Phase 1: Beginning the Project

This project emerged from a warm weather change late in February. The children became focused on outdoor activities, mainly bike riding. Children did drawings, had discussions, conducted class surveys, and webbed prior knowledge of bicycles. Questions were raised about how bicycles were made and put together. Our investigation began.

Phase 2: Developing the Project

Nonfiction books were available as a resource during investigation. A local bike shop owner came to visit and responded to their questions. He brought in a bicycle as it comes from the factory, displayed its parts, and demonstrated the assembling process.

Later, children prepared for a visit to the bike shop. They divided themselves into small groups, developed questions, and involved parents to assist them during the fieldwork.

Phase 3: Concluding the Project

Using their field notes and sketches, the children reported information to other groups in the classroom.

They decided to create a display of drawings, written work, and constructions in an area of the classroom for our Parker Center Learning Fair.

Shortly after concluding their study, disappointing news came from the principal. The center's bike path construction would be postponed until a new wing was added to the school. This news created a great deal of discussion in our classroom and extended our bicycle project in a new direction... The Bike Path.

Comments

The work during the bike project led to a new experience directed by the children, which concluded with an involvement that touched the whole school. This project really cemented the importance of children sharing their learning with others. The ownership that the children took in the bike path was truly amazing.