I woke up in the wee hours thinking about this week's attention to the STEAM Survival Series of events we have planned, events that demand a lot of preparation.
I had hoped to prepare some of the items over the weekend, but there were family tasks that took priority. The tasks are not great or overly time consuming, but remain tasks that have to be completed.
As I thought about this work today, I realized that the better we can prepare for and order materials ahead of time in the year, the easier it will be to ready for these explorations. Also it's important to use the materials sparingly so that the materials last longer--that's important too.
So today when I head in early, I'll print, organize, and ready the materials on our science table so students can easily access what they need to create today's STEAM project which is making water filters. After the morning math assessment, the students and I will adventure outside to collect murky water, sand, rocks, and any charcoal (burnt wood) we can find. Later students will watch a couple of videos about ways to make water filters with natural materials and then students will make the filters. Throughout the adventure students will record their activities with iPads and notes. Later they'll organize their notes and images into a slideshow presentation.
When adventuring with large groups of students, organization and prep is essential, and a bit daunting too which can serve to wake you in the early hours of the morning. Onward.
