We constantly ask students to work in teams. It is hard for them. It is frustrating when other people in their groups don't pull their weight or pull too much weight and dominate the project.
This week in humanities students worked on infographics explaining how climate change is affecting various species around the world, which required them to brainstorm, listen to one another, try ideas, discard ideas, and eventually create a product together. Many adults would really struggle with this task!
In our combined STEM/Humanities classes teams face a bigger challenge because they are asked to use design thinking and power tools to make products that actually moves and functions. This week on our field trip to KVIBE bike shop in Kalihi students worked in their year-long teams to change out the headsets and clean the ball bearings on bikes they will actually race in the spring. 
This week students journaled about what they think is required for good collaboration. Above is the impressive list they came up with and the conversation about teamwork in class was powerful. They know what it takes to collaborate, sometimes it is just helps to have it written on the wall to remind all of us to be hard on content, soft on people. These kids should teach adults how to work together!
