Today, we were missing the Whittier students, but we still had a fun and productive day! We started our day by reviewing some of the elements of Basque culture we have learned about so far. The students even got the opportunity to try a Basque dish, rice pudding, which was new for almost all of the students! 

We then reviewed mirror symmetry by creating bilaterally symmetrical designs with tangram shapes. The students then visited the website MandalaGaba, selected the mirror/radial symmetry option and experimented to create beautiful designs. 

Our afternoon activity put together a lot what we have been working on for the last few weeks. The students made their own Basque pandero (tambourine). They sewed the bells to the outside of a paper plate and then decorated the pandero with a radially symmetrical design. We were able to celebrate the creation of our instruments by playing and singing along to the Basque song, Pinxto Pintxo. The students will likely need practice to remember the name of the instrument and the term radial symmetry.

This was more big, challenging work for the students that helped them practice persistence, imperfection, and independence.

MAY 13th is the last day of GATE for the 1st grade class. Students are welcome, but not required, to bring an extra snack for themselves or to share with our class of 18 students on this day. We have a student with gluten-intolerance and dairy-sensitivity. I can't believe summer break is almost here!

Please have students return GATE Library books ASAP. Thank you!