Second grade Learning Lab students at Legacy Elementary put their creativity and problem-solving skills to work after reading I Wanna Iguana by Karen Kaufman Orloff. Inspired by the story of Alex, a boy who hopes to convince his mom he can care for an iguana, students were challenged to design and build a prototype of the iguana’s cage – transforming a literacy lesson into a hands-on engineering experience.
After analyzing the story, students identified the concerns from Alex’s mom about owning an iguana and used those insights to inform their designs. Using materials such as cardboard boxes, pipe cleaners, egg cartons, and other recyclables, students built models of the iguana’s habitat while considering the animal’s needs. Throughout the process, they practiced creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving as they tested ideas and refined their designs. This interactive approach encouraged active student engagement, transforming abstract concepts into concrete and meaningful learning experiences. Building on the lesson through technology, students photographed their completed prototypes and placed them into a digital bedroom setting.
The iguana habitat challenge, and other interactive projects, reflect the purpose of the Learning Lab at Legacy Elementary. Students at every grade level tackle hands-on projects, whether designing creatures with unique adaptations or building and coding Sphero-powered chariots for collaborative races. Lisa Mercier, the Learning Lab teacher at Legacy Elementary, emphasizes the lasting impact of these experiences. She says, “The benefits of having a Learning Lab are endless. It fosters a growth mindset that will benefit them for the rest of their lives and sparks curiosity, collaboration, and problem solving. Also, it’s fun!”