This has been a real hands on, experimentation, trail and error investigation. All the class has been actively involved and really excited about sharing ideas and challenging their own thoughts and designs.
After some initial immersion into structures the class was split into 5 groups and they drew and made mini models of their ideas. Then they presented their ideas to the class. We did a PMQ on each of them to help look at design faults and good aspects of each structure.
From there we decided on criteria for our structure and used a decision matrix to rank each idea. This gave us the top scores for each criteria and using this we combined designs for a best overall one.
Each group then created another model with the combined properties for the structure. Here is their idea
They then looked at what knowledge they needed to constructed this idea and they cam up with 1) how to attach bamboo sticks together, 2) how to attach the plastic, 3) how and what to use to keep the side flaps up,
4) how to keep the V shape stable on the roof, 5) measurements and costing
Each group researched through using books, internet, making and trailing designs, and lots of discussion amongst themselves.
Now it is time to finish the product-buy, put together and make the final garden protector. Phew!!! Its been a great journey and it will continue to grow as we come across new ideas or problems with our gardens. I have noticed a huge shift in the way that they children work through a problem or idea. Their level of language and ability to discuss and critique each others work has grown. And I think the biggest shift is that there is no one in the class who is not participating in some way or form, less off task behaviour and some amazing group cooperative work.
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