Last week I completed a week of working with the NCSU Engineering Camp in Havelock, NC. It was so amazing watching 60 middle school students actively engaged in the world of engineering. A huge highlight for me was working with a Kenan Fellow from last year, John Scarfpin. He gave me so many great ideas and places to search for my classroom. My favorite idea: Squishy Circuits. I’ve already got two ideas for my kindergarten class next year incorporating this activity. My notebook is getting full from all the ideas I’ve heard and formed from my Kenan Fellows experience so far.
Isn’t neat how a camp for middle schoolers can be so inspiring for kindergarteners? I love seeing others at their best, and I find that it leads me to mine. I can’t wait to hear more about what you come up with!
Squishy Circuits rock! They are a great parent night activity as well as a classroom activity, really useful for helping families play together. How are you thinking about incorporating them into your kindergarten class?
I want my class to make an arctic animal out of the play dough and add mini LED lights for the eyes and a motor for a spinning tail during our Arctic Animals unit in December/January. Then in March/April we build a city and I’m thinking we can add some buildings with lights and possibly a helicopter with a spinning propeller.
This sounds like a really exciting and fun activity for the students. A fun way to incorporate engineering into the science and social studies standards! I personally, love the name of the activity/kit, “squishy circuits” what’s not to love?