Collaborative Worker

GCISD's Portrait of a graduate has several traits: Skilled Problem Solver, Effective Communicator, Self-Regulated Learner, Global Citizen and a Collaborative Worker. While we work on all these traits, the focus of our Engineering time today was on being a Collaborative Worker. The scholars worked in groups to achieve a common goal: To select and build according to the directions one thing. The groups used various materials to build: Keva Planks, K' nex, Clix and Zoobs. 

Their first task was to agree on the one thing they wanted to build. From here, I really just let the groups work out their own plan for achieving the goal. It was very interesting to see who took the lead in each group. This 'leader' then set to explain his/her thinking as to how they should proceed. What I observed was that each group studied the directions, gathered the required pieces and then individuals began saying what part they were going to be responsible for making. The conversations were purposeful and on topic and everyone was actively engaged. While some groups have not completed their building, they have a great start!

GHE Veterans Program

On Thursday, November 10, GLenhope Elementary had a program to honor our Veterans. Mrs. McCauley, our music teacher, designed and directed this amazing program. The event began with Girl Scouts presenting the colors, the saying of the pledge and the signing of our national anthem by Mrs. Fink. Our student council president, Layton Towery, welcomed the Veterans and shared some thoughts. Throughout the program various scholars recited quotes from former Presidents and the choir sang some beautiful songs. There was also a slideshow presenting the many Veterans who are relatives of GHE scholars. Veterans who were present in the audience, introduced themselves and shared when they served our great country. The program ended with a young man from GHS playing, Taps. 

Master Bone Bridge Builders

Margo from Mrs. Payton's class and her partner, Jake who is my class were announced the Master Bone Bridge Builders! Their Bone Bridge met all the criteria and constraints AND their bridge held the most load! Margo and Jake had $1 left over from the original $11 so when their bridge held 25 cubes, they were paid $5. Margo and Jake ended this challenge with a total $6 making them Master Builders!

Bone Bridge

Mrs. Payton's class joined our class for another engineering design challenge: Bone Bridge. This time we added another layer, financial literacy. The scholars were given a budget for construction. When we test, they will be paid $1 for every 5 cubes of load their bridge can hold. They will pay $1 for every inch their bridge is too short and a total of $1 if the planks are too far apart.