3rd Grade

3rd grade students designing and building the "tallest free-standing tower using only 15 pipe cleaners".  If you know a 3rd grader, ask them about the challenges they faced while building their tower. Check out our winners in Mrs. Leugers' and Mrs. Imwalle's classes below! 

"Can you build the tallest structure possible to hold a small pumpkin?"
Students brainstormed, planned, built, and tested their structures. Check out a few of the winners!

Third graders are learning how to use their Google apps (Docs, Slides, etc.). Knowledge of these apps will be so helpful moving forward into 4th grade and eventually on to middle school.  We discussed changing the background of a Google Slide presentation, adding a shape to a Google Slide, and changing the color of the fill/outline of the shape.  Students then worked to create a winter shape scene using only tools in Google Slides! We had so many creative ideas - check them out below. 

Google's Santa Tracker (Found HERE), was a huge hit the last few days before break! 

We have recently been practicing and adding to our Google Slides skills and digital safety knowledge! We learned about pop-up ads and how risky it can be to click on them. Students created their own pop-up ads using hyperlinks, images, and more! Check out some of our creativity below:

Computer Coding

Starting in our 3rd nine weeks, students began learning about computer programming and how to write computer code. Initially, we completed a few "unplugged" activities where 3rd graders learned how to really break down their directions and give them step-by-step (similar to how a computer program is written). Then we moved onto working with code.org, an online resource where students write their own computer programs, code their very own games, practice problem-solving and analytical thinking skills, and have a little fun as well! The next step after becoming comfortable with code.org was working with our Osmos. These Osmos allow students to code in a very hands-on way. They collaborate with their partner to solve problems and persevere through bugs in their program.  

Can YOU fit through and index card?! Yes, you can!

Students persevered through a difficult STEM challenge. They engaged in "productive struggle" and kept in mind, "409"! (You can ask them what that means.) 

Mrs. McKibben & Mrs. Albers' Interrichment Class

Third grade students in Mrs. McKibben and Mrs. Albers' interrichment class have been learning about computer programming all year and recently began programming Ozobot robots. These robots respond to "color codes" that cause the robot to complete certain tasks. Students wrote a short, fairy tale-like story, designed a story map complete with various color codes, and then allowed their Ozobot to move their story while they narrate. Our videos are below-enjoy!