5th Grade
Structures
Bridges is an interdisciplinary unit designed to foster an interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math)and creative problem solving. Students will become engaged in the topic as they complete various hands-on challenges and participate in classroom discussions. Then they will choose a specific type of bridge to research, using the Independent Investigation Method. Finally, students will construct their bridge and present their findings at the end of the year QUEST Showcase.
Selfie Sculpture
This “Selfie Sculptures” activity was designed to facilitate meaningful conversations with gifted and talented students about their social and emotional learning and needs. With guidance and support, students were able to recognize social and emotional characteristics and needs within themselves and represent them in a “Selfie Sculpture.” These final sculptures included color-coded shapes that represent each student as an individual while encouraging creativity and a sense of community in our gifted classroom.
Violet
Adalynn
Miguel
Demery
Jose
Elijah
Bryson, Ethan, Dylan
Marcos, Evan
Elijah, Jose
Isibella
Amelia, Sophia
Katie
Bridge designers... Whose paper bridge design can hold the most weight?
The constraints:
only 2 sheets of paper (no tape or glue)
span of 6 inches
bridge must be at least 3 inches wide
Great Job!!
Types of Bridges
Beam Bridge
Fifth graders are researching about the different types of bridges. Our study begins with the beam bridge. Students read articles, watched videos and took note facts. Next, they used K'NEX to construct the beam bridge.
Google Slides Presentations
The students integrated ART in this extension activity. After listening to Monsters Under Bridges by Rachel Roellke, the students made their own monsters using felt, poly-fil, and assorted decorative materials.
As the students continue working on their structures unit, they will connect this activity to their bridge building by placing their monster under every bridge they build and include it in their Google Slide presentation.
Callen
Habit of Mind: Listening With Understanding and Empathy
Students created a Word Art to show the perspective of Listening with Empathy.
Jose
Ethan
Marcos
Demery
Sophia
Violet
Adalynn
Bryson
Elijah
Miguel
Katalina
Evan
Isabella
Dylan
Aleah
TRuss Bridge
Students researched the Truss Bridge by reading articles, watching videos and selecting books on Epic. Next, they implemented the Independent Investigation Method (IIM) to take notefacts. Then they used K'NEX to construct the Truss bridge and complete a Google slide with vocabulary and summary.
Evan & Katie
Isibella & Demery
Paloma & Adalynn
Marcos & Dylan
Violet
Jose
Suspension Bridge
Project Time!
Students will demonstrate what they have learned about bridges through the construction of a model bridge. The model will be constructed from a scaled drawing and built using balsa wood.
Designing
Blueprint for Addy & Paloma
Constructing
How Strong is your Balsa Wood Bridge?
Sophia & Vivienne
Aleah
Isibella
Marcos & Evan
Miguel & Jose
Katie, Aliany, Aleah
Bryson & Ethan
Isibella & Demery- Winners of the Bridge Testing! 28 pounds!
Dylan, Bryson, Evan
Marcos & Callen
Addy & Paloma Testing their bridge
Amazing Builds!
GT Field Trip to Main Event for the STEAM Academy