Tool Time

In our project-based program, we use real problems and solutions to teach the basic skills of math, communication, and cognition. Children who interact with their peers and their surroundings will learn in a deeper, more practical way than a child who completes worksheets at a desk. This is supported by extensive educational research.

Sometimes the teacher provoke the learning, and sometimes the children find their own problems to solve. For example, JJ noticed the stool had loose legs and decided to investigate. He flipped it over and took a close look at the screws underneath. With careful observation, he noticed the screws were loose and they had a star shaped slot in the top. He called for a screwdriver.

A few other boys became curious and helped him fix the chair. They shared the tools and reminded each other to use the safety glasses.

 With the stool fixed, they moved on to the puzzle table. They wanted to tighten the bolts underneath. Through trial and error, they realized a screwdriver wouldn't work. Hunter suggested a wrench.

Luckily Mr. Dejong had a set in his toolbox.

But they were the wrong size!

"This one's too small. That one is too big."
"Let's measure them and see!"

 With a bit of teacher help, they figured out what and how to measure. They headed back to Mr. Dejong and got his whole set of wrenches.

They found the right one ("The one with 1/2 on it! Remember that guys!") and fixed the table. At clean up, it took a few minutes to put the wrenches back properly.

So, what did the boys learn solving this problem?

-size: big, small, medium

-size comparison: too big, too small, just right

-sequencing by size: smallest to tallest

-fractions

-linear measurement

-directions: "Righty tighty, lefty loosey"

-safety and sharing

-problem solving

-using prior knowledge to inform current thinking

-how to gather tools to complete a project

-a sense of accomplishment

And the best part...no worksheets in sight!