Building a Crane

This week's Instant Challenge required students to build a crane to hold weight.

Ice Cream Cone Stack

We started the year off with some Instant Challenges...SWEET!  This week, students were challenged to stack as many ice cream cones on a basketball as possible.  They were given string, rubber bands, clothes pins, pipe cleaners, spoons, Dixie cups, and a CD to assist with this task.  The cones could not touch each other or the table.  We have some very creative problem solvers!

Alphabet Photography

We are going to be doing an "Alphabet Photography" project at all grade levels (to display in the hallway).   If your child sees an object that looks like a letter in the alphabet, please let him/her take a picture of it and send it to me.  You can share the pics on the Challenge Facebook page, email them to me, text them to me,  or send them in on a CD or jump drive...whatever works best for you!  Here are some examples!

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?  

Leadership and Legacy

I'm so excited....National History Day has announced this year's theme, "Leadership and Legacy!"  This will be a great topic to support the Leader in Me Program in our school.  Sixth grade students, start thinking about your topics.

Questions to guide your thinking:

What does it mean to leave a legacy?

What are different ways leaders can leave legacies?

What leader's legacy has made an impact on your life?

Who would you like to learn more about?

What qualities make an effective leader?

How do people solve problems and create legacies on the common human experience?

How have leaders left a legacy through their work or service?

Heading to Global Finals!

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!