Students have the option to chose from ONE of the following:

1.  Build a Machine

• Student will follow the instructions on page 119  of Physical World "Final Project: Build a Machine." The student will design their own machine, which can be as simple or complex as they like, but it must do something and the student must be able to explain the physical principles behind what it does. The student must draw a diagram of their design. They must label all the parts. Also, the student must write on an index card how their device works and give a 2-3 minute presentation on why they chose this project and what their machine does. Bonus parts will be awarded if the student also builds their machine with parts.

2.  Research a Physicist

• Student will follow the instructions on page 119  of Physical World "Scientist Research." They will bring in a written report about their physicist.  The report should be at least one page long if typed, 2 pages if hand-written.  They can also include any visuals in the report.  It should all be bound together in some fashion. The student will also need to  give a 2-3 minute presentation on their physicist.  Bonus points will be awarded if the student also dresses as their physicist for their presentation or brings visual aids for their presentation.

American History Due Dec. 1st & 8th

Students have the option to chose from ONE of the following:

1.  Create a State Tourism Poster

Student will make a poster convincing tourists that their state is the most fabulous, stupendous, terrific state among all of the 50 states. You want them to visit your state! However, you can NOT pick California. You must pick one of the other 49 states. The Student will make a poster that will catch people’s eyes. They can be as creative and artistic as they want. Be sure to include reasons a person would want to come to your state (examples: historical sites, interesting places to visit, great things to do, things that your state is famous for growing/making/doing). Student must also include one 3-D aspect within their poster. Bonus points will be awarded if the Student also gives a 1-2 minute presentation explaining their State Tourism Poster.

2.  Oral Presentation

Student will research one state, other than CA, and present their research to the class in a 3-5 minute presentation. The presentation must include background information, history, climate, products, map, and landmarks/tourist sites of the state.  Bonus points will be awarded if the Student also creates a slide show or visual to support their presentation.

SPRING PROJECTS

PHYSICAL SCIENCE (Due May 11 & 18th)

Students have the option to choose from ONE of the following:

1.  Make Your Own Invention

• Student will follow the instructions on page 386  of Physical World "Making Your Own Invention." The student will need to brainstorm possible new inventions. Once they have an idea of what they'd like to invent, they will need to write it down and draw several sketches of it. Once they have a clear idea of how the invention will work, they will collect the necessary materials and build it. The student must keep a working notebook of their trial and error as they attempt to build their invention. The student will then bring all sketches and notes to class and give a 2-3 minute presentation explaining why they chose this project, what led them to come up with this invention, how their invention works, and their process for building it. Bonus points will be awarded if a student is successful in building their invention.

2.  Research an Invention

• Student will follow the instructions on page 386 of Physical World "Research Paper." They will bring in a written report about an invention that was not covered in our textbook. The student can research one of the suggestions on page 386 or they can come up with their own idea. The report should be at least one page long if typed, 2 pages if hand-written.  They can also include any visuals in the report.  It should all be bound together in some fashion. The student will also need to give a 2-3 minute presentation on their invention.  The student may also brings visual aids for their presentation. Bonus points will be awarded if the student also dresses as the inventor.

AMERICAN HISTORY (Due May 4th)

Students have the option to choose from ONE of the following:

1.  Oral Presentation

• Students will select a major US  event, person of importance, or US landmark.  They will research about their event, person, or landmark and give a 2-3 minute presentation.  They should research the history and significance of their event, person, or landmark to the United States.  Bonus points will be awarded if the Student also creates a slideshow to support their presentation.

2. American Visual or Model

• Students will select a major US event, person of importance, or US  landmark.  They will bring in a student-made visual of their selection  This can be a drawing, painting, sculpture, model, diorama, etc.  They must also include an index card with a written explanation of the significance of their visual.  It will be displayed at Open House.  This model should be MADE BY THE STUDENT.  The quality needs to reflect hard work and student's grade level. Bonus points will be awarded if the Student also gives a 1-2 minute presentation of their project.

IEW (Due April 6 (Part 1), May 11 (Part 2), & May 18 (Oral)

Students will write a personal letter addressed to the class about their favorite fable, myth, and fairy tale. They will also read their letters outloud to the class.

1.  Personal Letter

• Student will read and complete Lessons 27 + 28 Personal Letter Part 1 + 2: My Favorite Fable, Myth, and Fairy Tale. These lessons can be found in their IEW book, pp. 203 - 218. Part 1 (3 paragraph body) will be due on April 4. Part 2 (5 paragraph body) will be due on May 11. Be sure to to include the Checklists found on pp. 210 & 218 for each respective assignment.

2.  Oral Presentation

• Students will present their letters by reading out loud to the class using the Read. Think. Look up. Speak. method. This will be done on May 18.