As a trans-curricular “maker project” students complete a novel study on J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy classic The Hobbit and then enrich their understanding through an artistic, creative project with encourages comprehension, design, and creation. Student will create sculptures out of low-fire clay and glazes based on creatures and characters from Tolkien’s Middle Earth. Teachers may want to try pairing this with an inquiry-style, student directed approach to the traditional novel study by having students use a question generator and devise their own questions. As an idea, have the students put their questions up on large photocopied, coloured map of “Middle Earth” and have students answer the “Quest for Questions” as they journey to Lonely Mountain. Go to Detailed Lesson

After learning the basics of creating a circuit and electromagnetics, students design and create a simple electric motor. Students are encouraged to explore coil design, magnetic array, changing power sources, power sources. Go to Detailed Lesson

In this project, students build a weaving loom and create a woven piece on it. As part of the loom making process, students will use real tools including sandpaper, hammers and nails. They will also exercise their fine motor skills as they weave fibers onto the loom. Go to Detailed Lesson

Students design and test water rockets made from recyclable plastic bottles. Students are encouraged to prototype and experiment with aerodynamics by creating fins and tops for their rockets. Go to Detailed Lesson

Using a geometric map as a template, students construct a castle from individual hydrostone plaster bricks. Students are challenged to create proper angles of construction i.e. 90 degree corners, and maintain architecturally sound walls as the building progresses. Once the castle is constructed, students create a three dimensional setting on which to place the structure, using different types of art materials to create museum quality displays.

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Using wood and woodworking tools students will create birdhouses. This project will allow for demonstrative and hands-on instruction that will aid in supporting the “Big Ideas” within the Applied Design, Skills and Technologies curriculum, as well as incorporating elements from Math, Art and Social Studies curriculum.

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After some discussion about a devastating forest fire in Alberta, students wanted to start a fundraiser to raise money and help the people of that city. We decided to make bracelets to give to the students at school who donated to the cause. The bracelets were a symbol of support and a sense of community.

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Build an old fashioned “arcade” out of cardboard and tape. I’ve done this twice with my grade 2/3 class. Once with grade 6 buddies and once partnered with another grade 2/3 class.

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In this activity students will work in groups to create the tallest possible structure out of scrap paper. This can be either a single or multi-session event.

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Build a roller coaster (Or any other structure) out of straws and connectors.

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Students will make a Tetrahedral Kite and explore the forces that keep it aloft. They can further refine their design to maximize the lift created and minimize drag.

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Using cardstock cut outs, material, thread, needles, stuffing and wool students will design and sew dolls to use in creating their doll community. This hands on instruction will support the big ideas in the Applied Design & Skills and Technologies curriculum, as well as incorporating elements from Math, Art and curriculum. Extensions of this project will cover Science, Math, Applied Design, Reading, Writing, Socials and Career Education.

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Using recycled and found objects, students design and build Rube Goldberg Machines! This project includes math and science activities, along with ADST!

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