Thursday, October 26, 2017

Discovery by Design

3D printed grommetThe challenge is this. Use Tinkercad, a 3D modeling program, and a 3D printer to fill the 2x5 inch cutouts in the student tables in Mrs. Blackley's classroom. Prototypes are often among the early steps in the design process, but like those first baby steps in our lives, they can be exhilarating and self-affirming, and can open a seam into previously unforeseen possibilities. That's how we arrived at this photo to the left.


Like most inventions, this design thinking challenge arose out of necessity. Mrs. Blackley's student tables had cutouts to provide an outlet for power cords and cables for electronic devices. A black plastic grommet insert sat on top of the cutout, providing a grooved outlet for cables. The thing is with well-charged, wireless devices these portholes were not necessary, while the grommet became a "bump" on the table.

Enter the lead design challenge team. They are the lead team, not just because they have been assigned this initial task, but they will also assume responsibilities for helping to train other fourth grade students, all of whom will receive their own design challenges this year. With guidance and instruction from Mr. Fitzpatrick, these students are contemplating how to redesign the grommet or make use of the cutout.


So in Tinkercad, they designed prototypes that improve upon the original grommet. Some prototypes sit more flush with the table surface, so there's less of a bump. Some took advantage of the cutout and used it as storage. Another iteration looked at building up from the hole, rather than concealing its presence, to create a fashionable school supply organizer. For students today, the possibilities are endless, when they believe they can pursue them. In the end, this challenge is indicative of learning in schools today that is meaningful to students and elicit their best efforts out of the sheer desire to achieve a measure of success that they have a hand in defining. - Paul Tomizawa

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Student Voice

Last week 5th grade students raised nearly $500 in popsicle sales. That's no small deal, since the proceeds go to the 5th Grade activities fund, which not only supports student events, but also  nurtures charitable causes. And that's a big deal.

The world is a big place, but Edgewood students know they can be an influential presence in it. This may seem an overstatement, but the reality is that this is what teachers and parents should want for children today. Grow up with essential academic skills and knowledge, but be kind, decent people. Care for others. Give voice to those who've lost theirs or worse, lost the essentials in life. In recent weeks, thousands of people in our hemisphere suddenly found themselves without food, water, and their homes.

I'm told that the 5th grade activity fund will provide some relief to families in the US Virgin Islands, which were ravaged by Hurricane Irma. Edgewood students are no strangers to humanitarian relief efforts. In the past, they have raised money for mosquito nets, clean water, and school supplies in developing countries. Sometimes they've coordinated these efforts through the Edgewood Student Involvement Council, sometimes they've done it independently, driven by a higher purpose. They're Edgewood kids. Globally aware and ready to give their voice to those in need. - Paul Tomizawa

 Neil Degrasse Tyson