Community Construction with Pinholes

15 min
In this workshop, teachers build community while creating a tool to experience a unique phenomenon together. Watch the impact that constructing their own learning tools makes on individual participants, as well as on the collective group—and notice the trust that grows through these interactions.

Dig into the Science
Check out the activity in this video and learn more about images. Put your head in a box and get an inside look at how a lensless camera works. Try the Personal Pinhole Theater Science Snack.

Annotations

We've highlighted several moments of pedagogical interest in this video. Turn annotations on to see them overlaid while watching, or leave annotations off and watch for approaches that might help with your own teaching.

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Using simple materials makes science more approachable and accessible (1:13)
Collaboration builds community—even among learners working on individual projects (3:12)
Construction projects involve patience, planning, and investments in time (3:53)
Immersive learning experiences can help teachers better anticipate student needs when translating activities to the classroom (4:37)
A quick start engages learners; follow-up instructions can then move the process forward (5:05)
A unique, shared experience creates a trusting learning environment (7:29)
Constructing your own tools increases engagement and ownership in a learning experience (8:05)
Shared observations can be used as foundations for conceptual understanding (9:19)
Models can help explain intangible or invisible phenomena (12:38)

Explore the core elements of our program

Watch these short videos to explore some of the core elements that guide our interactions with teachers, and serve as building blocks for our programs and workshops. Hear what participants and staff have to say, and consider the ways in which these elements might strengthen your own work with teachers.

Teachers as Learners

“I so look forward to coming, and being a learner again.”
4 min

Professional Home

“It’s a lifelong continuum.”
7 min

Meeting Learners Where They Are

“Every student feels successful on their own terms.”
4 min

Learning Is Joyful

“There’s fun. And there’s joy. And there’s awe.”
4 min

Learn Science by Doing Science

“That’s a great way to find the truth: Do it yourself.”
6 min

Teachers Supporting Teachers

“They’re all learning together.”
6 min

A Culture of “Yes”

“It’s like loaning people hope and confidence.”
4 min

Connecting to the Classroom

“A piece of paper and a paper clip, and you have a sundial.”
4 min

Experience a workshop

Immerse yourself in four different workshops to get a sense of our professional-learning experiences and environments. On each video, pedagogical annotations highlight moments that support science learning. You can turn these annotations on or off, depending on your needs.