At Gizmo, I and two other externs were tasked with a handful of objectives, however our main task was planning and teaching a two-week exploratory camp for students aged 12+. The intention of this camp was twofold – first, giving students the opportunity to explore and use the tools at GIZMO. Second, to get them thinking about their own communities and what the needs and problems within those communities might be. In preparation for this camp, we first had to brainstorm a concept that students could work on. Next, we worked to set up how we would approach learning to use the tools in the shop. Our team decided that students in this camp will be tasked with crafting an interactive experience about a student-selected problem that they see within their community. This gave students a reason to research their topics and gamify their findings. Through exploring this camp model, I expanded my knowledge in lesson scaffolding, team collaboration, and executing project-based learning opportunities. Our students really seemed to shine when they were given the autonomy to create on their own. The games they developed were well thought out and fascinating to play. On the last day of camp, we invited the student’s families to come and test them out. Here is a photo from our family game day!

Grade Level and Subject Taught: K-5 Music & PE