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😲 ONLY 1 MORE 1st GRADE GATE CLASSES THIS YEAR! 😲
Our last day is May 12th.
1st Grade- May 5
1st Grade- May 5
Today the 1st graders were material scientists! Dr Eric Jankowski, Director of the Micron School of Material Science and Engineering at BSU, got our day started with a fascinating lesson about material properties and how everyone is a material scientist already. The students hypothesized whether an aluminum block or a plastic block would melt ice faster. The students were wowed to see that even though it felt cold, the aluminum block started melting the ice cube immediately.
After Dr Jankowski left, we discussed that choosing materials to craft with involves cost-benefit analysis. We weighed the pros and cons of using plastic versus paper straws and learned about a couple exciting sustainable materials that scientists and inventors are experimenting with such as algae and fungi.
Next the students worked in stations to analyze the materials chosen for a random classroom/craft material and created bubble maps to describe the materials used and analyze why those particular materials were chosen. In the other stations, students experimented with digital microscopes to look at materials around the classroom super close up.
We finished the day with a maker box challenge where students had to design a tiny home for a cotton ball friend that could withstand the elements of rain and wind. They tested their structures with a spray bottle and a fan. Some students went the extra mile and planned for earthquakes, snow, and heat as well.
Next week is our last class of the year! Students may bring a snack for themselves or one to share with all 19 classmates. We will wrap up our STEM careers unit, reflect on the semester, build a blanket fort, give each other affirmations, and practice a couple last creativity/engineering challenges.
5th Grade - May 6
5th Grade - May 6
Today the 5th graders finished their mini ecology unit. We started by revisiting the question “What is natural?” with a seminar discussion. We then headed outside for some document-based inquiry. The students read one of four articles: Think Like a Mountain by Aldo Leopold, Quotes from Last Child in the Woods, an article about indigenous cultural fires, and an article about natural playgrounds. Then they presented a summary of the article and their thoughts.
After lunch, we went back outside and the students finalized their thoughts about “What is natural?” and then worked with their schoolmates to create a proposal for how to make their school and/or school yard more “natural” according to their newly developed definition.
Next week is the last day of 5th grade GATE! Students may bring a special snack for themselves or for our class of 25 students if they would like.
😲 ONLY 1 MORE 5th GRADE GATE CLASSES THIS YEAR! 😲
Our last day is May 13th.
4th Grade - May 7
4th Grade - May 7
Today the 4th graders completed most of the rest of the AI curriculum. We revisited the basics of how AI takes data, find patterns, and makes decisions based on the patterns. We explored the idea of unconscious bias and how bias AI trainers and data sets can lead to bias AI. We also learned some ways to decipher if images are AI generated.
We finished the day by using the district-approved GuardRailz AI to practice writing detailed AI prompts to try to recreate the image on slide 83 of the presentation and then to create a digital version of their hero's journey characters.
Next week, we'll wrap up the unit with some portfolio journaling about the ethics of AI. Since it is the last day of 4th grade GATE, students may also bring a snack for themself or a snack to share with our class of 24.
😲 ONLY 1 MORE 4th GRADE GATE CLASSES THIS YEAR! 😲
Our last day is May 14th.
3rd Grade - May 8
3rd Grade - May 8
Today the third graders had their last artsy resilience project and showed such growth from their first origami work in December. They followed a tutorial to draw a realistic eye. It took nearly an hour to complete! The students practiced setting realistic expectations and doing their best even if it was hard or drawing isn't something that they practice often. Students with lots of drawing experience practiced remaining open to continuous learning and striving for accuracy.
In the afternoon, the students were introduced to the photography composition principles of the rule of thirds, straight horizon line, leading lines, and natural framing. They tested these techniques using the iPads in the school garden. Next week, we will analyze some of the photographs and learn a few more. Students are welcome to bring a camera from home with permission from a parent or just continue to use the class iPads.
Since next week is our last class of the 3rd grade, students are welcome to bring a special treat for themselves or to share with the entire class of 20 students.
😲 ONLY 1 MORE 3rd GRADE GATE CLASSES THIS YEAR! 😲
Our last day is May 15th.
2nd Grade - May 9
2nd Grade - May 9
Donation Link & Amazon Wishlist
Donation Link & Amazon Wishlist
If you would like to help fund our tech needs, supplies for students, brain puzzles, etc, please click on the link below to donate to my Boise Foundation Account. You can also check out our Amazon Wishlist.
Secure quick link to the class Foundation Account donation page
Parent Lending Library
Parent Lending Library
The Boise School District has a Parent Lending Library to help educate, inform, and support parents as they raise gifted children. If you are looking for my information related to parenting gifted children, please reach out to Helga Frankenstein, GATE Supervisor, (helga.frankenstein@boiseschools.org) for more information.
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