Squishy Circuits
Dear Families,
Woodland Hill is working to find ways to include new STEM (science/technology/engineering/math) activities that are natural and authentic extensions to the work we already do in the classroom. This week WHMS parent Jesse Roberts came into lower elementary classrooms to give a lesson using squishy circuits.
Why do we value STEM (or better yet, add in an A for arts and make it STEAM)? These areas of study are critical to the way our modern society functions. We want children to begin developing skills in the areas of critical thinking, creativity, and cooperative learning. Being innovative and coming up with solutions to complex problems is one way we can prepare our children for their futures.
Jesse's presentation was given much like lessons we typically give: he demonstrated how to correctly use the materials, gave definitions and examples for new vocabulary & concepts, and extended these ideas for children who had previous knowledge of the content. The materials were then organized onto a tray and left on a shelf in each classroom for children to explore during their work period.
So, what exactly are squishy circuits?
This learning tool was developed in The St. Thomas University Playful Learning Lab. The official website says, "Squishy Circuits uses conductive and insulating play dough to teach the basics of electrical circuits in a fun, hands-on way." The idea is to use two types of dough: one that is conductive and another that is insulated. Using a battery, wires, and a variety of of fun add-ons, the children can light up LEDs, run a motor, or activate a buzzer. They learn about electricity and circuits, while also testing out creative pathways to route the electricity.
Interested in finding dough recipes or learning more? Check out the squishy circuits website: https://squishycircuits.com/
To recreate a kit at home, Jesse recommends gathering supplies around your home, or checking out one of these suppliers: SparkFun.com or Adafruit.com .
Some important classroom notes:
*A BIG thank you to everyone who donated from our For Small Hands wish list, as well as our book fair wish list. The books will be sent to schools in Puerto Rico that were devastated as a result of hurricane Maria.
* Please send your child to school with a hat and gloves/mittens, as well as a winter jacket. We go outside any time it's not pouring rain and at least 15 degrees. When it snows, please send snow pants (many families find it helpful to keep an extra pair at school, though that is not necessary. On very cold days we require the children to wear them to recess.)
* Thursday, December 14, 6:00pm - Winter Concert, elementary & middle school students
* 12/18-1/1 - holiday recess, no school (enrichment available most days)
Have a great holiday season!
Woodland Hill is working to find ways to include new STEM (science/technology/engineering/math) activities that are natural and authentic extensions to the work we already do in the classroom. This week WHMS parent Jesse Roberts came into lower elementary classrooms to give a lesson using squishy circuits.
Why do we value STEM (or better yet, add in an A for arts and make it STEAM)? These areas of study are critical to the way our modern society functions. We want children to begin developing skills in the areas of critical thinking, creativity, and cooperative learning. Being innovative and coming up with solutions to complex problems is one way we can prepare our children for their futures.
Jesse's presentation was given much like lessons we typically give: he demonstrated how to correctly use the materials, gave definitions and examples for new vocabulary & concepts, and extended these ideas for children who had previous knowledge of the content. The materials were then organized onto a tray and left on a shelf in each classroom for children to explore during their work period.
So, what exactly are squishy circuits?
This learning tool was developed in The St. Thomas University Playful Learning Lab. The official website says, "Squishy Circuits uses conductive and insulating play dough to teach the basics of electrical circuits in a fun, hands-on way." The idea is to use two types of dough: one that is conductive and another that is insulated. Using a battery, wires, and a variety of of fun add-ons, the children can light up LEDs, run a motor, or activate a buzzer. They learn about electricity and circuits, while also testing out creative pathways to route the electricity.
Interested in finding dough recipes or learning more? Check out the squishy circuits website: https://squishycircuits.com/
To recreate a kit at home, Jesse recommends gathering supplies around your home, or checking out one of these suppliers: SparkFun.com or Adafruit.com .
Some important classroom notes:
*A BIG thank you to everyone who donated from our For Small Hands wish list, as well as our book fair wish list. The books will be sent to schools in Puerto Rico that were devastated as a result of hurricane Maria.
* Please send your child to school with a hat and gloves/mittens, as well as a winter jacket. We go outside any time it's not pouring rain and at least 15 degrees. When it snows, please send snow pants (many families find it helpful to keep an extra pair at school, though that is not necessary. On very cold days we require the children to wear them to recess.)
* Thursday, December 14, 6:00pm - Winter Concert, elementary & middle school students
* 12/18-1/1 - holiday recess, no school (enrichment available most days)
Have a great holiday season!
