Welcome to the Wild Eco Builders resource page! Here you will find information about the programme, digital resources and our top tips to make sure you are prepared for the workshops.
What is Wild Eco Builders?
A fun and engaging way to introduce sustainability into the classroom. Through the circular economy we look at how we can take used materials that we have in the home and school, and empower children to apply their imagination to Save Make and Reinvent someone’s waste into another person’s treasure.
Teacher Prep
For the Teacher Prep session on Wednesday 1st November 3:45-5pm, you will need:
– Your iOi Toolkit which we will be delivered to your school
– To have taken a look at the activity guides and workshop videos below
– A list of any questions or queries about the programme that you would like answered by our facilitators.
Teacher Prep(aration!) is an online workshop for Teachers taking part in the iOi Schools Programme. We recommend that all Teachers with classes participating in the workshops, attend this session so you can support us to deliver the best experience for your class. This is a fun instructional session for Teachers where we will demonstrate how to get your class and your resources ready for the workshop, including set-up tips and equipment checks. We’ll also introduce the iOi’s pedagogy, curriculum links as well as ideas and inspiration to embed the activities into your lesson plans. We’ll also talk you through what you can expect in a workshop, with time for demonstrations for each activity.
Teacher Training
You can complete Save Make Reinvent Teacher Training on Thinkific ahead of the Teacher Prep session. This is an optional additional CPD course which will allow you to get a deeper understanding of the iOi pedagogy and what the workshops will entail. Simply create an account and complete the courses for the activities you have signed up for. Do you have any questions? Want to share what your school have created? Join the Imagination Champion community on Thinkific to share, learn and inspire others.
How to prepare for the workshops and what to expect
See below information on how you can prepare for each workshop – including any additional materials you need and preparation you need to do ahead of the workshop week.
We will send you links to access the workshops. On the day of the workshop please ensure that you have everything detailed below and are set up for the session. To join the session, you will click the link sent to you. From here you just need to watch the broadcast, use the chat function to ask any questions, and support your class through the workshop.
Following the workshops, you can use the Workshop Reflection Template which allows children to reflect on the skills they have exhibited during the activity, including their strengths, and what they could develop more.
Join the community
Be part of our online community for educators participating in the iOi Schools Programme alongside you and your school. It’s free to join, and the places where you can share photos of what your children have created, ask questions, and talk to like-minded teachers who are passionate about nurturing creativity in their students.
Nature’s Engineers
Click below to view the activity guide.
Watch the activity video on the right.
What you need: That’s not included in your toolkit.
– A tablet or iPad (one per group of 3 or 4)
– Digital microscope, magnifying glass, or Magnifying glass and Flashlight app
– White paper
– Crayons/pastels
– Pencils, tape, scissors (for small groups or pairs)
Preparation ahead of the workshops:
Please ensure that you have a digital microscope, have a magnifying glass or have downloaded the free Magnifying glass and Flashlight app on all devices. If your IT lead needs to do this for you, please ensure that they are aware and do this at least a week before the workshop.
KS1 Nature’s Engineers Workshop – Monday 6th November 9:15 – 10:30am
KS2 Nature’s Engineers Workshop – Monday 6th November 1:30 – 2:45pm
Wild Cities
Click below to view the activity guide.
Watch the activity video on the right.
What you need: That’s not included in your toolkit.
– Recyclable materials/junk (empty bottles, toilet rolls, egg carton, bottle lid, cereal boxes etc.) The more junk the better!
– Craft materials (string, pipe cleaners, feathers etc.) Anything you have that is colourful.
– Pens and pencils for the table (including coloured pencils and felt tips)
– Scissors and tape (for small groups or pairs)
Preparation ahead of the workshops:
At least 2 weeks ahead of the workshop, you and your class/es will need to start collecting the recyclable materials/junk. We recommend having a clear bin bag or box in the classroom where children can drop off their junk.
KS1 Wild Cities Workshop – Tuesday 7th November 9:15 – 10:30am
KS2 Wild Cities Workshop – Tuesday 7th November 1:30 – 2:45pm
Coding Eco Places
Click below to view the activity guide.
Watch the activity video on the right.
What you need: That’s not included in your toolkit.
– A laptop, computer, tablet or iPad (1 per group of 3 or 4)
– AA batteries
– Recyclable materials/junk (empty bottles, toilet rolls, egg carton, bottle lid, cereal boxes etc.) The more junk the better!
– Craft materials (string, pipe cleaners, feathers etc.) Anything you have that is colourful.
– Pens and pencils for the table (including coloured pencils and felt tips)
– Scissors and tape (for small groups or pairs)
Preparation ahead of the workshops:
Ensure that you have downloaded the MakeCode App on every tablet or iPad device you are using. This is a free app. Click here to download or use the following link. For tablets: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.samsung.microbit&hl=en&gl=US. For iPads: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/micro-bit/id1092687276
If your IT lead needs to do this for you, please ensure that they are aware and do this at least a week before the workshop. If your are using a laptop or computer this can be accessed on your browser and does not need to be downloaded. At least 2 weeks ahead of the workshop, you and your class/es will need to start collecting junk. We recommend having a clear bin bag or box in the classroom where children can drop off their junk.
KS2 Natural Inks Workshop – Wednesday 8th November 1:30 – 2:45pm
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my school is unable to attend after I have signed up?
Please do contact us as soon as possible so we are aware. If we have yet to send you the toolkit/s, we won’t and if we have then we will provide you with information to return the toolkit/s to us.
Can I change which classes will be taking part after I have signed up?
If you would like to make any changes to your sign ups please email us on schools@ioi.london
What is Teacher Prep?
Teacher Prep(aration!) is an online workshop for Teachers taking part in the iOi Schools Programme. We recommend that all Teachers with classes participating in the workshops, attend this session so you can support us to deliver the best experience for your class. This is a fun instructional session for Teachers where we will demonstrate how to get your class and your resources ready for the workshop, including set-up tips and equipment checks. We’ll also introduce the iOi’s pedagogy, curriculum links as well as ideas and inspiration to embed the activities into your lesson plans. We’ll also talk you through what you can expect in a workshop, with time for demonstrations for each activity.
What is the training that iOi offers on Thinkific?
Training available on the platform is an opportunity for Teachers who want to take a deeper dive into the thematic and individual activities the iOi has designed on offer to schools, to enhance their creative teaching practice, and pedagogical skills. The training is asynchronous and available online to complete in your own time.
How do I sign up to Thinkific?
Please follow this link we share in an email to you and your fellow teachers, where you can create a free account to join the iOi’s Thinkific courses.
Do I need to attend both the Teacher Prep session and complete the Thinkific training? What’s the difference?
No. Teacher Prep is a recommended live online workshop, whereas Thinkific Training is asynchronous training for continued professional development. Although it will only enhance your experience, and enable you to deliver your own session, it is not necessary to do both.
Who in my school needs to do the Thinkific training and who needs to take part in the Teacher Prep session? Who in my school needs to take part in the Teacher Prep session and who needs to do the Thinkific training?
Teachers whose classes are Partaking in Thinkific training is not essential. It is an additional free offer for Teachers who want to go the extra mile and enhance their pedagogical skills in their own time and pace.
What tech do I need to set up to show the online broadcast?
You will need your desktop computer and interactive whiteboard with speakers to stream the workshop much like you would a usual lesson.
Are the apps I need to download free?
Yes, all of the apps you need (as listed above in the workshop preparation sections) are completely free to download.
I can’t add apps to the iPads/tablets at my school, what should I do?
If your IT lead needs to do this for you, please ensure that they are aware and do this at least a week before the workshop. If you have any issues with these please do let us know.
Will I need my camera on for the session?
You do not need a camera to access the workshops. If you would like to join the mini show and tell at the end of the workshop session you will need a camera to do so, but this is not compulsory.
How can I prepare my pupils ahead of the workshop?
Follow the Teacher Prep resource included in your Toolkits which explains the steps you can take to get your class ready beforehand.
What resources do I need to prepare?
Take a look at the detailed list of what you need to do to prepare for the workshops above.
What happens during the workshop?
During the live broadcast workshop, iOi Presenters will take you and your class on our iOi experience. You will be introduced to the theme and activity and get your imagination muscles working with interactive questions, classroom discussion. Then it’s your turn to get making! Using your toolkit and resources you have prepared; your pupils will respond to the challenge set by the Presenters. The workshop ends with all classes coming back to together to take part in Mini Show & Tell.
How can I help facilitate during the workshop for my students?
You can help facilitate by ensuring you are all set-up with equipment and resources to have a seamless experience and amazing time. Prepare and get your pupils excited – tell them about the workshop, ask them to be all ears, eyes and hands so that you can interact with the iOi team and support your class during the workshop. If you have teaching support, please brief them on what will be happening, or ask them to join you for the Teacher Prep session. They are also welcome to complete the Thinkific training.
I didn’t hear one of the instructions as part of the broadcast! What shall I do?
Don’t worry at all! You can rewind the broadcast or type in the chat to ask for consolidation or a recap of what you have missed. We are here to help.
Where can I find likeminded Teachers and share some of the amazing work my pupils have made?
If you sign up to Thinkific, here you’ll find your fellow teachers and educators with whom you can collaborate, ask questions to them and the iOi team and share ideas and photos of your work.
What is Show and Tell?
The Show and Tell session is a fantastic opportunity for children to present their work, reflect on each other’s ideas, and celebrate their participation in the programme even if they haven’t completed their projects, or if they no longer have their projects in the classroom.
How do we participate in Show and Tell?
Just like the workshops, we will send you the link to access the Show and Tell session. You just need to join the stream with your class.