Day 6 and we arw starting to attach our tracks. Today's Flash lesson. Using our ruler to create an alternative measuring tool. Conclusion, Using graph paper we measured out 2 cm squares. We cut those out and used them as spacers between tracks. Much easier & more precise.

Day 7 and our TSS & Lead partner led the construction group today while I facilitated the design process of our coaster carts using Tinker and Thingiverse. These Texan STEM Penguins are amazing.

Just completed my final CODE JAM training (6.5hrs), and I recieved materials for 13 wks of lessons. This included a class set of micro:bits, $500 bonus to add to my supplies as needed, & other cool actvities that promote critical & computational thinking.

My Littles are learning about civil engineering. We are currently discussing bridges. Now they are designing a beam bridge that will become a suspension bridge with some artsy touches to follow. We started tinkering w/ toothpicks & marshmallows & moved into 3d design -TBC.

Busy wk, but on Day 7 we did some coaster engineering and others did some coaster designing on TK. Feedback welcome. Our vision so far is at full fruition.

Today we realized that our outer turning loop was too short, which slowed down much needed momentum. So back to the drawing board. After much calculations we took apart our columns and added longer ones that extend out further& it appears better. But we will see as we test more.

Testing-Improving- Testing. We had a lot of that today. Discussions of gravity force & weight to get that cart going! It was a struggle; but when we used the tape measure as weight - it took off -humm. We also started building more wheels foe our carts. Tedious & a lesson indeed.

Bridging bridges Beam bridge, suspension, and trussel- oh my! It's a wrap on civil engineering with exploring and understanding the engineering design of types of bridges- first graders worked as teams to make triangles that were connected to create our finale.

Present- Discuss- Let Go The title explains my lesson approach & my belief in letting them own the struggle. 4th grade is exploring alternative energy sources. This is round 2 of our lessons. TBC. Failing (forward) can be fun & safe. The pixs & clips tell it all...

5th graders are doing more w/ robotics: L1 For this intro the kids were given a choice of putting together a wind up that was disassembled. The goal was to get them to think using the ED steps...test/Improve. Later they will use 3D printing to create their own wind-up. TBC.

3rd graders are engaged in round 2 of computer science Ghost Blitz game. Binary system down & 4 computer functions check; but can they be faster than a computer? That was the goal, but I think it went wayside - all good. Let them play- many underlying lessons are still learnt.

We are getting closer to completion. Lots of failure, but great discussions. April 9th is our STEAM/GT event- so Fiesta Texan Coaster will take her maiden voyage. Check out these failures to success. Yap in ALT to read what us what.

Round 3 of Alternative Energy. We used a potato a starchy green banana, & lemons to discuss and learn about chemical energy. Lots of fun in discussing how these fruits respond in a similar way to a battery...minus electrolytes.

STEAM was a hit. Wish Fiesta Texas would've made our invitation. But our families loved all the use of technology- lots of excitement with our Fiesta Coater maiden voyage.

More STEAM

Guests learned about blocking code using Spheros bolt, Indi Spheros, and Dash. A blast!

I was asked tinshare a video not the Texan Fiesta coaster in motion. Duh? Well here it is. My mentor is running it for our Littles.

The best gift that tops all gifts. In almost 30 years these continue to be what strikea at my chords the most. Teacher appreciated.