Like second grade, first grade has been working on Forward Design, as we call it in Inventor’s Club. In the forward design process students first sketch out their ideas, count and label the materials they will need and then submit their design for approval. Once they have received approval students can use a limited set of materials, in this case popsicle sticks and wood glue, to build their designs. Once they are satisfied with their designs, students decorate them with paint or marker.

In first grade this turned into a collaborative process with two small group projects and many students inspiring one another to create similar pieces of work. When we were finished, I thought having a final presentation to the class would be a way to respect the students’ collaboration and give them a chance to continue their cross-inspiration.

Each student was given the opportunity – not an obligation! – to present their work to the class. They had three questions to answer: (1) What is it? (2) Is it finished? (3) If you could, what would you like to add to it? Then the rest of the class was free to ask questions – and many good questions were asked! During the presentations it was wonderful to see that some of the students who often talk to their peers during class can also be some of the best listeners and question askers.