Inspired by the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as well as the book “Balloons Over Broadway” by Melissa Sweet, students at the Bethpage Union Free School District’s Kramer Lane Elementary School came together on Nov. 20 and 21 to create their own balloon animals.
Third-graders in Cynthia Cavallo’s class teamed up with Margaret Meehan’s first-grade students in the STEM lab to coordinate, design and assemble the balloon animal of their choice after watching tutorial videos. Following a brief lesson from Cavallo and Meehan, students paired up to discuss their project direction.
Students utilized Google Chromebooks to help research the proper techniques in constructing their desired animal. With the help of YouTube videos, they were able to break down processes step-by-step in constructing monkeys, sharks, dogs and more. After sketching out their designs, students collected pre-inflated balloons that would help form their finished products. They twisted and connected the balloons, watching their ideas become reality as the lab filled up with animal balloons.
The group effort between the two classes helped build collaborative skills while also putting the imaginations of the students to work. The balloon animals were unique and fun to showcase to the entire school.
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