Our Projects
All projects are designed with Project Based Learning (PBL) in mind. PBL is a model and framework of teaching and learning in which students acquire content knowledge and skills in order to answer a driving question based on an authentic challenge, need, problem or concern.
Project Based Learning is accomplished using a variety of skills such as critical thinking, communication, and creativity.
PBL starts with the project in mind (so introducing the project up front) and then introduces topics or reinforces concepts previously learned. At the end, PBL also involves an ongoing process of reflection and presentation of what the student learned and the process they had to go thru to complete the project.
This is why our projects are so fun and engaging with our students. We introduce a challenge, we reinforce what they know, introduce specific skills relevant to the project and then the students have fun with it!
2019-2020 Treehouse Project
The objective of the Treehouse Project is for students to build a 3D version of their treehouse. This project based learning activity focuses on designing elements, using multiple problem solving skills, developing a budget and using critical thinking skills.
Students will collaborate together to demonstrate their strong teamwork skills while using their imagination.
2020-2021 Drawbot Project
Students will explore physics and engineering concepts by building a simple motor-powered robot. These 5th grade girls will use critical thinking to make predictions, form observations, and record results. Students will also investigate balanced and unbalanced forces by solving open-ended engineering problems. Most importantly, these girls had fun!
Students were also invited to create a project that highlighted their drawbot, the concepts they learned and what their final project looked like. Congratulations to all of our winners.
Fall 2021 Robot Crawler Project
The IT Girls explored and learned about Electrical Energy, Mechanical Energy, and Friction through building a Robot Crawler. Additionally, the girls were tasked with manipulating different variables to make the robot move forward and backward, and to have the robot "crawl" as fast as possible.
Spring 2022
Hydraulics Claw Project
For this STEM Project, the IT Girls gained more knowledge about hydraulics. The girls undertook a 3-part build for this project. During the first leg, they had to assemble the hydraulic mechanism, which included plastic syringes, tubing, cardboard, zip ties, and brads. At the next session, the IT Girls built the claw, attached all of the hydraulic tubing, and mounted the machine to a box. Finally, the girls set up a control panel, filled the syringes with water, and began to experiment with the claw! The girls manipulated the all three syringes (levers) to pick up various objects. This experience allowed the IT Girls to understand how powerful water is when applied with pressure. Water pressure combined with machinery is what hydraulics is all about. How cool is water!
Fall 2022
Draw Bot Project
Since the students were face-to-face in the classroom, we revisited the Drawbot Project. (In the 2020-2021 school year, we were virtual). The girls spent three weeks discovering and learning new concepts like balanced and unbalanced forces, assembling a motor, and manipulating different parts of the robot to change the speed of the robot and the design the robot made. To finish the semester, the girls created presentations on their new knowledge of robotics and forces. Examples of conclusions the girls made are: the rounder the shape of the clay, the more circular and smoother patterns; the smaller the amount of clay, the faster speed and smoother vibration; and the taller the height of the markers, the more the robot vibrated causing instability. We are extremely proud of our IT Girls, and congratulations to our two presentation winners!
Spring 2023
Light Chasing Robot Project
To close the Spring 2023 semester, the IT Girls constructed a light chasing robot. This robot had a three-part assembly: the first wiring multiple motors and adding a switch, the second adding light sensors, and the final step of adding a robot "skin" and testing the robot with a flashlight. The girls gained knowledge of what complete and incomplete circuits are, and the role of an on/off switch in a circuit. Additionally, the girls learned how to add wires to a motor, which allows electricity to move through the motor and causes the robot to move. Finally, the girls finished the project by adding light sensors that control how much electricity flows through the wires and motors, and the direction the robot moved. As a bonus challenge, the girls rewired their robots to run backwards!
Fall 2023
Record Racer Robot Project
The girls went full throttle with a mechanical racing game they built themselves! They delved into mechanical gameplay by constructing a steering mechanism for the racer's drive system. They also created their own circuits and electronics to power the motor. Finally, they leveled up their gameplay by customizing their obstacles. This was by far the most challenging KiwiCo kit they had ever built, but they never backed down from the challenge! Way to go, girls!
