What are we
Making?
Learning Through Hands-On Activity
4th grade
The two fourth grade classes have been focusing on a papermaking investigation in the WonderLab. We began by examining the papermaking tools provided to us by Dr. Armstrong, brainstorming how they might be used. Many children had previous experience making paper and had a sense that we would need to make a pulp and somehow strain it. We made several different batches of pulp using different techniques, and experimented with drying it on mesh screens indoors and outdoors.
We wanted to have more than one method to try out our different ideas. We discussed what tools, materials, and skills would be needed for students to make their own screens to share. Wood, nails, hammers, saws, mesh, and clamps were all available in the WonderLab! (Thank you for your contributions.) After some time practicing fundamental hammering and sawing skills, students began measuring, cutting, and assembling frames in small groups. We have made many discoveries throughout this process; for example, problems with splitting plywood prompted us to explore the properties of different woods, the suitability of different nails and screws for different tasks, and approaches to stabilizing our projects. As we refine our frame building techniques, we will begin to add mesh and complete the circle by making paper on our new screens!
7th grade
Seventh graders started the year making digital images for WonderLab donor cards. These images will be laser-etched into wooden pieces that will be decoratively hung in the WonderLab and later sent to the donors. In addition, seventh grade has been learning the basics of three-dimensional software to create a 3D printed miniature lamp. This lamp is a collaboration between Art and the WonderLab. Later, the lamp will be wired and utilized in the students’ Dream Bedrooms.
Humanities Immersion
The humanities immersion class, that meets on Friday afternoons, consists of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders who are interested in woodworking. For the first few months of the year, our woodworkers familiarized themselves with hand tools, both for deconstruction and making. They have also extensively researched power tools so to create safety posters and videos. Later in the school year, we will be using these skills to create student-inspired making projects.
These are just a few of the projects we are working on in the WonderLab. Over the course of year, every class will have an opportunity to use the space, the tools, and the guidance of the adults teaching, and learning alongside them.
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