On Wednesday, May 3, Schofield Elementary students spent the day building space-themed inventions during the second annual “Day of Imagineering.” Students were challenged to design an invention for a planet having conditions such as high temperatures and a lack of food, transportation and breathable air.
In preparation for a busy day of building, students arrived with armfuls of recyclables selected for their projects. As parent Kara Block observed, “the school was brimming with anticipation and creativity from the moment the students hit the blacktop.”
Third grader Liam Bowditch demonstrates his space suit.
Students jumped right into constructing their inventions, following carefully-sketched plans created with art teacher Christine Desrosiers. Parent and Wellesley Middle School volunteers supported students in implementing their designs, while encouraging them to think flexibly and take risks. Linda Buffum, Schofield’s Instructional Library Assistant, was impressed not only with the students’ problem solving skills, but also with their willingness to help peers, whether by strapping on rocket packs or sharing supplies.
Kindergartener Taylor White with Seedlig 6.
The students’ unique inventions addressed different aspects of the space mission. Kindergartener Taylor White tackled the need for food, creating an unmanned vehicle named “Seedlig 6” that releases and waters seeds as it travels. Fifth graders Libertad Vaughn, Keira Cason and Maria-Lila Shutts collaborated to build a life-sized space ship. Third grader Liam Bowditch donned his head-to-toe space suit designed to allow him to breathe and regulate his temperature on the imagined planet.
Students wrapped up by demonstrating their inventions, answering questions, and visiting other classrooms to admire the creations of their peers.
According to Principal Gerardo Martinez, the day was “a wonderful opportunity to be creative and simply young and free.”
