Sixth Graders Create Social Distancing Innovations

Over the past two weeks, 6th graders have been brainstorming ways to keep students physically distanced while using shared spaces and walking the hallways of MICDS. Collaborating in small groups during advisory, the students came up with materials and went to work on their innovations.

Using pool noodles, duct tubing, wooden rods, twine, and the all-important duct tape, students developed several different designs to enforce social distancing. One group placed T-shaped structures in the hallway that discouraged walking close together, while another group made a helicopter apparatus that is worn by the student to keep others away. A lot of the designs followed related concepts.

“All of the ideas, though very similar, each had their own little twist to make it unique and special,” commented Marie Willie ’27.

Other students relished the collaborative nature of the project and enjoyed brainstorming and bringing their concept to reality.

“I thought it was great collaborating with my classmates on this build,” said Johnathan Weiss ’27. “We all got to share our ideas and create something useful together.”

The projects were part of the 6th grade LEAD initiative, which stands for:

Learn with curiosity & joy
Embrace challenge
Advocate for self & community
Demonstrate collaboration & teamwork

The 6th graders certainly hit all the marks of LEAD on this project and strengthened their bond as the class of 2027!