All posts by Jenny Henningsen

#33: Baby Animal Names

Science Mini Spark

The official names for adult animals usually come from Latin, which is a language that scientists use to name different species. However, the names we use for baby animals are not scientific. Instead, these names have changed over time and come from many different places, including hunting and the ways we have raised animals.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your science mini spark recording page: #33: Baby Animal Names

2.  Watch a video that gives an overview on how adult animals are given their official scientific names.

After watching the video, record this information on your recording page

  • The genus is always written first.
  • The genus is always capitalized.
  • The species is always written second.
  • The genus and species must be italicized (underlined if hand-written).

3. Read a wonderopolis article that explains why baby deer are called fawns.  Record 3 new facts that you learned from the article.

4. Read an article about baby animal names.  Make a chart on your recording page. Put the animal name in the first column and the baby name in the second column. Include at least 10 animal/baby animal name pairs on your page.

5. Look over this ABC list of baby animal names. Find 5-10 animal baby names that you did not know. Record the animal name and the baby name on your recording page.

6. Take this baby animal quiz.  If you score less than 15/20, take the quiz again. Record your score.

7.  Share your science mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator.

#110: Extreme Records

Math Mini Sparks, Uncategorized

THE TALLEST, DEADLIEST, FASTEST,
SMALLEST, HOTTEST STUFF ON EARTH!

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your Math mini spark recording page: #110: Extreme Records

2. Study this teaching page carefully. Write 3 facts that are new to you on your recording sheet.

3. Set up a table like this on your recording sheet:

Leave one row blank for now.

4. Under each of these headings write out all of the numbers included in the resource and their units of measure. Lut Desert has been complete for you as an example:

6. Do your own research to find your own EXTREME RECORD data to add to the table. Examples: the fastest flying animal, the heaviest animal, coldest place on earth, etc. Find 2 samples of measurement about that extreme record and add it to the last row in the table.

7. Share your Math mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator.

#62: Ada Lovelace

Full STEAM Ahead

Ada Lovelace is often celebrated as the world’s first computer programmer. Her visionary work and ideas laid the foundation for the modern computer technology we rely on today.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your STEAM  mini spark recording page: #62: Ada Lovelace 

2. Look over this info card from National Geographic about Ada Lovelace. Record 5 details about her on your recording page.

3. Listen to this Ada Lovelace book. On your recording sheet finish these sentence starters. Use an example from the story in each sentence.

Ada Lovelace was

Ada Lovelace proved

Ada Lovelace changed

4. Read this article. Record 3 details about Ada that you did not already know.

5. Share your STEAM mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator.

# 87: Literary Device Lesson- Short Story Challenge

Reading Enrichment

In this mini spark you will write a short story with a beginning, middle, and end.  Your story will be short-only 10 sentences! You will use literary devices as well. Get started on your short story challenge!

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your Language Arts mini spark recording page: # 87: Literary Device Lesson-Short Story Challenge

2.  Look over this slideshow about the literary devices you will use for this challenge. Record each literary device and an example for each one on your recording page.

3.  Read this challenge activity written by Brian Tolentio. There is a also a sample story to read. You can print this page as a reference if you would like.

Write this on your recording page

1 & 2- HYPERBOLE

3 & 4 – SIMILE

5 & 6 – PERSONIFICATION

7 & 8 – METAPHOR

9 & 10 – ALLITERATION

4. Write your 10 sentence story on your recording page.

5. Share your Language Arts mini spark recording page with your and visual with your teacher/EY coordinator.

 

#86: Doreen Cronin

Reading Enrichment, Uncategorized

Doreen Cronin has a remarkable talent for transforming everyday occurrences into humorous tales, showcasing her comic genius within the pages of children’s books. She believes that while most of the information we encounter daily fades away, certain thoughts and words linger in our minds for a purpose.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your language arts mini spark page #86: Doreen Cronin

2. Learn more about Doreen Cronin and her books. Read this article. Write 3 facts about her on your recording page.

3. Look over this webpage with the titles of her books. Record 3 books you have read or heard of before and 3 that you have not read.

4. Listen to this interview. Record at least 3 suggestions she gives about becoming a better writer.

5. Listen to one of the stories from this playlist. Write the title of the book you choose. After listening choose 2 of these questions to answer.

List 3 adjectives to describe a character in your book. Give an example to prove how each is true.

Some characters play small but important roles in the story. Name such a character. Why is this character necessary for the story?

Did the author keep you interested? How or why?

6. Share your language arts mini spark page with your teacher/EY coordinator.

Use this mini spark as your first task in the Author’s Speaks to Kids badge at the EY website.

#70: Tails and Tales

Early Enrichment

Check out these fun stories from the San Diego zoo. Read along and learn about the animals who live there.

Spark your thinking!

1.  Set up your Early Enrichment Mini Spark recording page: #70: Tails and Tales

2. Study this map. On your recording page write down the names of three of the exhibits.

3. Visit the zoo webpage and look over all of the story choices. On your recording page, write the titles of three stories you will read.

4. For each story write 3 facts about the animal, 2 interesting details from the article, and 1 question you have.

5. Share your Early Enrichment Mini Spark recording page with your teacher or EY Coordinator.

#61: STEAM Challenge: Hole Punch

Full STEAM Ahead

Check out this hole punch challenge.  To complete a puzzle, take a square of paper, fold it using as many folds as needed so that if you punch only ONE hole and unfold it, you will match one of the puzzles.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your STEAM mini spark recording page: #61: STEAM Challenge: Hole Punch

2. For this STEAM challenge you will need 1 hole punch and 10-12 sheets of paper cut into squares. You can make your own or print this template.

3. Take a picture of your supplies before you start. Add the picture to your recording sheet.

4.  To complete a puzzle, take a square of paper, fold it using as many folds as needed so that if you punch only ONE hole and unfold it, you will match one of the puzzles. Your challenge is to create any THREE of the patterns seen here. Optional: Print this task card

5. Take a picture of your 3 final folds and at add it to your recording sheet.

6. Write about what you did well on this challenge and where you can improve.

7. Share your STEAM mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator.

Check out the fold and punch badge on the EY website.

#109: Volume of a Triangular Prism

Math Mini Sparks, Uncategorized

A triangular prism is a three-dimensional geometric shape characterized by having two identical triangular faces at its ends, connected by three rectangular sides.

Spark your math thinking!

1. Set up your math mini spark recording page: #109:Volume of a Triangular Prism

2. Make a sketch of these triangular prism examples on your recording page

  • Tents: Many camping tents have a triangular prism shape, with the top forming a triangle and the sides being rectangular.
  • Pyramids: Some structures, like certain types of pyramids, can resemble triangular prisms when viewed from the side, especially if they have a rectangular base.
  • Wedges: Tools like doorstops or some types of wedges are often designed in the shape of a triangular prism to provide stability and support.
  • Chocolate Bars: Some chocolate bars are shaped like triangular prisms, with two triangular ends and rectangular sides.

3. Record this formula on your recording page.

4.  Watch the teaching video and pause it to do the math on a piece of paper with the teacher. Add a picture of your notes to your recording page.

5. Do 3 practice problems at IXL. Record your work and your answers on your recording sheet. Add your score when you are done. (Sixth grade HH.5  Volume of triangular prisms 6ZL)

6. Share your math mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator.

#31: Insect Adaptations

Science Mini Spark

How do insects use their special adaptations to survive? Insects are the most diverse animals, and even in tough environments like hot volcanoes, dry deserts, and icy glaciers, they show amazing adaptations to live in these challenging conditions.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your science mini spark recording page: #31: Insect Adaptations

2. Are there any places on Earth with no bugs? State “yes” or “no” and give two reasons for your choice.

3. Watch this video. Record 8-10 details about how insects are able to live in harsh conditions.

4.  Choose 3 of these questions to answer using 2 sentences. Use details from the video in your responses. Remind your teacher that the answer key can be found in the Science Mini Spark Folder.

  1. Describe how Sahara silver ants adapt to the heat of the desert.
  2. What unique feature helps Sahara silver ants maintain their speed and stay cool?
  3. Explain how the longhorn beetle’s hair structure assists it in hot environments.
  4. What specific adaptations do ice crawlers have to survive in cold temperatures?
  5. How do alkali flies manage to stay submerged in California’s Mono Lake?
  6. What challenges do alkali flies face when trying to overcome the water’s surface tension?
  7. Discuss how parasitic lice survive in deep-sea environments.
  8. What role do spiracles play in the oxygen intake of insects, and how do lice differ in this regard?
  9. How do certain lice manage to survive long periods underwater?

5.  Share your science mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator.

#59: Wondering about Geography?

Learning Opportunities, Social Studies Enrichment

Are you curious about geography? Check out the Wonderopolis articles for Wonders all about the world around us. Check out the specific Wonders below that will get your brain thinking about all things geography!

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your social studies mini spark recording page: #59 Wondering about Geography?

2. This mini spark has you explore Wonderopolis Wonders related to geography. Look over these choices and write down the three you would like to read.

3. Write down the title of the first article. Read the article. Record 3 facts from the article, 2 words that are new to your or unique, and 1 question you have.

4. Write down the title of the second article. Read the article. Record 3 facts from the article, 2 words that are new to your or unique, and 1 question you have.

5. Write down the title of the third article. Read the article. Record 3 facts from the article, 2 words that are new to your or unique, and 1 question you have.

6. There is much more to be learned after finishing the articles! Pick out your favorite wonder and do further research on the topic.  Create a visual with 5-8 new ideas  to share your learning.

7. Share your social studies mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator.

Check out the Wonderopolis Badges at the EY website.