Tree by Design

These past two DI meetings have been incredibly productive! Last Sunday, the team discussed the design of their complex machine. Everyone's voice was heard and they agreed on a really great idea for their poacher trap. Each member was given a part of the trap to bring this week in order to start putting it together. And of course, there were snacks:

This week the team put their design into action. A little grown-up help was needed because things needed to be cut. The team brought a little realism of part of their complex machine by collecting sticks from outside to help with their tree. Overall, it is quite impressive what this team has been able to imagine and design. Next week they will finish their complex machine and begin writing their story.

Great Minds Thinking Alike

Today was a little low key as all the team members shared their ideas on the complex machine/poacher trap they would like to design. Many of them had similar ideas involving pulleys and inclined planes (ramps).

In the end, we discussed that as a team it is about bringing all the ideas together to make something really awesome. Everyone seemed happy with the idea for the trap. When we meet again in a couple of weeks, the team will start to design all the details and plan for materials.

With a few minutes left in the meeting, the team practiced an untimed Instant Challenge. We are continuing to work on listening to all ideas and work together to achieve the best option. It seems like they are starting to see that many of them are thinking the same thing. By listening to each other, a common goal can be reached more quickly.

Putting on the Thinking Caps

A lot of great thinking and sharing happening today. The team finished up research on simple machines and can name all the types of simple machines.

After a quick snack, everyone brainstormed potential problems to solve with the complex machine they would need to create. It was decided that the team would look at bad hunters (poachers), and their complex machine will be a trap to catch bad hunters.

Everyone also discussed what it means to be a team. They said they should work together and help each other. This is very important when it comes to listening and encouraging each other rather than arguing and having to always be right. This is something we will keep revisiting and working on.

For the week: each team member has been asked to research a type of wilderness (amazon, Savannah, arctic, etc.) and brainstorm what type of trap made of complex machines would work in that environment. Then everyone will share what they have the next time we meet.

Simple Machines rock!

Simply Research

Today all the kids began researching Simple Machines. We started with a video by Bill Nye the Science Guy. After watching, the kids compiled a list of what they learned from the video. Then they broke into pairs to research information in books, through YouTube, and on the internet.

Before wrapping up for the evening, all the kids shared the information they had gathered. It seems clear that perhaps we will need to spend a little more time next week on research because there is more information they wanted to get to. Next week will also start the planning process for the performance. The team will need to think of a problem to be solved with a Complex Machine (combining two or more Simple Machines).

Throughout the week, if a team member sees a Simple Machine, s/he should take a picture or video of it and send it to the Team Manager. Then we can share them all next meeting.

Here are the digital resources the students used during the meeting:

YouTube Playlist
Websites
Notes the kids took (feel free to add to them if you do more research)

Second Meeting

The Super Dragons are ready to start preparing for their Rising Stars Challenge. The kids made a great plan for the next set of meetings leading up to Thanksgiving Break. Next week will be all about researching Simple Machines!

All team members are welcome to bring any research they do during the week on this topic. I will have a few resources available for the team to share. We will explore all types of information from books, YouTube, and the internet.

After working on a timeline for the next few meetings, we took team pictures! The Super Dragons are out to "Save the Day," and their group photo proves it.

Get to know these fabulous faces by checking out the "Get to Know the Team" tab. 

We are still looking for one Appraiser for the day of the tournament. If you know anyone who might be interested, please let the Team Manager know.

First Official Team Meeting

This evening was a success! The Super Dragons, as they decided to call themselves, are ready to start conquering their DI Challenge. They chose the Engineering Challenge which has them constructing free standing structures and crafting a story involving two real nations and an issue between the two. It will be exciting to see how it all plays out.

They were introduced to the idea of an Instant Challenge. None of them  have ever tried one before. I gave them 25 pieces of spaghetti and 9 mailing labels. Then they were tasked with creating the tallest structure they could. There was no timer since this was the first time they have ever been presented with such a task. As expected, there was disagreement and lots of questions. What an opportunity for learning!

Next week we'll talk about what they liked and were not fond of with an Instant Challenge. Then they'll do another one. We will also have to break down the Engineering Challenge so the kids understand what is being asked of them. Considering I am still trying to unpack it myself, it will be interesting seeing how the kids interpret the challenge.

Welcome Everyone!

I am so excited to be managing our team this year! It did not seem right that these kids would not be able to participate simply because they couldn't find a team manager.

Before we really get rolling, I would like to introduce myself:

Currently, the many roles of Lydia Croupe include mom, Instructional Technology Specialist for Richardson ISD, and Communications Chair for Sanger PTA. I have been in education for 13 years, so I know how important it is for students to have things like Destination Imagination to be a part of. William is my oldest and has participated in DI the past two years. I know he is excited to be competing again this year. William has a little brother who may make appearances during our meetings. However, our two dogs (Stevie and Freddie) will most likely remain outside or upstairs when we meet.

This will be a fun experience for everyone involved! Thank you for letting your child be a part of it all.