We have explored such concepts as propulsion, acceleration and aerodynamics through hands-on activities. Another activity was a timeline of the history of flight. The theme of inventions has been easy to integrate across the curriculum. I have been teaching for six years and love what I do. My personal philosophy in relation to teaching is that students should always be challenged.
Children are better aware of the successes they are capable of when they are challenged.
I feel that in creating inventions, students not only have been challenged to solve a problem but have truly been able to take ownership of their learning. In this way what they are doing has heightened meaning. My class has researched information on famous inventors via the Internet. They have also communicated with students in two other schools to share and compare what they are learning and what kind of things they are inventing. I have been teaching for eighteen years.