This school year has brought many positives and pluses both inside and outside the classroom. The students have been responding by minimizing negative behavior and demonstrating responsibility, safety, and respect: the essence of our PBIS focus. The main highlight and inspiration this year is the birth of a new club called Club 3D - Destination for Innovation. The emphasis of Club 3D is to allow students a place to be creative, innovative, and collaborative.
Club 3D was initially announced to my classes to determine if there was any interest. The first meeting 35 students were present and excited to to be part of the new adventure. Tuesday and Thursday are official club days with Monday and Friday students are allowed to enter the classroom and continue to design and innovate. Each day, the numbers of students grew with a peak number of 65 last Friday. I was overwhelmed with jubilation and gratification to see so many students in the room. Unfortunately, 65 students overwhelmed equipment, space, and, my ability to help students be innovative and creative. A solution had to be made.
The Solution: Club 3D will be available Monday -Friday with a special focus each day of the week.
In addition to what students will be designing and innovating, the company who builds networks for many school districts including Vallejo, Napa, and several UC campuses has committed to be a partner with the club by coming in and mentoring our students. Also, a monthly guest speaker series will start in November in which innovators come in to both talk with club members and show them what they do.
To be successful in both school and life, students must learn and practice 21st Century Skill of collaboration, critical thinking, communication, and creativity. Observing classes, talking to other educators, and tying all the information I have learned in the Innovative Masters program, the skill of creativity is not taught or even used in many classrooms. Students are not allowed to express themselves in any form of communication in any class. Club 3D provides many opportunities for students to practice and become proficient in creativity. Students design using Tinkercad things to 3D print and take home. Another relevant and significant asset is students create and learn at their own pace, therefore, differentiation becomes an important and vital part of the club. I am excited to see how the club progresses as the year moves forward.
The Solution: Club 3D will be available Monday -Friday with a special focus each day of the week.
- Monday - Coding and Game Design
- Tuesday - 3D Design and Printing
- Wednesday - 6th Grade only - this is the only day 6th grade is able to come in. They will be coding and 3D Design.
- Thursday - 3D Design and Printing
- Friday - Vex Robotics Build and Program
In addition to what students will be designing and innovating, the company who builds networks for many school districts including Vallejo, Napa, and several UC campuses has committed to be a partner with the club by coming in and mentoring our students. Also, a monthly guest speaker series will start in November in which innovators come in to both talk with club members and show them what they do.
To be successful in both school and life, students must learn and practice 21st Century Skill of collaboration, critical thinking, communication, and creativity. Observing classes, talking to other educators, and tying all the information I have learned in the Innovative Masters program, the skill of creativity is not taught or even used in many classrooms. Students are not allowed to express themselves in any form of communication in any class. Club 3D provides many opportunities for students to practice and become proficient in creativity. Students design using Tinkercad things to 3D print and take home. Another relevant and significant asset is students create and learn at their own pace, therefore, differentiation becomes an important and vital part of the club. I am excited to see how the club progresses as the year moves forward.