Thinking + Tinkering = Thinkering
Invention was the focus in our most recent library lesson. Chris Barton's (author) and Don Tate's (illustrator) Whoosh! Lonnie Johnson's Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions was our mentor text AND just so happens to be our 9th Red Clover nominee of the school year (one more to go and then we vote!). This biographical account of the life and work of Lonnie Johnson reminded us all that no matter who you are or where you're from, if you have passion, work hard, and believe in your dreams you can accomplish anything, even when facing adversity or setbacks along the way.
Lonnie Johnson is most famously known for being the inventor of the Super Soaker (water gun). However, prior to that invention he worked for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory where he designed a power package that aided the Galileo Orbiter. The Galileo mission successfully brought back amazing images of Jupiter and its moons - adding to our collective sense of wonder and awe about nearby planets.
After hearing the story, students then had the opportunity to think + tinker (thinker) using legos, magna-tiles, and space building sets to create their own prototypes for future unique products. Take a look at some of their creations below:
