FOURTH GRADE IDEA LAB
Fourth-grade Idea Lab students will study Robotics and Architecture.
FIRST Lego League Robotics - Robotics and the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Lego League Competition. FLL is the abbreviation and this program introduces students to real-world engineering challenges by building LEGO-based robots to complete tasks on a thematic playing surface. Students design, build, test, and program the robots using LEGO MINDSTORMS technology. They also apply real-world math and science concepts and research challenges facing today’s scientists. Students will continue to develop their critical thinking skills, team-building, and presentation skills. This is a great opportunity to continue to build on the skills that students acquired during their time in Idea Lab. Here is a link to the Super Powered Season. Stay tuned for more specific information about the unit. We will dive right in on day one building and learning how to program the robots. 
Architecture - The purpose of this unit is to investigate architectural systems and their impact on society. A study of architecture, both past, and present, gives students the opportunity to increase their awareness of structures, using the built environment as a window to the world. This unit focuses on the process of learning through visual and creative thinking, problem-solving, group interaction, technology, and communication. Students will determine the importance of preserving the structures that exist in our city as they take an active role in promoting sustainability and environmental conservation. They will also use their math, problem-solving, and design skills to create an architectural floor plan, using the principle of form follows function, to meet the needs of their 'client'. Students will learn real-world problem-solving skills to complete their final projects.
