When thinking about collaboration the focus is on classroom teacher and librarian collaboration, collaboration with fellow librarians or collaboration with community members and other stakeholders, all of these collaborations are essential to a school librarian. The other collaboration that school librarians can foster is the one with students. When students feel like they are engaged in the learning process and are part of the planning they are engaged in the learning. There are so many opportunities for school librarians to make connections with students and their interests and give learners voice and choice in what they do. I wanted to share an example about how a student interest resulted in one of my favorite projects!
One of my students starting from kindergarten loved all things Godzilla, he wanted books about Godzilla, he shared facts about the giant monster and anytime I would introduce a new project he would ask “Is it going to be about Godzilla?” Soon other students in the grade were asking about Godzilla! At the beginning of second grade, this student asked if we could please do a Godzilla project this year and I said yes, I will find a way to have one of the projects we do this year about Godzilla. The challenge was to think of a project that would incorporate learning outcomes for all second grade students and somehow being about the mythical monster. In our curriculum we focus on weaving research and understanding with collaboration, design, prototyping and making. How could I take those overall concepts and mindsets and add the ancient monster Godzilla? The final project design incorporated research and collecting information, collaborating with others on designing and building and an inflatable Godzilla costume!
On the first day of the project second graders came to the library and a letter was waiting for them. They received a message from Mayor Frank of the city of Parkeropolis, the fake town named after our school and the mayor after the head of the school. Mayor Frank needed the second graders' help. He heard what innovative designers and thinkers they were and Parkeropolis was under threat from a mysterious monster who was waking up. The scientists of Parkeropolis learned the creature was not trying to destroy the city because he had changed his ways. However, because of his size and features, he could do damage to the buildings, bridges and schools of Parkeropolis. Mayor Frank asked the second graders to work together to plan, design and build prototypes that could withstand a visit from this creature. Included with the letter were packets of materials for second graders to use to research and learn more about this mysterious creature. Mayor Frank also let the students know he would be sending something to help test their prototypes.
Second graders got into design groups and started researching. Students learned about Godzilla’s height and weight and how it compares to other structures and objects. For example, Godzilla weighs 66,000 tons; the same as nine blue whales, and Godzilla is 7x taller than Niagra Falls! They also collected information about Godzilla’s different features, like he can swim and has bony plates on his back and tail. After groups looked through their research materials and collected data, they were ready to plan and design buildings, bridges, and schools that could withstand the visit. They were given instructions that Godzilla was not to be hurt but that their builds could be bumped or knocked into by Godzilla and survive, or they could deter Godzilla. Second graders worked on their collaboration skills, how do you plan and design with others, they worked on listening to each other and ensuring that everyone had a part in the design plan. Learners also talked about how they would build their prototype and what jobs each of them would have to make sure they were able to complete the project in time for testing day.
The design groups came up with so many creative ideas, including: using springs so buildings and bridges could bounce back if knocked over, shiny materials to distract Godzilla, buildings on wheels to move, and even a building with a Godzilla doll to show that they were all friends. Once the groups had their plans, they started building their prototypes using materials in the makerspace. All the materials in our makerspace were available for students to use, each group had to continue to talk, plan and collaborate and take their design plan and build a prototype with the resources and supplies available. Second graders used everything from cardboard and duct tape to bubble wrap and tinfoil. Each group collaborated on their materials and design choices and made changes and adjustments as they built to make their prototypes work.
Each design group made a short video explaining the features of their prototype and how it met the challenge from Mayor Frank. They created a script and had each member of the group share a part of their prototype explaining how their design would protect the building or space and not harm Godzilla.
Finally it was test day! Second graders received word from Mayor Frank that Parkeropolis would be sending a tester to see if their prototypes worked. On testing day, students set up their Parkeropolis prototypes and then Godzilla arrived! Godzilla, our middle school dean dressed in an inflatable Godzilla suit, went around to each prototype and tested it to see if the designs would work. The second graders’ prototypes were a success!
This was a wonderful project that developed through student interest and collaboration with teachers. Students worked together, designed, planned, ideated, and prototyped different ideas. Learners needed to listen and talk to each other to have a successful project. They also realized that they could only be successful if they worked together, they never would have been able to complete the project in the time they had individually. Students reflected on the great ideas that they developed by talking to each other and combining and sharing ideas. Second graders did a wonderful job working together, taking information, and designing based on what they learned about Godzilla and taking on the challenge of building a Godzilla proof building that did not hurt the giant creature. Second graders were thoughtful and innovative in the different materials to bring their ideas to life and then sharing how their design met the challenge.
The subject matter of Godzilla might seem like a strange and silly topic to have for a school project but it was possible to find a way to design a curriculum that met goals and standards for students and the library while also listening to student interests. This project was filled with so much joy, excitement and fun! Second graders still worked on research skills, collaboration, design and planning skills while having an absolute blast. Every library class was filled with energy, enthusiasm and so much laughter. When you are able to collaborate with students on what happens in the curriculum that joy translates to a love of learning and if it involves an inflatable Godzilla costume even better!
