In May & June 2016, I had the pleasure of working with 50 third and fourth graders in the MAGNET classroom at Roosevelt Elementary School. What great kids and teachers! We had in introductory day learning about the project and exploring iPads apps that allow for musical creating and improvising which is much like their work with these digital posters or "sound boards." One day two, we spent most of the day on the project. While 4-5 kids would work with me on programing the boards, the others rotated turns creating their artwork or working with the Circuit Jr boards as a hands on experience making circuits (constructionism in action!). In the week that followed, the teachers provided classroom time for the students to play with their sound boards. They also had a writing prompt about their experiences and many of them made wonderful thank you cards. :) I was amazed at how well they could articulate what we did and the creative outlet that it was for them. On our last day together, the students had a town hall meeting with me to talk about the project. Then another class came in and they had the opportunity to explain and share the project with peers. Some student comments: I like that we could make art and music at the same time! I like that we could press our art designs and music would come out! I like that we got to program our own sounds! It was very cool to see how the technology worked and the chip was so cool to actually see it. The thing I liked about the sound boards was that you can actually use them and interact with the boards. You can also make the cover with your own designs and patterns. You can get creative with it! Did you know that if you tap it with a cold finger it won't work? You have to have a tap it with a warm finger. I asked "what advice would you give to my next group of students? Answer: "Be prepared to have fun!" | When you put your mind to it, you can make amazing things with the circuit boards like and everything-machine. It was one of the funest things we did this year! I think the most important thing was how to use sound and art together. |
Awesome Thank You card. Thanks, kids!!