Harbins Elementary 

What are we currently doing in FOCUS?

1st grade:  First grade students will learn about Benjamin Franklin and explore the many ways he approached problems with curiosity and creativity. They’ll also complete a choice‑board project that lets them dive deeper into his life and ideas in a way that matches their interests. It’s a fun mix of history, problem‑solving, and hands‑on creativity. 

First grade students will understand what pollution is and the types of pollution they may see around their school.  Students will identify sources of pollution in their community and local environment and discuss ways to reduce pollution while protecting the environment.

2nd grade:  Second grade students will tackle problem‑solving challenges using robotics and the Spike Essentials kits. They’ll build, test, and refine their ideas while also getting hands‑on with measurement through practical, engaging activities. It’s a great chance for them to think creatively and apply math and engineering skills in real time. 

Second grade students will be exploring measurement and measurement tools while using and producing 2D and 3D shapes to design and create a custom city and shoe, identifying how different shapes fit together to form the structures and details.  Students will also understand the concept of length and how to measure using non-standard and standard units.    

3rd grade:   Third grade students will explore visual thinking as a way to organize ideas, solve problems, and express their understanding. They’ll take on a series of visual thinking challenges that encourage creativity and clear communication. It’s a hands‑on approach that helps them see their thinking in new ways. 

Students will explore, research and create a map of a desired destination or place of interest (city, country, island, region, range).  Students will make themselves knowledgeable about the place and become an expert on the topic, creating a map to show and teach the knowledge acquired, demonstrating the understanding of 7 points of interest.   

Students will be exploring the following scenario... NASA has discovered three new planets just outside of our galaxy. You have been tasked to develop a lifeform that can thrive in your planet's hard environment. Think about the adaptations your creature would need to live on this planet. Create a prototype that will be presented to your peers and teachers.  

4th grade:  Fourth grade students will dive into hands‑on problem solving through engaging robotics challenges. They’ll explore how robots work, experiment with building and coding, and learn to tackle problems step‑by‑step. It’s a fun, practical way for them to stretch their creativity and teamwork skills. 

Students will design, build, and test a truss bridge using toothpicks, demonstrating an understanding of structural engineering principles by measuring how much weight their bridge can support. They will explain how the design and material choices affect the bridge’s strength and stability. 

Students will also use creative expression including: a poetry publishing party, a formal debate, a Google Slides project presentation, and the use of robotics to recreate scientific phenomena like moon phases and the revolution of planets in our Solar System. 

5th grade:  Fifth grade students will jump into a Shakespeare play—getting to know the story, the characters, and the rhythm of the language. They’ll also rehearse and perform it, giving them a hands-on, memorable way to experience the play together. 

Fifth grade students will explore informational writing and the writing process, including breaking down and responding to prompts. They will also learn to play chess by understanding the basic rules, movements of the pieces, and strategies to checkmate an opponent, and strategies that involve thinking ahead to plan moves and anticipate opponent’s actions.

Fifth grader students will develop and present arguments on a given topic, using evidence to support their position. They will practice listening to opposing viewpoints, responding respectfully, and refining their speaking and reasoning skills in a structured debate format. 

Students will explore informational writing and the writing process, including breaking down and responding to prompts. 

😀  Activity Sites You Can Use!  (for yourself or your kids!)  😀