The One Where Cardboard has Taken Over: Part 1

A few weeks ago I shared how enthused my students were researching their college or university of choice. I also mentioned that in the future we would be creating a building on campus in the near future. Well the future is now and cardboard has officially taken over the classroom! 

It's all apart of a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) competition that we are signing up for as a class. Check out Cain's Arcade for the inspiration. The competition is in May so we have a good start!

This is only “Part 1” because we are in the early stages of plans, blue prints, and custom ordering our cardboard pieces. Guess who the custom cardboard cutter is? Just another hat I now wear. *insert diva emoji*

 

Here’s how we started and where we are going:

1. Students each picked a prominent building on campus. Some buildings are elaborate ceremony halls, others are sporting arenas, and some are buildings where students would like to study!

2. We researched the history, purpose, and design of the building. Using Google Earth, school websites, and our trusty Google Images we were able to better understand our buildings. 

The next few steps we really had to work to s-l-o-w d-o-w-n and plan. Building right off the bat is so much more fun though!

3. We took a few days to explore with different size pieces and draw what custom orders we would need. Seeing as I’m the only one who can use the box cutter, I’ve become quite skilled. 

4. Now we are at the point of building! Yay! I figured the most organized least chaotic way was to have each table group work to help one person a day with their building. We spend 30 minutes a day at the end of each day working. 

With today being the first day with spray glue, glue guns, and box cutters all in full swing I was *SO* thankful to have a parent volunteer to join us EVERY DAY! How lucky am I?

5. In the future we will continue to create and add detail to our buildings. Every day a student has another brilliant idea for their building (which usually leads me to Hobby Lobby) I can’t wait to see how they progress and what the end result will be! 

Stay tuned for Part 2!