How will we make our own hinges? Hmmm …

The girls and I have been thinking about this for some time now. Last night I ran out to the hardware store and bought a hinge so we’d be able to look at the pieces, and problem solve together today.

Seems we have many problems to solve:

1. We don’t have a way to screw in the hinge plates.
2. We don’t have the remarkable stable structure of concrete walls.
3. We don’t actually have hinges or hinge plates for our door.
4. We don’t yet have the door completed.

How might we:

1. Make our door more secure and stable? (Tomorrow we’re going to take a look at some door designs.)
2. Create hinges, or hinge-like things, to hang our door?
3. Create a stable structure to anchor our door?
4. Make our door workable?

When I look at all the problems, and all the how might we questions, I’m a tad overwhelmed. But, then I see, in my minds eye, my girls, this morning.

I told them I had tubes that might work for the door. With a good deal of excitement, they asked if they could work on the door. “Sure, go ahead!” I replied.

When I popped my head in the makerspace, it was a remarkable scene. Four large columns were being constructed by four groups of girls. They were talking, pointing, sharing ideas, collaborating, and working hard. Some were standing on chairs (the door is much taller than they are). Some were straining their necks to see to the top of the door. All were engaged, empowered, invested, and joy-filled. It was AWESOME.

There is hope!

P.S.

Perhaps you are wondering:

1. Why do you need to make hinges?
2. You’re making a door?
3. Why do you need a working door, doesn’t your classroom already have one?

We are making hinges and doors as part of our Social Studies supermarket build.

More on that later!