A robot, flying cow, and a beautiful waterfall

My resident teacher supports students in expressing their creativity through project based learning:

The project begins

Students were strategically placed in groups and discussed what they would like to make with a cardboard box. This planning time is important to make sure that everyone's voice is heard and that a compromise can be found. Once planning is complete, they begin building. There were various sized boxes available: glitter, beads, sequins, yarn, and paint. Students were so motivated by this project that it quickly became their favorite time of the day. I was impressed by how well they problem solved and communicated with each other. After students felt their projects were complete, they did a presentation to the class. Students had time to plan their presentations and this was inspirational to see. They discussed their process in creating their object, problems that occurred, what they would do next time. They also answered other questions that really got them to reflect on this assignment. I couldn't post pictures of the finished projects because they contained the students faces, but as you can see by these pictures of the process this was a wonderful use of class time that will go far to creating the classroom community of peers that listen to each other and collaborate often.
This group is almost ready for the glitter.

after carefully painting the shoebox a tongue is added.

This group worked together to decide what to build. The compromise was an airship for pirates.

This group of girls worked efficiently to cut and create a favorite character.

Adventure Time is a popular show in our class. This group just decided to add some more paint.

This team of boys love cows. They are adding some details and planning their next move.

This team loves superheros and plans to use their imagination to make some masks.

There is always time to make sure it fits!

The inside of their Adventure Time character has a fun look. These ladies are glueing some beads to represent sprinkles.

They are making a robot.

This student was so clever to use see-through wrapping paper to create the eye covering for the mask.

This team made a refrigerator, complete with ice!

This is a closeup on the ice made of paper.

Scraps of cardboard are used to add some extra sparkle.

This waterfall is almost done!

Getting ready to add some wings to the cow.

The Nike logo is popular with the boys in our class. They worked very hard to cut it out, and are very proud.

The waterfall gets some glitter and it is so beautiful.

All the masks fit and are ready to save the day!

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