The children also revisited the chain reaction video they watched in the Studio last week by drawing plans (blueprints) to create a joint sculpture that will move marbles from here to there. The materials at their disposal were a pulley, cardboard tubes, tape, plastic containers and tin cans. Trial and error was used as children worked to create strong connections and build on different levels to generate the movement required to make the marbles move from here to there. The children will continue to work on this sculptural contraption next week. Stay tuned!
Susan Weintraub read the children a wonderful book, Going Places, by Peter and Paul Reynolds during Windows to the World. It is a book about creativity, taking risks and cooperation...and things that move. Each child in the book is given a 'Going Places' kit with the materials to make a go-cart. They are supposed to use the blueprints to build a go-cart at home. There will be a race once the go-carts are complete. One child, thinking outside of the box, created a flying machine instead of a go-cart. Her classmate was impressed and they decide to collaborate and combine their two boxes of materials to build a plane instead of two go-carts. At the end of the story, after winning the race, the duo decides to recreate their materials into a vehicle that looks like a frog. It is a true success story! After we heard the story, I asked the children, "If you received a 'Going Places' kit, what type of vehicle would you want to build? It can be real or make-believe". The children had many creative ideas and here are a few:
- a motorcycle that will turn into a planet
- a glider
- a monster truck that will turn into a rocket ship
- a train
- a helicopter that will turn into a go-cart
- a skateboard
- a royal carriage
- a car
Later in the day, I asked each child to draw a picture of his/her idea. Earlier in our study, I had asked the children to draw examples of different ways to get from here to there. This activity built upon that experience and added an imaginative twist.
I brought colorful dominos into the classroom so that the children could create chain reactions on their own. It is challenging to set up dominos without knocking them over! The children drew on their patience and perseverance to create intricate patterns that moved when they knocked over the first piece.
A Week Full of Painting Experiences!
Marble Painting:
Finger Painting:
Tempera and Water Color Painting:
When you are painting, sometimes you need water to make the paint work such as when you use water color paints. Sometimes, you need water to rinse your brush before trying a new color such as when you use tempera or acrylic paints. Artists must use different techniques with different materials. The results are different as well!