Cells, Cells, Cells: A Makerspace and Graffiti Wall Bonanza!

Cells, as microscopic as they are, are quite a sight to behold. Every organelle a different shape and design. Each with a uniqueness that identifies it. Every year I have students create organelles out of play-doh and then research their function and structure. Then each group presents a little tidbit on their organelle and puts it in the large cell model we create as a class. By the end of the day we have five amazing cells.

Each group also conducted an 'interview' with the organelle (they made a video or recorded a podcast.) They also created a magazine spread all about their organelle (they were given a rubric of information that had to be created.) Lastly, they drew a cartoon of their organelle on our graffiti wall.

It is a fun week of discovery and conversation. They really can visualize and personify each organelle and this helps them see the cell as both individual parts and a whole. This is the research, vocabulary part of the cells unit- now we get to test osmosis with gummy bears, check out some pond water and use eggs as cells and test how different liquids affect the cell membrane and cytoplasm. Fun times ahead.

Hopscotch, Skip and a Jump: Leaping Back in to the Playground of Education

Most classrooms these days have a whiteboard not a chalkboard. At least in my building. I have one of each. I love chalkboards- the dustiness of creativity as the writing blends together. The smell of powdery letters and art work. This year I painted my three round tables with chalkboard paint. This gives us three surfaces to draw on daily and one large canvas- the graffiti wall, to collectively create a piece of science art. Chalk always reminds me of hopscotch and recess. I think it evokes that in students too, as they really get a kick out of drawing with it.

Yesterday students had a quick five minute cell review where they wrote as many organelles as they could remember, what their structure and function is and then they drew examples of cells. They giggled and laughed- it was the use of chalk on the desks and tables that I think added to the engagement. It is amazing how the little things- like chalk make such a difference in interaction and collaboration. It brings out in us, a simpler vision of the world, a more playful spirit. Chalk is only one way to bring a class together in a fun, active way- interpretive movement, active skits and show me how it works are all other strategies I use to get my students up and moving: skipping and jumping. Active learning by movement and teaching. Letting students teach the class is always a good thing.

A free spirit that comes from choice and creative options really gets the classroom skipping, it brings a joy, an energy that is contagious. It spreads- one persons smile becomes the next persons smile. This is what I thrive on. The positive energy generated from freedom and interest. I know the classrooms I remember most from my childhood were the ones where I could build things and collaborate with my peers. So, this is what I strive for every day. I ask myself- "Is this how I would want my classroom in 7th grade?" If it is not an unequivocal yes, then I redesign.

Learning needs to be fun. That's my mantra. Once it becomes tedious, encumbered, stagnate then we are no longer able to jump and play and explore. Hopscotch is a symbol of our childhood recess, but why is the concept of play so hindered these days? There are no recess breaks in junior high or high school. Of course we do not have time to walk away from our curriculum for twenty minutes a day, however if we incorporate the excitement of tinkering, drawing and simple playful interaction we can bring our classrooms to a place where recess does not feel necessary. Hopscotch, skipping and jumping, are easy remedies to the doldrums of academic rigor.

I don't know about you, but I could go for a great game of hopscotch right now.