Recently, second-grade students engaged in a dynamic hands-on challenge in the Makerspace with Lower School teacher Tim Moxley. The assignment for the day was to work as a group to build a tower using only 10 pieces of standard paper, scissors, and tape. After watching a short video, the students had time to plan, then time to build, and finally time to reflect. Their energy and creativity were on full display as they brainstormed, problem-solved, collaborated, dealt with setbacks, and shared in triumphs. There was also quite a bit of competitive spirit to see who could build the tallest tower.
The activity served as a tangible (and loud!) reminder of how authentic learning comes from hands-on experiences that spark curiosity, foster teamwork, and build resilience.