Four ISLAND PACIFIC ACADEMY 5th graders proudly presented their work at the 2016 Schools of the Future Conference at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center on Thursday, October 20. The SOTF Conference is a yearly event presented by the Hawaiʻi Association of Independent Schools, the Hawaiʻi Department of Education, and the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation. The conference provides a venue for Hawaiʻi educators and students to highlight and share the best practices being used in our schools today, and to collaborate on ways to create new learning environments for the future.
Participating in the Presentation of Learning Sessions under the guidance of IPA Technology teacher, Mrs. Debbie Yoshino, grade 5 students Kiana, Ashley, Laiku and Evan presented their work demonstrating how “Passion Ignites Creativity.” Their projects were part of their grade 4 “Passions & Creativity” unit of inquiry, in which the students researched and studied the modern and ancient Wonders of the World, as well as the Hawaiian Wonders of the World. The students expressed their learning through both art and technology, creating water color paintings and 3D models with the use of a 3D printer.
Many of the educators who visited the IPA exhibit were amazed that such young students were involved in designing 3D models. Evan encouraged conference attendees to try 3D printing with their students.
“It was challenging at first,” he admits, “but once you get the hang of it, it’s fun!”
Conference participants visited the students’ table display, giving the students an opportunity to explain the process they went through to create their paintings and 3D models.
“My self-confidence grew today,” said Kiana.
Ashley elaborated, “Talking to people outside of school is different.”
Despite some nerves, our students confidently shared with the attendees what they learned and answered their questions. They learned how to initiate conversations and engage conference-goers in their exhibit.
“Our school should do this again next year,” shared Laiku. He’s already thinking of projects to share.
Aside from the learning and growing, our students received virtual reality (VR) goggles, Google Chrome pins and lanyards, a mahalo swag bag, and a photo opp with the voice of “Tim” from BrainPop Jr.
