We are all about to cross the finish line. Thinking about the accomplishment of another school year is delightful. This theme of accomplishment must be on everyone's brain- students, faculty, and parents. Two weeks ago, two 7th graders in the technology elective asked if they could create the next activity for the class. They wanted to create an amazing race centered around technology. I was immediately enthusiastic about this idea! These students further surprised me when they asked the other students in the class to please turn into them five facts about technology. They asked for facts that would stretch our minds. Their plan was to use these facts as a means to incorporate the rest of the students into the teaching and learning process. Genius. While the majority of the class was researching news worthy technology facts, the students "in charge" were coming up with challenging riddles to plant around the school, which would ultimately take each team to their final destination. Although the teams were competing against each other, we couldn't help but get caught up in the excitement and cheer for the opposing teams.
Google docs was a key collaboration tool throughout this process. Being able to turn in technology facts in a digital format, share them with others, and edit each others work, made this experience more meaningful in reinforcing the team effort. An example of one clue took the students to the 7th grade Science teacher's room. Upon arrival, students were to locate the riddle that said, Where do tech giants periodically congregate? To solve this riddle, students had to locate the periodic table, identify the Si symbol for silicon to come up with the answer: Silicon Valley. As a Jewish day school, the thought leaders behind this game also incorporated Judaics related technology questions into the riddles as well. After all, Israel is one of the most innovative countries in the world. This proved to be easier than anticipated.
There were some other unexpected victories throughout this race, well before the finish line was in sight. First, even those students who pegged themselves as unmotivated in being competitive, found that the riddles got the best of them. They could not help but get in the game. Second, there was more physical movement in that 70 minute block than their entire day. It was an exercise not only in the brain but in the body. Third, the team spirit was contagious, even among the competitive nature of middle schoolers. We all routed for each other. Finally, and one of the best outcomes, was that this came from the minds of two invested, engaged 7th graders that initiated leadership and determination to promote a fun learning experience for all. What better way to start a day than with that?
Google docs was a key collaboration tool throughout this process. Being able to turn in technology facts in a digital format, share them with others, and edit each others work, made this experience more meaningful in reinforcing the team effort. An example of one clue took the students to the 7th grade Science teacher's room. Upon arrival, students were to locate the riddle that said, Where do tech giants periodically congregate? To solve this riddle, students had to locate the periodic table, identify the Si symbol for silicon to come up with the answer: Silicon Valley. As a Jewish day school, the thought leaders behind this game also incorporated Judaics related technology questions into the riddles as well. After all, Israel is one of the most innovative countries in the world. This proved to be easier than anticipated.
There were some other unexpected victories throughout this race, well before the finish line was in sight. First, even those students who pegged themselves as unmotivated in being competitive, found that the riddles got the best of them. They could not help but get in the game. Second, there was more physical movement in that 70 minute block than their entire day. It was an exercise not only in the brain but in the body. Third, the team spirit was contagious, even among the competitive nature of middle schoolers. We all routed for each other. Finally, and one of the best outcomes, was that this came from the minds of two invested, engaged 7th graders that initiated leadership and determination to promote a fun learning experience for all. What better way to start a day than with that?
