Design project has Byrne third-graders thinking like engineers

Across District 191, every elementary school has an Advanced Learning Specialist who works with students in every classroom each week, alternating between makerspace projects, enrichment activities and lessons that inspire new ways of thinking - like a detective, scientist or inventor!

This week at William Byrne Elementary with ALS Sharron Stalock, third-graders are thinking like engineers as they develop new designs for a container that can hold six soda cans. Working with a partner, they're following a six-step process: identify the problem, explore, design, create, test and improve.

Third-graders James and Lamar are working together on a triangle-shaped can holder. Most other groups came up with a rectangle-shaped design, so they wanted to try something different.

"It's a fun challenge," James said.

"It's not supposed to be competitive, but we're making it competitive. We're still creating to come up with the best design," Lamar said.

These lessons ignite curiosity while helping students build problem-solving, collaboration, and creative-thinking skills that will serve them for life. Learn how our Advanced Learning Specialists are sparking imagination and innovation in our youngest learners!

In District 191, Elementary Pathways is designed to excite students and give them a glimpse into their future. It encourages them to wonder and reflect on what’s next in their learning journey. Elementary Pathways learning is not tracking students and asking them to choose a career path. Rather, Pathways aims to introduce elementary students to different experiences to spark curiosity, wonder and a love of learning.