Day 9 - Budgets and Resources... Oh my!

Well, we survived our first "technology-has-given-up" day! As I was beginning to discuss today's activities, we realized there was something wrong with Google... Docs wouldn't load... Neither would Classroom, where I had just posted their Budget and Resource list a few hours before... Uh oh! 

Well, many of my industrious students went to work with my verbal description of the activity and actually took out PEN and PAPER and began to write down exactly what they need to complete their challenge. Others continued with the "I'll-just-wait-it-out" option, and sat staring at Google loading for quite a while... By the end of the first block, most students were on track with a detailed list and budget total to present to their parents. 

Budget Sheet

I created this budget sheet for students to compile a list of EVERYTHING they will need to complete their challenge. I wanted them to have an understanding of the costs associated with their challenge idea and the opportunities to gather "freebies" from those around them. Many students have started to approach other teachers about borrowing items such as cameras, MAC computers and drawing pencils, so they do not in turn have to buy them. We also talked about the option of volunteering themselves in exchange for items. for example, babysitting a sibling for extra computer time, etc. I also wanted the students to have something to bring home and explain why they possibly needed a few extra dollars for school. Having this list will hopefully keep the students on track and also remind them that they are accountable to both myself and their parents when it comes to their budget allocation.

Resource List 

Budget Example

The budgets are to be taken home and approved by parent(s) before students submit them to me for final approval. 

A few students began their challenges today... They were pretty excited! 

Next up... Fabrication Phase: Let the challenges begin! 

Day 8 - Timeline!

Today, the challenges really started to take shape as students began working on their timelines. We briefly talked about the use of the timeline as being a way to keep track of the various steps they were taking and resources they were using. I introduced the students to the concept of a "working document" in reference to their timelines, as they will constantly be adding to it as they complete their challenges. Students filled in the date for each of the 15 fabrication classes and began filling out what they would be doing each class. 

Hard at work! 

A timeline taking shape. 

I toured the classroom and spoke to each individual student about what challenge they have decided to do. From cake making, restaurant design, and creating a recipe book to hair design, make-up application and henna, the challenges the students have chosen to do are quite unique and well thought out.  I am so excited to see the final results in January! 

Next up.... Resource list and budget proposal!