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Collaboration

Collaboration at Irwin means students work together to think, design, problem-solve and reflect. Learning is intentionally structured so students practice teamwork, communication, leadership and accountability while engaging in shared tasks that mirror how work happens in the real world.

STEM & Innovation Labs

STEM Lab
The STEM Lab is a hands-on learning space where students engage in:
  • Engineering challenges
  • Coding and robotics
  • Design-thinking processes

Students collaborate to test ideas, revise solutions and learn from failure. The focus is on problem-solving, iteration and applying academic learning through hands-on experiences.

  • Engage in structured engineering challenges like building roller coasters or bridges.
  • Use tools like Cubelets, Makey-Makey and Little Bits to explore science and technology concepts.
  • Participate in Project Lead the Way (PLTW) modules that explore weather, ecosystems and robotics.
     
Innovation Lab
The Innovation Lab focuses on creativity, exploration and student-driven problem solving. In this space, students:
  • Brainstorm and prototype ideas
  • Use technology and materials to create solutions
  • Plan, revise and reflect collaboratively
The Innovation Lab empowers students to take ownership of learning and develop confidence as creators and thinkers.
  • Experiment with tools like 3D printers, Squishy Circuits and Lego Spike kits.
  • Create and test prototypes for innovative designs.
  • Work on "Geek Cart" projects such as hydraulic claws or sail cars.

Two young students, a boy and a girl, are working together on a project or activity in what appears to be a classroom or educational setting. The background includes colorful artwork and other classroom decor.
The image shows two young people, a girl and a boy, standing in a library or school setting, examining the contents of a blue container that appears to hold various items.
Two students are sitting at a desk in a classroom, engaged in what appears to be a collaborative learning activity.

How Collaboration Is Embedded at Irwin

Collaboration is intentionally woven into daily instruction through:
  • Small-group design challenges
  • Partner and team problem-solving
  • Assigned student roles (engineer, coder, recorder, presenter)
  • Peer feedback and reflection
  • Presentation of learning to authentic audiences
Through these experiences, students learn how to listen, contribute, lead and learn from others.

Portrait of an Explorer
At Irwin Elementary, collaboration is rooted in Fort Wayne Community Schools’ Portrait of an Explorer. Students are encouraged to be communicators, collaborators and problem-solvers as they learn together. Through teamwork, shared responsibility and dialogue, students practice listening to others, contributing ideas and learning from different perspectives. These collaborative experiences help students develop the skills needed to work effectively with others both in school and in the world beyond the classroom.
 
Three young students are sitting at a table in a classroom. The background features a colorful wall display with the words %22ASK, IMAGINE, IMPROVE, TEST, PLAN, CREATE%22 and various gear-like shapes.
The image shows three young people sitting on the floor of what appears to be a classroom or educational setting, with shelves and other classroom materials visible in the background.