We will be welcoming our advanced learners soon!

ELA:  We are using chapter 5 to identify important new clues and illustrating vocabulary words with pictures as well as using them in sentences.  We are exploring how to use text evidence to support our answers.

Math/STEM:  We are working on creating a "domino effect" to make something happen using a line of dominoes as a catalyst.

ELA:  We are working on vocabulary activities for chapters 5-7 of Rump: The True Story of Rumplestiltskin by Liesl Shurtliff.  We are looking at author's purpose.

Math/STEM:   We are working on building bridges that can hold the weight of a car.

ELA:  We are working on pages 38-66 of our novel and inferring answers for the discussion questions.

Math/STEM:  We are working on creating an educational game using recyclable materials.  Students can choose the educational concept focus for their games.

ELA: We are working on the vocabulary for chapters 7-8 chapters of Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Patterson.  We will summarize these chapters and discussing our favorite parts.

Math/STEM:  We are working on creating robots with parts that can be moved manually out of recyclable materials.

ELA: We are working on reading chapter 8 of From the Mixed Up Files of Mr.s Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Koningsberg.  We are learning new vocabulary words. We are determining if Caludia's new plan will work and using text evidence to support our answers.

Math/STEM:  In our Monday group we are working on creating devices that will help us pick up items on the floor without directly touching them.

In the Tuesday group we are creating a device that can transmit Morse Code to a partner in another room.

In the Wednesday group we are finishing our reflections on the catapult challenge.  We will be starting a project on Morse Code to send secret messages to a partner.

ELA: In our first 2 groups we will begin reading chapter 6 of The Princess Bride by WIlliam Goldman. 

In our 3rd group, we are finishing the reading of chapter 5 of The Princess Bride by WIlliam Goldman.  We will be reading the part with the Fire Swamp.

Math/STEM:  In the first and last groups, we are working on creating "thermal blankets" that will trap heat inside.  We will test our blankets and reflect on the process.

In the second group we are working on creating a kid sized mummy.  We are researching to determine what "average" means in relation to a child's size.

ELA: We are working on reading chapters 7-9 of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.  We are using text descriptions to infer what the author is trying to tell us about the characters and determining the characters' positive and negative qualities.

Math/STEM:  In the first and last groups we will be continuing our Greek Pottery project where we will be piecing together broken pottery like Archeologists.  Students will research and create Greek based designs on terracotts pots before breaking them.

In the second group we are working on creating waterproof containers that can float and send a message.

ELA: We are working on reading part 2 chapter 4-5 of Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie.  We are using what we learn in this chapter to make inferences.  We will continue tracking the clues to the mystery.  

Math/STEM: In the first and last group we are working on creating a tower that is 12 inches or higher with a platform that can hold the weight of an apple without falling over.  The tower will have a 'westward movement' look to it (nothing modern or closed in) and students will be focusing on the concept of creating stability based on how high the platform is placed.

In the second group we are working on creating marshmallow blasters and learning about force and motion.