Day 5 is when a project either starts to pull together into something beautiful, or veers towards epic failure. We want to see it pull together, so we get back to work.

Jacob and Jaya get to work on their cart.

Lee grabs 2x4's — the track team is hoarding.

We've rapidly discovered how photogenic Primo is.

Time flies as we work, and soon enough, it's snack time. Tinkering School has a rule— "If you see a piece of fruit and you want it, then you have to eat it." — the kids rush from all corners to the snack cart, hoping to catch a glimpse of some of that fruit.

And then it's back to work. Primo assembles the braces for a piece of track.

Music is a Tinkering School pastime. We've got a couple of ukeleles, a guitar, and a piano this week. Lunch can rapidly evolve into music time.

Alexandra and Aime, with Josh's ukelele.

Portrait of a Junior Collaborator: Kevin, watchful.

While the project is progressing, it's not quite where it needs to be. A pre-lunch game of capture the flag, and now this meeting to reframe, are part of the strategy to putting us on the road to success.

We've decided to build one major track, combining the work of the two track teams. Like peanut butter and chocolate, the rails one of the track teams has designed will go on top of the ramp built by the other group.

We examine— we grab one of the completed wheel units, and see how it acts on the track in real time. There's a lot of wobble back and forth.

We discuss: one of the joys of tinkering is in problem solving. We all get involved, suggestions and ideas bandied about.

Barrow proposes his plan - a guide rail down the center to hold to cart on the rails. The group agrees it can be done, and so it is decided.

Reenergized, we head back to work. At Tinkering School, there are few things more fun than working with your friends.

Teagan and Aime put together the track for the wheels.

And that fun can create just a little bit of insanity.

Alexandra, demonstrating her powerful hammer arm.

Even though we're busy, we find time to pause and smile.

Adam's been working on the large ramp that the track will be added to. He's on his way back to grab tools.

Jenny's been mentoring a cart team. Her enthusiasm and patience are much appreciated.

The ramp is bustling with activity— tinkerers and collaborators everywhere. It's sturdy enough to climb on now, which is quite exciting.

Jaya joined us yesterday, but already she's a part of the team and helping run test runs.

Tinkering is fun, but no one can do it without any breaks.

Then it's back to work.

Portrait of a Tinkerer: Jaya pre-drilling

Serena poses for a photo.

Josh tells the most interesting stories, complete with hand gestures and sound effects.

He has quite a captive audience.

Gever, our founder, comes for a visit!

Apparently, if someone holds your hands up for long enough, when you let them down it feels like they are falling through the floor.

School games are surprisingly interesting.

Sayer and Nico literally rolling on the floor laughing.

Lee: the interpretive dancing fire.

Barrow has something to say at closing circle.

We cozy up after our day full of hard work.

We're excited about the new direction the project is taking, and determined to get it done.

-Lauren & Serena

Session A: Day 5