5th Grade
The 2019-2020 school year has been a busy one for our 5th graders! Here are a few examples of what we've been working on so far:
The 2019-2020 school year has been a busy one for our 5th graders! Here are a few examples of what we've been working on so far:
Habits of Mind
Habits of Mind
There are 16 Habits of Mind that serve as one of our initiatives in the Advanced Academics Program. Every week, students focus on one to be strengthened.
There are 16 Habits of Mind that serve as one of our initiatives in the Advanced Academics Program. Every week, students focus on one to be strengthened.
One such habit is to persist even when the "going gets tough." Students participated in a STEM Challenge in which they were to work as a team to build the tallest tower by following a set of parameters and by using only craft sticks and plastic cups (shown below).
One such habit is to persist even when the "going gets tough." Students participated in a STEM Challenge in which they were to work as a team to build the tallest tower by following a set of parameters and by using only craft sticks and plastic cups (shown below).
Students had to first plan their strategy for task completion. Once the time to build began, they quickly realized the challenge would be harder than anticipated. They used a lot of trial and error, but nobody gave up!
Students had to first plan their strategy for task completion. Once the time to build began, they quickly realized the challenge would be harder than anticipated. They used a lot of trial and error, but nobody gave up!
Getting to know each other
Getting to know each other
Besides learning about how to work effectively in teams, students got to know each other on a more individual basis as well. They researched the meanings of their first and last names and explained whether or not those meanings were a good "fit" for who they really are. They then recorded their reponses on Flipgrid.
Besides learning about how to work effectively in teams, students got to know each other on a more individual basis as well. They researched the meanings of their first and last names and explained whether or not those meanings were a good "fit" for who they really are. They then recorded their reponses on Flipgrid.
Our fifth graders also turned their first names into abstract artwork, paying close attention to positive and negative images.
Our fifth graders also turned their first names into abstract artwork, paying close attention to positive and negative images.
Introduction to Bridges
Introduction to Bridges
Students kicked off the unit with a STEM challenge in which teams had a given amount of time to build a bridge that would support the greatest amount of pennies. They had to follow certain constraints, of course. Teams were allowed planning time and 3 trials to build and test their bridges, using only 2 sheets of paper.
Students kicked off the unit with a STEM challenge in which teams had a given amount of time to build a bridge that would support the greatest amount of pennies. They had to follow certain constraints, of course. Teams were allowed planning time and 3 trials to build and test their bridges, using only 2 sheets of paper.
Structures: Getting A Broader Perspective
Structures: Getting A Broader Perspective
Next, our fifth graders were introduced to various structures and landmarks around the world. They chose one that they were interested in to research and create an informational poster about it. Part of their assignment was to explain how they would improve their chosen structure and why they would change it in that way. Students then presented their findings to the class.
Next, our fifth graders were introduced to various structures and landmarks around the world. They chose one that they were interested in to research and create an informational poster about it. Part of their assignment was to explain how they would improve their chosen structure and why they would change it in that way. Students then presented their findings to the class.
Mathematically Speaking...
Mathematically Speaking...
Anyone working in the fields of engineering and architecture needs a strong foundation in math. After engaging in a lesson about shapes, angles and protractors, our fifth graders created tetrahedral kites to better observe related math concepts. It took some patience, but they got the job done!
Anyone working in the fields of engineering and architecture needs a strong foundation in math. After engaging in a lesson about shapes, angles and protractors, our fifth graders created tetrahedral kites to better observe related math concepts. It took some patience, but they got the job done!
Red Ribbon Week: Hocus Pocus - Drugs Aren't Our Focus!
Red Ribbon Week: Hocus Pocus - Drugs Aren't Our Focus!
Second Semester
Second Semester
We welcome Juan to the program!
We welcome Juan to the program!
Distance Learning
Distance Learning
Coronavirus quarantine can't touch our learning! Students were able to video conference with any questions or comments they had regarding online assignments.
Coronavirus quarantine can't touch our learning! Students were able to video conference with any questions or comments they had regarding online assignments.
Each week, students were to choose a different engineering activity from a choice board to complete from home and write about. Here are samples from some of their marvelous creations:
Each week, students were to choose a different engineering activity from a choice board to complete from home and write about. Here are samples from some of their marvelous creations:
Tyler's Bridge
Tyler's Bridge