Weekly Communique March 24 and 26
Vex IQ: VEX IQ – Disco Bots - We are using an online curriculum written by the
computing and robotics team at Carnegie Mellon University, Introduction to
Programming, VEX IQ. Students are using the laptops to work through the assignments
that blend information about how robots are used in the real world to solve a
problem. We are working with scaled models of the VEX IQ robot in the Virtual World
with step-by-step guided video instructions. Right now most of the students are working
on robot math and creating a sequence of commands to control the robots. Most
students are working now with the Expedition Atlantis game programming a robot to
move forward and make turns in the underwater Atlantis game.
VEX: VRC – Vex Dynasty – The cortex of the robot was sent back to the factory for a
check-up and possible maintenance to resolve the issues the team had with stops and
starts. In the meantime they have been working to replace gears with the High Strength
Gear Kit. We also worked through some information on Gear Ratios and Gear
Reductions. How a driven gear and a driving gear can create increases in Torque and
Speed with the robot. Students built a gear box with some of the VEX IQ parts to try
some simulations. We talked about idler gears and how compound gear ratios were
really would solve the problem of adding much more torque to lift the heavy game
pieces
Spanish: Students learned how to say words regarding members of a family. They also
completed worksheets.
Astronomy: Students colored the 8 planets. We then went outside and using Popsicle sticks
made a model to show how far apart the planets are from each other.
Fairytales and Myths: Read the story of Goldilocks and the three bears BUT it was a
different version, they were in the library. Children came up with their own stories and
drew picture to compliment the story.
Math Games: Skittles Math - This week we reviewed measuring, perimeter and area. We discussed
the properties of a quadrilateral and measured different objects using skittles and rulers. We also
learned the properties of plotting numbers on a graph.
Everyday Math:
Dr. Seuss STILL on the Loose: 3/26/15 Marvin K Mooney will you please go now
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Review sight words
intro to the “ow” sound
Read story
Have to create something that will get Marvin K Mooney away (jet, car, scooter) with legos
Sight words to work on: Now, Cow, Plow, how
Science through Literature: This week we read about sunflowers, in preparation for our sunflower
garden at the learning center. Each student drew a picture of a sunflower and wrote a sentence
describing it. We worked really hard on neat writing and understanding how a sentence should start
and end. Then, we planted flowers in our own little pots to take home. We talked about how they
needed to water them and keep them in the sunlight so that they can grow. Have your kids take
responsibility for their plants! :)
LEGO Young Build: 26-Mar what is a shadow, why we have them
Make a creative shadow, take picture of the shadow and measure the length
Math Rocks: Math Rocks-Students completed an activity in which they rolled dice. The first roll
represented the tens place and the second roll represented the ones place. They then had to
show breakdown their numbers into expanded notation, as well as draw pictures of the ones
and tens.
Geography Songs: Reviewed all songs and learned the Scandinavia song. Colored the Scandinavia
map. Homework: Please copy the next map after Scandinavia and bring all supplies to class.
Lyrical Science Vol. 2 Reviewed all songs and learned Rodent-like Mammals. Learned the two
herbivore families are the pika (small tailless animals about 6 in long) and rabbits and hares.
What makes these animals different from rodents?
1. They have 4 incisor teeth on the upper jaw
2. They grind their food in a side-to-side motion.
Homework: bring all supplies to class.
LEGOS Build: This week we discussed the properties and definitions of Interference fit and
friction. We also discussed the different parts of a Lego. We then talked about shadows and how we
get them. The challenge was to build and object that would make a really cool shadow.
Ben and Me and other great inventors: Ben and Me
We continue to read the story of Ben Franklin each week. We spent the majority of class finishing up
our research for our inventor's reports. Next week, we will begin the writing process!
CA History: I explained to the students the meaning behind the state seal as well as our state
flag. Students colored each of them.
Big Business: Students watched a Discovery Education video on Economics in our age/
Supply and Demand. Students shared how they have set up their supply store at lunch.
Students were challenged to have a lemonade stand over spring back and come back to
class and share how their stand went and how much they earned.
Willy Wonka the students completed their dioramas of the inside of Mr. Wonka's factory using
using candy, marsh mellows, etc.
Reptiles and Amphibians: Reptiles & Amphibians: Venemous snakes was the topic
today. The students learned a Mexican game called La Vibora De La Mar (The Snake of
the Sea) singing the lyrics in Spanish. With the last 10 minutes of class, students played
sign language "fruit basket" using signs for snake, turtle, frog, and all.
Extraordinary People in History: This week we read and copied down a portion of Pres JFK’s
inaugural speech, “ask not what your country can do for you….” and made a graphic map of what each
of us as individuals can do to better serve our fellow man. Then we played a riveting board game of
American Spirit. Always a pleasure to work with these exceptional students. Thank you!
Photo Art:
Eureka! Science: Eureka! Science; #7 of what every scientist and mathematician should
know but is rarely taught concept "Don't be fooled by statistics." In accordance with
Brain Awareness Week, students learned about the brain. They made their own
neurons complete with a nucleus, dendrites, axon, and axon terminals using pipe
cleaners.
IEW Writing: Lesson 10: Mini Research Paper
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Read source 2 – take keyword notes from each source, write notes on pg. 74
Create a Fused outline with source 1 and source 2 – KWO
Homework:
Take your fused outline and type your rough draft (1 paragraph) on the topic you chose.
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Begin with your topic sentence…end with your clincher
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Don’t forget to add your dress-ups, vocab words
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU SAVE THE PARAGRAPH ON YOUR COMPUTER BECAUSE WE WILL BE ADDING
SEVERAL PARAGRAPHS OVER THE NEXT 4 WEEKS TO THE ESSAY SO THAT IN THE END WE HAVE A 5
PARAGRAPH ESSAY/MINI REPORT
Yearbook:
Public Speaking: This week, bring both speeches that were given ("Self
Defense on Campus" and "The Power of Pennies." Highlight or circle at
least THREE examples of appeals in EACH speech. We will spend a little
time addressing this. THEN BRING evidence for your persuasive speech.
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How will you get audience's attention?
What is the need or problem? Statistics, stories that show the need.
What solutions do you have? Evidence that this may work.
How may this be shown (visualization)? What examples are there?
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What is it you want people to do? (Action)
Studio Art:
Algebra Math lab: