K – Kindergartners investigated magnets! They hypothesized which materials were magnetic and which were not. They tested their hypothesis in small groups. Don't be surprised if they continue checking metal materials at home to see if they contain steel or iron. As a side note, we found some real ringers in the magnetic dart competition.
1st – After listening to the true story, "Balloons Over Broadway," first graders had fun making their own version of a Macy's Day Parade balloon float. With partners, they chose a theme and sketched their prototype, then discovered how stretching balloons before pumping them up with air changes their air capacity. They also learned to leave a tail at the end so they could twist their shape. The dollar store has balloons in case they want to try this again at home over break!
2nd – Using a video game design, students shared information about a specific type of plant and included all components necessary for survival within their game. Their plants (or character) needed roots, stem, and leaves. Collecting sunlight, water, nutrients, and air in coin form was a goal along the way.
3rd – Third graders are learning about measurement in math. We compared the tape measure, meter stick, and ruler and determined which items should be measured with which tool. After reading a section of the book, How Big is a Foot?, partners measured their own feet and realized why we have standard units of measure. They were challenged to find the only two other countries in the world besides the US, who use the Customary System.
4th – Fourth graders explored renewable energy. Using fans as wind power, students engineered a contraption that could catch the "wind" and transport "food" across a chasm. Innovation and troubleshooting were paramount as designs were adjusted after each test run.
5th – Fifth graders played each other's digital citizenship video games and offered feedback. Game designers also had a chance to teach their study buddies to be safe and smart online in a fun way.
Check out the STEM website for a list of Ms. B’s approved apps and more photos!
The 5th Annual "Hour of Code" Is Coming!
For the 5th year, all students will be using iPads or Chromebooks to practice computer coding with the "Hour of Code." A national program with corporate partners such as Microsoft, Apple, and Amazon, "Hour of Code" is an initiative that promotes computer science and the district's technology standards. Check out code.org to try it out!
Robotics Club
The Fairmount Library Robotics Club has 39 students who are designing and building robots to compete in a robotics competition on Saturday, December 7th, at Fairmount. The Squared Away Challenge will award points based on the robot's ability to move balls inside cubes, and then move cubes into corners. Good luck, Firebirds!
Library Collaborations
K – Kindergarten classes learned about old technology and today's technology with a Long Ago and Now learning unit.
1st– First graders are learning more about the three states of matter. They're sharing examples using Padlet and creating class books using Google Slides.
3rd– The third graders shared their learning from their Day in Denver with their parents. They used Google My Maps to pinpoint the placed they visited and included pictures they took.
4th– Some fourth graders are using Google Slides on the web, Animoto, or Canva to share what they've learned in their Africa unit.
Cyberbullying Tips for Parents
"Most kids will encounter mean behavior at some point in their digital lives. For some kids, this experience is a blip that's easily forgotten, while for others it can have deep, long-lasting effects. For parents, the key is staying involved in kids' lives -- both online and off -- so they can step in and offer help if necessary. With guidance from parents and educators, kids can learn how to dodge the drama and stand up for others." Continue Reading>>
In this article, published by Common Sense Media, there are six tips shared for identifying and dealing with cyberbulling. Use these to help your family keep the conversation fluid about your students' online activities.
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