The program was initiated to provide teachers a tool to foster creative thinking while teaching science standards. Students must apply the knowledge they have learned about a concept and make real world connections. The program was grounded in research that hands-on, minds-on learning produces a deeper, more meaningful understanding of the world and its possibilities.

Goals:  To provide teachers a tool for informal assessment that allows students to share their knowledge creatively about a given subject and to provide a tool to foster communication skills for students as they think like a scientist.

Targeted Population:  Two teachers from grades 2-5 per site: Mabry, Westchase, Mintz, Collins, Pride, FishHawk Creek, Twin Lakes, Jackson, Folsom, Chiaramonte, Riverhills, Forest Hills, Lockhart, BT Washington, Miles, Just, Bailey, Colson, Town and Country, Kimbell, Robles

Timeline:  This initiative was implemented in September 2009 and will continue to train teachers at the sites where materials are currently housed and being utilized.

Professional/Staff Development:  Six professional development opportunities were provided for participating teachers. Follow-up quarterly PLC meetings to allow teachers to share their experiences and student products. IDEAS conference space for teachers to collaborate ideas to build challenges aligned with NGSSS across the district.

Transferability:  This program can be implemented in any school setting in grades 2-5.

Involvement:  LEGO was a partner allowing us to pilot the materials in the district the first year of implementation.