Collaborate

Mars Mission

In the Science astronomy unit students are asked to consider the ethical implications of space travel.  As a class they discussed the issues, and used jigsaw and think-pair- share to explore a variety of issues.  They narrowed the list of issues down to technological issues, health issues (physical and mental) and resource issues.  They then looked on-line at the Mars One project (a one way trip to mars in 2023 that may or may not be a hoax). 

French Bank Skit

Students are learning French as a second language. In this activity, they planned a skit from start to finish.  They created the plot, the script and executed the actions of the skit in a second language.  They had to collaborate to achieve the end result. They had to work together to prepare and practice. They had to demonstrate communication in a difficult situation: a problem with the credit card at the bank.

It is important to note that their communication profile in their first language would be significantly more advanced.

Save Fred: Collaborative Problem-solving

This lesson is called Save Fred! Fred’s boat has capsized and he needs the students’ help to get his life preserver on, which is under the boat. The students are given regular paper clips and they can only use those tools to help Fred. The surface of their desks is the ocean and Fred cannot fall in.  This is a great team building and problem solving activity. The students collaboratively discuss and plan their rescue. After the mission the students review their plan and see where they could make changes or what ideas they could try again.

Building a Shelter

In science, class has been following an inquiry process to study Extreme Environments. Students focused on shelter as a basic need. On the first day, the teacher asked them to think about what is important in building a shelter, and they invited them to plan a shelter, using only materials found on the forest floor right outside their classroom. Students first worked independently listing the necessary materials for their shelter and sketched their designs.

Boys Making Hockey Rink

During free choice time, these students decided to create a hockey rink together, by placing the small whiteboards together and drawing on them. The students listened carefully and respectfully to each other and required no teacher support to produce their “giant” hockey rink. In this classroom, free choice time provides students with opportunities to work on group projects and develop teamwork skills.

Reporting On Oyster Farming

These two pictures show a student and his father presenting the father's career in the oyster business. The other students listened and then asked questions. The student was highly motivated and extremely proud to prepare and present because he chose the topic of their presentation, and it was personally important for him. The student's confidence was strengthened through the interest and encouraging support of his peers.
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