The boxes became cars, horses, pianos, towers, and castles. One even became a pet kitty cat! The only stipulation was that we could not cut, paint, glue, or alter the boxes in any way. That time will come, but not today.
DAY 2: We explored the boxes using our mathmatical skills. We ordered the boxes by size and measured them using non-standard measuring devices, such as blocks and links. We predicted and found out how many little boxes would fit in a bigger box (Could we fit more? What happens if we rotate them?).
Finally, we had a critical thinking challenge! My favourite! Each team had to figure out how to fit a huge pile of boxes of varying sizes into a large box. The only solution that would work was to nest them inside each other. The look on students' faces as they discovered the solution was incredible! Higher order thinking skills in action!
DAY 3: Today we began to learn about how to plan ahead before building and learned a little about how to make blueprints. We quickly learned that it was hard to make everything that we drew out of boxes. Some things worked much better than others. We found that the friends who had drawn the blueprints using boxes and rectanges were the most successful in building what was in their picture!
DAY 4: Today we tried working in teams to agree upon and create one single project in a group. We learned a lot about working together! It can be hard to compromise when you have a different idea than your friends, but in the end, most groups were very successful!
DAY 5: Today was all about collaboration. The whole class brainstormed what we could build as a group. We had some great ideas: a zamboni, a castle, a rocket ship, a wagon. Everyone voted and a strong favourite emerged; castle was the overwhelming winner. Democracy in action!
The class made a blueprint as a group and set to work. Once the castle was complete, students' imaginations kicked into gear. Some made crowns and joined the royal court. Other students became knights to defend the castle. We even had a fire-breathing dragon, without which no medieval castle is complete!
DAY 6: Students voted overwhelmingly to keep the castle for today, so the day was filled with renovations and decorating the castle. Rooms emerged, a larger window was created, and flowers and landscaping were added. A group of students even created a spectacular tree!