Mrs. Madrid's

Welcome to the Gifted Program at Ventana Ranch Elementary!

I’m so excited to have your child join our gifted learning community this year. Our program is designed to challenge, inspire, and support students as they explore advanced concepts, engage in meaningful projects, and develop their creativity and critical thinking.

✨ Units of Study 2024–2025

August–December: Snap Circuits – "Invent and Present: Crack the Current"
In this STEM-focused unit, students explore the science of electricity using Snap Circuits. They’ll build, test, and reflect on circuit systems while developing their writing, reading, and problem-solving skills.

• Topics: Static vs. Current Electricity, Conductors & Insulators, Circuit Design

• Writing: Personal Narrative ("Powered by Summer"), Fiction Story ("The Summer That Almost Went Dark"), STEM reflections

• Math: Hands-On Equations Level 3, Hands-On Fractions, Weekly Logic Challenges

• Final Project: Junior Engineer Expo – student-created inventions presented in December

January–May: Ancient Egypt – "Decode the Past: The Nile Files"
Students become junior Egyptologists, researching the culture, innovations, and mythology of Ancient Egypt. They’ll read and write both creatively and informatively while exploring ancient history through art, maps, and research.

• Topics: Nile River, Gods, Temples, Daily Life, Innovation

• Writing: Fictional Diary/Story, Informational Report, Scroll Poetry

• Math: Problem-solving, measurement, pyramid geometry

• Final Project: Museum-Style Exhibit Showcase in May

• 📈 Enrichment & Extensions
  Students will track their work in case file journals, complete enrichment menus and choice boards, and extend their learning through independent research, advanced tasks, and creative challenges.