PLTW Launch

PLTW LAUNCH

We are excited to be piloting the PLTW Launch Program in our elementary gifted education classes.  Each class, grades 2-5, is completing one module first semester.  The modules are:

Grades 2-3:  Stability and Motion:  The Science of Flight
Grade 4:  Energy:  Collisions
Grade 5:  Robotics and Automation:  Challenge

Through PLTW Launch, students learn to use the Engineering Design Process to solve problems.

The Science of Flight

Stability and Motion:  Collisions

                                Robotics and Automation

2016 Toothpaste Commercials

      

Whitey Brighty Toothpaste  

     Well, after many technology issue and tears (from me), most of our toothpaste commercials are complete! Why toothpaste commercials, you may wonder?  Well, besides being interesting and engaging, it was a great opportunity to teach many skills.  First, we experimented with commercial toothpastes.  We used the scientific method to test the PH levels, starch levels, and abrasiveness of various toothpastes.   Students also learned skills such as advertising techniques, writing skills, public speaking skills, and teamwork.  This unit also gave my students the opportunity to learn to use new technology such as video cameras and video editing software. Here are some of our final products!  Enjoy!

 

MakerSpace

We've been having a great time exploring our MakerSpace!  Our MakerSpace is shared space where students can explore STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math).  The MakerSpace is set up in stations where students can explore hands-on, inquiry-based activities.  So far, the Challenge students have explored making circuits, building roller coasters, creating shape drawings, making 3D shapes, programming with SCRATH, programming the Pro-Bot Car, and making music with the Makey, Makey.  We will change stations periodically, and we are hoping to get some new items soon!

It's Electric:  Students are making complete circuits!

               

                     Marble Roller Coaster Wall

Marble Roller Coaster Wall

3D Shapes with Straws

Makey Makey

Howtoons!

I just discovered Howtoons, the world's greatest DIY comic website!  No more boring "how to" books...students can learn to make things by reading comics!  I'm excited to incorporate Howtoons into our MakerSpace.  Maybe students can even create their own Howtoons...the possibilities are endless!

Summer Geocaching

Unfortunately, this has not been the ideal summer for for swimming.  What can you do on a dreary summer day?  We like to go geocaching!  It's a fun alternative on a cloudy day.

Josh and I found two yesterday, and our adventure led us to climbing trees, sliding in the mud, and seeing some new sites.  We have small portable GPS systems we use, but you can also use your smartphone.  You just plug in the latitude and longitude coordinates (Waypoints), and the GPS will guide you to your cache.  Some cache's are micro, however some are large enough to trade trinkets. We like to find the tradition cache's where you can trade trinkets, however sometimes the caches marked "other" are a little more exciting.    

If you want to find out more about geocaching, visit:  https://www.geocaching.com/
You can search for local geocaches or a specific type of geocache.  It's also a fun activity to do when you are camping!

Rube Goldberg Machine

I can't wait to see this Rube Goldberg Machine in action!  Great job with the sketch, Jessi and Morgan!

It IS Rocket Science!

I'm sure you have all heard the expression, "It's not rocket science."  Well, believe it or not, that's exactly what our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade students are learning...ROCKET SCIENCE!  Last week, students tested how the length of a straw rocket can affect the distance it travels.  This week, they will be experimenting with angles and nose cones.

Destination Imagination Challenge Previews

The Destination Imagination 2014-2015 Challenge Previews are out!  The previews will give you an idea which challenge your team may want to solve.  Grades 4-5 participate in Destination Imagination.

Creature Feature:  Would you like build a creature that performs a technical task?

Making Waves:  Would you like to design a sound machine?

Lose to Win:  Would you like to build a structure with removable parts?

Feary Tales:  Would you like to create a fairy tale about a phobia?

Brand Aid:  Would you like to address a need in the community?

The Improv. Games:  Would you like to perform improvisational sketches about street performances?  

Squid Dissection

 The sixth grade class dissected squid in class today.  They located the external and internal organs, discussed jet propulsion, and wrote with squid ink!

Brain Hats

Fourth and fifth grade students created "Brain Hats" as a culminating project for a mini-brain unit. The hats are labeled with the parts of the brain.

Junk Box Wars

Junk Box wars are creative problem solving team challenges correlated to the National Science Standards. Students are given "junk" in boxes and a problem to solve. Problems require students to: 

• Identify appropriate problems for technical design. 
• Design a solution or product. 
• Implement a proposed design. 
• Evaluate completed technological designs or products. 
• Communicate the process of technological design.

The Weakest Link--Students were challenged to build the longest chain that would hold the most weight.

The Weakest Link--5th Grade

Whirling Wonders--Teams were challenged to create a wheel powered by water that would hold the greatest amount of string.

Whirling Wonders--8th Grade

Whirling Wonders--7th Grade

Whirling Wonders--4th Grade

Spaghetti Towers--Teams were challenged to create towers out of spaghetti.  The towers were scored on height and weight held.

Ultimate Gumball Machine--Students were challenged to create a machine that would sort gum ball!

Ultimate Gumball Machine-6th Grade