Forensics Unit
January-Students will learn about the basics of a crime scene. We will look at protocol, fingerprints, evidence, witness statements, and end with a crime scene for them to analyze.
Debate Unit
First semester, 2024: As this is an election year, we will be working through the voting process by creating a school friendly debate. Students will choose a debate, learn vocabulary, research the pros and cons, create a professional poster, present the debate to their peers, create a ballot box, create ballots, collect votes, and finally, display the results in a creative way. We will incorporate technology to deliver information to the classes. See Facebook page for pictures.
Caine's Arcade
February/March Students will use the inspiration from a young man named Cain. He created an entire video arcade using cardboard boxes. Students will study the beginning of arcade games and how they have deveoped over time. They will then use the engineering design process to create and make their own games. They will create a name and logo for their games. Once they have made a quality game, we will set up a time to take the games to the elementary for them to play.
Creativity is in our Genes (Jeans)
January 2024 Students will complete a unit on genetics. We will learn the vocabulary, learn about DNA, its components, and why it is important. We will complete a DNA character traits class chart, draw a dog based on its dna traits, make a candy DNA strand, and extract DNA from a strawberry. For creativity, students will design a jean patch that describes and demonstrates their creativity. I will then attach their patches to a large pair of jeans for display.
December of 2023
We will be learning about perimeter and area to complete our Escape Room Challenge.
This is NOT a box
November of 2023 This is NOT a Box. Students will create something out of a box using originality, flexibility, and elaboration. Options: Number #1 Create a company name and logo for a start up company. Students would create a box with the logo and name along with what would come inside the box if someone ordered. Option #2 Turn the box into something else, unique with lots of creativity. Students will plan for and design a unique product out of a box using divergent thinking.
Great Arctic Challenge-2023
We are getting ready to complete The Great Arctic Challenge. Your child will complete different STEM challenges for this unit.
We will learn about the engineering design process. This will help students learn to think through a project before they dive in: Thoughtful planning to make quality projects. The process also allows for students to reflect and go back to make their project better. This is a lifelong skill that will carry over into all areas of their lives.
I will give the scenario each week for the next 5 weeks, and students will plan for and complete each task. They will show me their planning before they begin each challenge. I may give more than one scenario each week depending on how quickly students can complete the projects.
Let the challenges begin!
