At Canadian Academy, innovation and creativity are not limited to the classroom. An initiative by a group of enterprising Grade 3 students is a perfect example of how our students have incorporated their previous year’s Unit of Inquiry of Design, to make a significant and positive impact on their school environment.
Wiggle Boards Storage
Recess is a time when play and movement are highly encouraged. So when students began bringing Wiggle Boards to school, its provision of play, coupled with aiding in muscle development and coordination, made it a welcome activity. As the hype of Wiggle Boards grew, a common issue was becoming increasingly difficult to ignore: “Where do Students store their Wiggle Boards without leaving them scattered in the corridors, making it potentially unsafe?”
The Spark of an Idea
Determined to find a solution, a group of Grade 3 students took matters into their own hands. Following the design cycle of Inquiry: Developing Ideas, Creating the Solution and Evaluating, they approached Mr Shickler, who encouraged them to think creatively and consider how they could make a difference.
Collaboration with the Design Team
The students realized that to create a lasting solution, they needed the expertise of Mr Jan, the Secondary Design teacher, Mr Calvert, Director of Finance and Operations and the maintenance team. Soon, a collaborative effort was underway. Recesses were forgone while prototypes were produced and continuously revised resulting in a practical and reusable sustainable storage solution, using reused materials.
A Lasting Impact
A project that started 2 years ago resulted in a set of 4 beautifully crafted wiggle board shelves that not only provided a tidy storage solution but also enhanced the overall look of the school’s common areas. The shelves were strategically placed near the field, ensuring that the wiggle boards were always within easy reach but never in the way.
The now Grade 5 students were proud of their accomplishment, and their peers and teachers applauded their initiative. If persistence and commitment had a definition, this would be it. The project not only solved the immediate problem but also served as an inspiring example of what can be achieved when students are encouraged to take ownership and to incorporate their learnings into everyday life.
