This year our new Sage theme is called Roots, Wings, and Bridges. As we work our way through different content areas, we will begin to see a connection between the theme title and the time periods of past, present and future. Therefore, our big question that we will refer to often is:

"Which is more important- the past, the present, or the future? Why?"

This year, we have begun with an exploration into our own lives. First, students created pipe- cleaner sculptures to represent themselves based on their interests, personalities, and abilities. Next, they worked to create a poster illustrating their own past, present, and future. Beginning with a brainstorming activity and utilizing a variety of materials, unique posters have been produced! As we complete this activity, we will move onto a exploration of the concept of time and the many phrases and idioms related to the passing of time.

Working Time

As we continue our focus on the concept of time and search for answers to our Big Question, "Which is more important- the past, the present, or the future? Why?", we will soon begin a series of lessons based on Working Time. These lessons include:

• Time phrases and idioms - Students analyze and discuss idioms about the concept of time such as, "Time flys!" After brainstorming a list of ides, students create an illustration page of both the literal and figurative meanings of an idiom of their choice. Through this process, students relate their idiom to either the past, present or future.
• Motivation and Goal Setting - Students discuss the expression, "What makes you tick?" and its connection to one's basic drive or motivation. Then students explore positive and negative motivators through literature, apply the 6 P's of Motivation developed by Richard Lavoie to their own lives, determine their own personal motivators, and set a goal for the year.
• Gear Exploration- Students explore and experiment with a variety of gear sizes. Beginning with an analysis of a small structure and explanation of how it works, students proceed to a focused exploration through detailed questions, and conclude with the creation of a unique structure to solve a student generated problem.

Now Available: It's About Time Centers

We will continue to focus on our Big Question, "Which is more important- the past, the present, or the future? Why?", as we explore the concept of time in relation to a variety topics. Those topics include:

• Real Time: In this center, students will record and analyze the events of a typical day in their life. They will also record and analyze the events of the lives of others, including suggestions from experts, and use this information to create their "ideal" day. (This choice is now available to students.)
• Life Time: In this center, students will explore lifespans of both living and nonliving things. They will also analyze and record the life time of one item using a method of their choice. (This choice is now available to students.)
• Historical Time:
• Fantasy Time:
• Looking at Time:
• Keep in Time: