Experiment, Fail, Learn, Repeat

Fourth-grade students in The Hive have been learning about plant and animal structures and functions and how internal and external structures function to support its survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction. We took the topic a step further and asked students to explore its meaning and relevancy as it pertains to humans and the world around them.

Learning about the basic structures, functions, and adaptations of the human body (like opposable thumbs, skin, and the heart for example) was the perfect introduction to this topic. Students learned about the functions of these structures and how they support our growth and survival.

Students also participated in a honeybee exploratory lab to learn more about the structures of honeybees and how they function to support survival, growth, and reproduction. There was so much to see and understand about the external structures of these important organisms. This activity lent itself perfectly to building a basic foundation of knowledge about the importance of bees in our ecosystem and how the pollination process is an essential part of plant reproduction.

The relevancy of this topic rested on our next exploration which was a deep dive into biomimicry (using the structure, systems, and elements that exist in nature for the purpose of solving complex human problems). Students took some time investigating the construction of basic garden bird nests. They studied the characteristics and use of these types of nests and the various materials birds use to build them. Ultimately, students determined that they were sturdy but flexible, camouflaged to hide from predators, bowl-shaped to hold the eggs and babies safely in the nest, and shock-absorbing - after all, those eggs need a soft place to land. So, what can we learn from bird nests? Probably more than you thought! We offered students an opportunity to practice the design engineering-build process by presenting them with a real-world problem that our friends at 'NASA' needed help solving. Enter "Hive-X". 

Students learned about the Orion space capsule mission and the need for space engineers to design a landing pad that future shuttle explorations could land on upon their return (rather than landing in the ocean). Our Hive-X space engineers put their knowledge and understanding of biomimicry to the test as they used the design of bird nests as the inspiration for their plans and prototypes. Design-build teams utilized a variety of materials, constraints, and the engineering design-build process to construct their landing pads. Their small-scale, fully functional prototypes were put to the test during a Hive-X Shuttle Landing Test Experiment (the shuttle being an egg).  RESULTS: Seven of the test landings were successful and 25 were "not successful... YET". The experience reminded us that failure always offers us an opportunity to grow and when we take advantage of those moments and look at a problem differently, are patient with ourselves, and lean into the challenge, we can do anything.

This week's guest bloggers reflect on our biomimicry engineering design-build challenge experience. Enjoy.

I used my knowledge of how warblers create their nests to help design my landing pad. I know that leaves and grass are amazing materials to help cushion eggs in a nest. The smooshy leaves absorbed the shuttle on impact, leaving my shuttle unharmed on landing.     - @BlueBear

Using the idea of how birds construct their nests and applying that to designing a landing pad is harder than it sounds. If I could improve one things about my landing pad construction, it would be to make it bigger, stronger, softer, and taller. The shuttle missed our landing pad, so bigger would have definitely been better. Biomimicry is important because a lot structures we have are based on biomimicry designs. It helps us figure out how to build things better.     - @McSecret

I used my knowledge of bird nest construction to help design my landing pad. First, my partner and I thought that we needed our landing pad to be big so that the shuttle wouldn't miss the landing pad. Next, we needed extremely good padding - we used fabric, crumpled styrofoam, and packing peanuts. Finally, we decided we needed siding so the shuttle wouldn't bounce out and crack. We used wooden sticks for the sides. Our landing pad turned out to be very successful.     - @Ribbet

If I had more time to improve the design of my landing pad, I would have made a smaller size pad, so that I could focus more time on the actual padding part. I also would have added more structural integrity to my pad.     - @ApplePie

I used my knowledge of how warblers build their nests when my partner and I designed our landing pad. Since I knew that the nests have two layers of padding, I used that same idea on our landing pad. We used a light layer of styrofoam on the bottom, added some bubble wrap, and then a few pieces of fabric. The softest layer was put on top just like a warbler's nest.     - @YesSir

I would have improved our design of our landing pad by adding more supports on the sides. My partner and I thought that the packing peanuts would cushion the landing of the shuttle, but it didn't. It actually acted like a trampoline. I would also add more sticks to the sides as well as fabric. If we had done this, our shuttle landing would have probably been a success.     - @PotatoPie

If I could improve the design of our landing pad, I would have made the walls a little taller so that the shuttle didn't fall off. Another thing I would have done would be to use softer materials and not bubble wrap because it only made the shuttle bounce. Lastly, I would make the pad a little longer so that there was a bigger target for landing.      - @Oreo18

I used my knowledge of bird nest construction when designing our landing pad. First, we knew that it needed two layers, like a warbler's nest. We used foam and sticks for the outer layer and packing peanuts and fabric for the inner layer.     - @Rosita

If I had more time, I would have made my landing pad taller and wider. Why? Because when I dropped my shuttle, I missed the landing pad. Also, I realized that the shuttle would most likely break, even if it landed on the pad. It wouldn't have had enough time to decelerate slowly and safely. The force exerted, caused the shuttle to crack.    - @PizzaPie

Young Voters In Training

Students in The Hive have spent the last couple of weeks learning about the U.S. election process, with a particular focus on the presidential election primaries and general election processes. It was an exciting and memorable couple of weeks leading up to Super Tuesday. We hope it sparked some interesting and meaningful conversations around your dinner tables. We can tell you that the spark was surely alive in our classroom!

Learning about the U.S. election process is crucial for fostering civic responsibility, understanding government structure, and developing critical thinking. It equips our youngest generation with the knowledge of their rights and duties within a democratic society, encouraging them to become active participants in their communities. Through this education, students learn the importance of voting and how elections impact their lives, promoting an early appreciation for their role in democracy - for their role in our Consitutional Republic. Discussions around elections and governance introduce students to diverse perspectives, nurturing respect for differing opinions and the value of dialogue. This foundational education not only prepares them to be informed voters but also instills a sense of duty towards participation in democratic processes. By connecting classroom learning with real-world events, it also enhances their interest and awareness of national affairs, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of engaged and responsible citizenship.

Students not only actively participated in our deep classroom discussions, posing some thoughtful questions and ideas of their own, but they also enjoyed a tour of the primary election polls at the Boxford town hall just before Super Tuesday AND participated in a mock primary election in our classroom. We asked students to reflect on our discussions and their experiences for this week's blog. We think you'll agree that their reflections demonstrate a healthy curiosity and the beginnings of active civic engagement. For some students, learning about the election process has even inspired a potential future in public service or political leadership!

It's important for U.S. citizens over the age of 18 to vote because then they have a voice to be heard. Voting is a way for citizens to be heard together. It's important to vote in all elections! - @Rosita

It is important for U.S. citizens over the age of 18 to vote in ALL elections. It's like saying you want to have a say in what happens in our country. If you don't vote, you will probably be very mad or sad and you might regret it. If you vote, you'll be proud and people will recognize you as a responsible citizen. - @YesSir

It is important for U.S. citizens over the age of 18 to vote in all elections because voting is your voice. Voting allows you to have a say in things. If you don't vote, you are basically giving away some of our rights and freedom. The candidate that you vote for should represent you in some way. Voting matters and whoever gets elected could affect you and your life. - @Loondog1

I learned that the presidents can only serve two terms (eight years total). - @Sweetie

It is important for U.S. citizens over the age of 18 to vote because it is very important to decide who gets elected to a particular office. If you don't have a say in that, then there could be a very bad president, mayor, or other official. If I was elected to office, I would make it so that schools could have more lunch options. - @Avocado234

I'm not too sure I would ever run for a government office, but if I did, it would probably be for mayor. I know most people would rant to run for President, but running for President is a big commitment and I'm not sure if I would be the right person for that job. A mayor's job isn't as big of a job as President, but I could still do good things. - @BlueBear

It is important to vote because if you do not vote, then you cannot be upset with the people that win. Every vote matters in every way even if you don't see it. - @Milly-Milly

I wonder why you have to be at least eighteen years old to vote. Why are there several political parties. Why do they elect a president every four years? Who decides that? - @Roxy4Life

Have you ever thought that your vote doesn't matter? Well, every vote matters and it matters very much. Voting is how we get good leaders to represent us. - @PotatoHead

I believe that we should have a primary election and a general election, but NOT an electoral college. First, let's say that everyone in a state voted one way and their delegates voted differently. That makes the peoples' vote not matter! Having our votes matter is the main point of our election process. I think our presidential elections should be based on the popular vote. - @PizzaPie

I would love to run for office - specifically President of the United States. I would like to be the first female president and support women's rights. I would also work to improve our education and public areas - taking good care of parks, lakes and our oceans. Finally, I would also work with farms to grow and harvest the best food possible. - DollyParton101

I have learned that U.S. citizens over the age of 18 can vote. I also learned that in a presidential election, we actually cast a ballot for who we want to be nominated. It's the delegates that actually select the nominee. Our vote is not really a vote. Yep, it's true! It's not fair because we aren't directly voting for our president. - @SecretGuy

If I was of age, I would most definitely run for President of the United States. Our country has a lot of problems and most of them have easy solutions. Drug dealers sneaking into the country? Build super hubs along the border to have every immigrant checked. This will lower the crime rate. Debt problems? Stop printing money that we don't have and lower spending to pay it off. - @ApplePie

I would want to run for President because I want to improve schools and kids' education. If we do this, the U.S. will have the highest IQ rank in the world. I would fill schools with the latest technology. - @PotatoPie

I would like to run for office because, to me, a lot of decisions that are being made are unfair and downright bad, like some of the decisions our leaders are making about taxes. Also, I would like to turn gas-powered cars and stop people from polluting to make this country a better place and then maybe other countries will do the same. - @Imadog697

I would love to run for President! I would help keep people safe and make rules to keep people healthy. - @HockeyGirl14

Something I've learned that's interesting has to do with electoral votes. I never knew that you're not actually voting, you're technically casting a ballot for a candidate - asking a delegate to vote for that person. I also learned that whoever earns at least 270 electoral votes wins the general election. I think that's totally confusing and they should just go by the popular vote. - @Ribbet

I think everyone should be able to vote when they turn ten years old. I also think that our presidential election should be by popular vote. - @PumpkinPie

It is important for U.S. citizens over the age of 18 to vote in all elections because it is our right to vote and a privilege that was gifted to us by our country's founders. If no one voted in our elections, then some random person would be chosen and that person might be bad and want to destroy our country. I hope I have convinced you to get into that voting booth and VOTE! - @Ruffffffff

I would not want to run for office because I would be stressed and responsible for a lot and that is just not how I would want to live in my older years. - @SODA

Keeping It Real

While our students certainly dedicate loads of time grappling with new mathematical concepts and mastering fundamental math algorithms and formulas, it's equally important that we provide them with opportunities to apply their knowledge and understanding of these skills utilizing real-life math scenarios. Designing learning experiences that require the application of mathematical concepts pushes learners to think deeper about math, allowing them to see the connections while offering meaningful context for their learning. As we often say in The Hive, "We're keeping it real". The goal of our math learning experiences is aimed at doing just that and this week's guest bloggers are excited to explain the value in it. Enjoy.

We've been learning a lot of new math concepts this year. It's important to know how to use the math in real life. For example, if I were a construction worker and I was expanding the size of a building to twice its area, I would have to multiply area (LxW) by two.      - @DollyParton101

Connecting math to the real world is important because our future jobs will depend on knowing how to use your math knowledge. For this week's math project, we had to use our understanding of how to multiply fractions so that we could expand the size of a pizzeria. This really helped me increase my understanding of fractions.   - @Rosita

This week's math project gave us an opportunity to connect math to the real world. We had to decide how many customers we wanted to fit inside a pizza restaurant and then decide how much bigger we would have to expand the restaurant in order to fit all of the customers inside. This had me thinking a lot about math and now I really understand how I might have to use fractions in the real world.    - @JuniorBean

Some kids are very skilled at math, but sometimes they don't always know how to use it in the real world. For example, if I invited thirty-six of my friends to my party and twelve said they couldn't come, how many would be attending my party? Speaking of parties... we just finished a math project where we had to expand the size of a pizza parlor. We were given measurements that included fractions and we had to multiply those numbers to be able to increase the size of the restaurant to twice the size. We really had to put some oomph into it! It was a lot of thinking about fractions and it was fun to see the results.    - @JaxIsBack