Exploring Curiosity and Creativity in Expedition

For 2nd grade’s second Expedition, we learned about schools around the world. We learned about different types of schools and school days from across the world. While learning about different schools students began to have organic conversations about what they would like to see in their dream school. The 2nd-grade teachers realized this was an amazing opportunity to have students build their schools. The idea of dream school dioramas was born!

Brainstorming 

The process of building the dioramas started with independent brainstorming. As a crew, we read the book “If I Built a School” by Chris Van Dusen. This allowed students to gather ideas about what they would like to see in their dream school. Students then brainstormed five things they wanted to see in their dream school and sketched a picture. Some of the ideas included; a sushi restaurant, cat cafe, and trampoline park. 

Implementation 

After brainstorming took place students were given access to different materials and time for group work. The materials included recycled items such as bottle caps and tissue boxes but also new materials such as clay and pipe cleaners. Students used our LABS time each day to work on their diorama. Students were encouraged to divide tasks to allow each student to contribute a portion to their diorama. After a week of diorama work students worked together to write a blurb explaining what their diorama was and why they chose their specific components. 

Presentation 

During our Celebration of Learning students were given the opportunity to share their final products along with their dioramas. Students were able to show their families their projects and explain what they chose to include in their school and why. The dioramas allowed students to showcase their curiosity and creativity. They loved the idea that there were no limits on what their school could be like which allowed their imaginations to soar.