Through rich and meaningful mathematical tasks, grade 2 students advocated with community organizations to affect change in a relevant way. Curricular concepts from numeracy, literacy, social studies, science, art and technology were integrated to address a local issue: ‘Does the neighbourhood need a new swimming pool, and how can we help?’. This session will highlight how effective practices were used to engage students in three main tasks. Students sorted, classified and identified shapes in swimming pools. Data was investigated and gathered about favourite pool features which informed pool designs. Measurement was employed to gather information about pool size and shape. Finally, students transferred and applied new knowledge to the design and construction of their own model pools. Grade 2 science curriculum and understanding was integrated throughout this project while exploring scientific method. Students learned to define what they wanted and needed to know through increasingly sophisticated questions. Their unique reflections helped design the tasks as they collaborated to answer and evaluate this problem. This 3-part session will share their story of professional learning with examples of student work and thinking that emerged. The pedagogy of design thinking will be explored with demonstrations of how technology enhanced, supported and shifted teaching practice. Evidence of effective practices that allow for multiple entry points to learning will be displayed.
