The Egg Drop Project |
PLANNING AN EGG DROP EVENT
Creating any authentic learning initiative takes extensive preparation. Expect this unit to last at least a month or more, if you can make the time. Include curriculum expectations from each subject you are teaching to achieve your goals. In an elementary setting there's more flexibility to do this, as there's less rotary, but by being creative with your scheduling and partnering with other interested teachers will allow for more continuity.
By spending time on making these curriculum connections, while employing expertise outside of the school, you are providing all of the school stakeholders with a map for success. I encourage dialogue with other teachers, staff and experts in the community to brainstorm ideas, schedule workable times for "deep learning" and to gather human and subject related resources. This can be extremely helpful as great ideas can be explored and possibilities pursued.
Be sure to discuss your plans with administration, custodial staff and support staff. Once a schedule has been created it is imperative for parents to be advised on the plans. A 'Parent Information Night' that provides information, a project model, outlines, curriculum connections, a schedule and expectations go a long way in securing the "buy in" for success. Once the initial plans have been shared, regular communication via student planners, class website, parent emails or communication Apps are great ways to ensure confidence. If a class website is available it is recommended to make pdf uploads available in a designated section called the Egg Drop Project.
The subject integration web below illustrates the many concepts, activities and expectations that can be explored over a month of EDP (Egg Drop Project) study. Being flexible and open is important as each endeavour provides limitations and opportunities. Always consider this a learning journey for both you and your students.
Steve spoke with Deputy Principal (VP) Neil Cox in Chidlow, West Australia about clinometers in 1995. He demonstrated how this ancient, Finnish height measuring tool worked to his students and t's been a centrepiece of math lessons in The Egg Drop Project ever since. It was a terrific way for the students to understand the height challenge that awaited them, but did so in a novel, academic way.
By spending time on making these curriculum connections, while employing expertise outside of the school, you are providing all of the school stakeholders with a map for success. I encourage dialogue with other teachers, staff and experts in the community to brainstorm ideas, schedule workable times for "deep learning" and to gather human and subject related resources. This can be extremely helpful as great ideas can be explored and possibilities pursued.
Be sure to discuss your plans with administration, custodial staff and support staff. Once a schedule has been created it is imperative for parents to be advised on the plans. A 'Parent Information Night' that provides information, a project model, outlines, curriculum connections, a schedule and expectations go a long way in securing the "buy in" for success. Once the initial plans have been shared, regular communication via student planners, class website, parent emails or communication Apps are great ways to ensure confidence. If a class website is available it is recommended to make pdf uploads available in a designated section called the Egg Drop Project.
The subject integration web below illustrates the many concepts, activities and expectations that can be explored over a month of EDP (Egg Drop Project) study. Being flexible and open is important as each endeavour provides limitations and opportunities. Always consider this a learning journey for both you and your students.
Steve spoke with Deputy Principal (VP) Neil Cox in Chidlow, West Australia about clinometers in 1995. He demonstrated how this ancient, Finnish height measuring tool worked to his students and t's been a centrepiece of math lessons in The Egg Drop Project ever since. It was a terrific way for the students to understand the height challenge that awaited them, but did so in a novel, academic way.