardboard will work perfectly. I also provide wooden skewers, paper straws, and corks that have been cut in half to use as wheels.
For the stored energy devices, I offer students coffee stir sized sticks to practice the weaving patterns before attempting to build with shorter "popsicle" sticks. We also try building on the carpet to use the sponginess to make it easier to lift stubborn sticks.
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This standard is a little more complex than what students took on in second grade, so there are many elements to build in order to help students achieve this standard. This week's lesson should be a fun way to start to explore the concept of balanced and unbalanced forces, and hopefully give students ideas they can use to plan their own investigation into balanced and unbalanced forces.
A "Build-tionary" DRAGON!
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These "up-cycled" materials are low cost and present welcome learning challenges in building that we can use to give students practice with several valuable skills. These materials are great in practicing creative problem solving, visual communications, abstract expression, and in engineering linkages that meet certain functions. Many Campbell teachers have the RAFT Makerspace-in-a-box in their classroom or schools, but there are many similar objects that can be collected around the classroom or at home and used in the same way. Clean natural materials like wood, cork, cardboard, boxes, plastic bottles, sand and fabric scraps are great items to save and use in art and engineering practice.
Our first week of learning in the new innovation lab, was as exciting for the innovation teacher team as it was for students. We feel the positive energy every day on campus, and it felt like a positive and productive start. We began with lab safety, exploring the new lab spaces and the new resources, internet and online tool safety, team work and collaboration, and began to explore modeling and prototyping with our unique up-cycled building materials.
During the lessons this week, students opened with a quick greeting and getting-to-know-your-team activity. Then students were invited to explore the classroom and pick out elements of the classroom that they would like to explore. Students chose an interesting tool, display or resource in the room to explore and ultimately demonstrate to the class how to use properly and safely.
Next we moved on to an activity that called "Build-tionary." An obvious riff on Pictionary, students begin to learn the rapid prototyping process by drawing a card that has printed a word, always a common noun, and a simple line art image that illustrates the word. Student teams then try to "build" the word/ image on the card with their team. Students use increasingly challenging "building materials" such as corks, wooden blocks, small colorful wooden shapes, math manipulative blocks, CD-roms, plastic spoons, cardboard tubes, a sheet of labels, rubber bands, brads and anything I can find that will stack, fold, fit or otherwise link together in interesting ways.
After a few minutes, students compare and try to guess each other's words based on the model they have created. Then shuffle the cards and repeat. The objective is to help students become familiar with and build habits that work well in using the unique materials in the lab. As well we want students to practice working together in small groups to share and test ideas quickly.
At the end of every lesson I ask students to reflect on three questions:
"What is something that was productive, went well or feels satisfying overall from the learning activity?"
"What is something that was challenging or difficult, but led to something productive today?"
"Who would you like to thank or share gratitude with?" (Think of a teammate to thank for great collaboration or sharing an idea or materials...)
< Note from Mr. Pittman - This "Student Guided Tour" of the lab helps students to spend a few minutes with some of the very interesting, but perhaps overly distracting robots, tools, materials terrariums and other exciting things in the lab. We take a few minutes to talk about using each resource safely and effectively before we start using the lab.
