At
Paterson School 12, the Geraldine R. Dodge funded arts integration grant is off to a flying start! Ms. Anissa Conyers, a 4th grade teacher, created a unit on "kites".
The students read several books about kites and researched the
history of kites through the years. Then, students identified famous people who have flown kites. Next, Simone Sandler, WPU Art PIR created two types of kites out of paper and tissue paper with her classes. This art/science integration project was seamless.
After the kites were finished the students went outside to fly them. These students were also studying weather systems and created an anemometer to measure the wind speed. At the culmination of the lesson students reflected on the problems that were encountered in the flying process.
After the kites were finished the students went outside to fly them. These students were also studying weather systems and created an anemometer to measure the wind speed. At the culmination of the lesson students reflected on the problems that were encountered in the flying process.
For a wonderful video documenting this process please see: KITE VIDEO
In a separate arts integration project, third and fourth graders at School 12 used Lego blocks for a lesson on integrating engineering. Students were challenged to create a house that had three walls all the same height with one wall having a window. Students, in pairs, had to plan out their ideas first on paper. They planned, collaborated and used critical thinking skills to create their house.
By communicating and discussing, various ideas were tried. Modifications and reworking original plans developed as the students worked together. At the end of the lesson problems were discussed with the class with many suggestions being offered.
Another activity that was created with the Lego blocks involved multiplication and division. With a partner, students had to create a problem using the Lego bricks and studs to form a three dimensional concept of the problem. Students shared their three dimensional Lego tray with other students in the class.
An arts integration project was also created for the lower grades of School 12. The Kindergarten classes and 1st graders incorporated engineering into their first unit of study. Ms. Sandler, worked with recycled styrofoam trays and cups to challenge the students to make their tallest tower. Students were grouped into pairs and asked to communicate their ideas before the materials were passed out. Experimentation and problem solving were encouraged. Students applied investigational techniques. The towers were measured and reworked many times. Several classes used toothpicks and clay to create a building that could withstand an earthquake. Teachers walked around the room shaking the desks. These students loved working with hands on materials that encouraged their creativity and
ingenuity.
In more Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation grant funded news, Simone
Sandler, ART PIR from WPU, presented an art/engineering workshop at NJPSA in Monroe Township, New Jersey. This art/engineering challenge was intended to inspire teachers and administrators to
integrate art with math, science and the design process. Participants experimented with various solutions to the
tower challenge. This workshop involved very simple materials that could
be used at any grade level. Administrators and
teachers created free standing towers made from 10 straws and several
pieces of tape. This workshop was sponsored by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation
In a separate arts integration project, third and fourth graders at School 12 used Lego blocks for a lesson on integrating engineering. Students were challenged to create a house that had three walls all the same height with one wall having a window. Students, in pairs, had to plan out their ideas first on paper. They planned, collaborated and used critical thinking skills to create their house.
By communicating and discussing, various ideas were tried. Modifications and reworking original plans developed as the students worked together. At the end of the lesson problems were discussed with the class with many suggestions being offered.
Another activity that was created with the Lego blocks involved multiplication and division. With a partner, students had to create a problem using the Lego bricks and studs to form a three dimensional concept of the problem. Students shared their three dimensional Lego tray with other students in the class.
An arts integration project was also created for the lower grades of School 12. The Kindergarten classes and 1st graders incorporated engineering into their first unit of study. Ms. Sandler, worked with recycled styrofoam trays and cups to challenge the students to make their tallest tower. Students were grouped into pairs and asked to communicate their ideas before the materials were passed out. Experimentation and problem solving were encouraged. Students applied investigational techniques. The towers were measured and reworked many times. Several classes used toothpicks and clay to create a building that could withstand an earthquake. Teachers walked around the room shaking the desks. These students loved working with hands on materials that encouraged their creativity and
ingenuity.
Above: Dodge Grant Manager Heejung An (right) experiments with the materials.
Above: workshop participants display their structure
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