We are learning to be builders

Our class is suddenly in a building frenzy! After some students showed an interest in making towers, we decided to make a new learning goal for our play time:

We are learning to be builders.

The first criteria for being a good builder is: I can build strong and steady.

We talked about the importance of a good foundation and asked students to study their basements at home.

With this new knowledge, the buildings are falling down less and are more sturdy.

Our students are thinking carefully about what and how they build.

They are starting to make plans.

And they are using creative solutions to support their structures. Here, Jamie used a T support beam to hold up two blocks that formed the roof.

The towers are starting to morph into structures with roofs, walls, and rooms.

This is inquiry in action!