About the Creators

The inspiration for Hydrobeings came directly from my 2021 5th grade summer school class at Laraway, Joliet, I nicknamed the, "Junkyard Wonders", after Patrica Pollaco's unforgettable book The Junkyard Wonders. The students and I worked together helping each other navigate curriculum and design concepts centered around the particular concept of the water cycle. Students who struggled behind the screen of the 2020 pandemic came together to brainstorm, critique, collaborate, explore, experiment, discuss, problem solve, and champion one another's special ideas and skills that went beyond the normal boundaries of a lesson on the water cycle. This project increased student engagement, student confidence, and mutual respect for others as we all teamed up to give you our idea- our Junkyard Wonder- the Hydrobeings!

Check out my "Bring it to Life" podcast episode to hear a little bit more about our Hydrobeing project! Click on the microphone below!

Damian and his classmates worked together to create the ideas that produced the images of the Hydrobeings. Using his knowledge of the water cycle he took in the ideas given to draft sketches of potential characters to bring to life your newest and most exciting way to play with the science!

Each week we spent time working on ideas to bring the the water cycle to life in unique ways. We set up studio like scenarios that promoted and encouraged open dialogue for ideas, color schemes, character development and stature, accurate facts and reasonable conclusions, and then present ideas to whole group for vote, consideration and/or suggestions. Take a look at some of the behind the scenes from Studio 301.