All posts by Jenny Henningsen

#34: A Dog’s Nose

Science Mini Spark, Uncategorized

You may have heard the expression that dogs ‘see with their noses.’ But these creature’s amazing nasal architecture actually reveals a whole world beyond what we can see. Learn about how a dog’s nose can smell the past, the future and even things that can’t be seen at all.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your science mini spark recording page: #34: A Dog’s Nose

2.  Watch this video and record 5-10 details about dog noses on your recording sheet.

3. Choose 2 of these questions to answer with 2 sentences. Write your answer from the point of view of a dog.  Remind your teacher that the answer key can be found in the Science Mini Spark folder.

  1. What are the main features of a dog’s nose that allow it to smell so effectively?
  2. How does a dog’s ability to smell differ from that of humans?
  3. Describe the role of the vomeronasal organ in a dog’s sense of smell.
  4. In what ways can dogs use their sense of smell to understand their environment?
  5. How can dogs be trained to respond to various scents, and what are some examples of their abilities?

4. Read an article about a dog detective.  Record number facts from the article. Example: Their sense of smell is 10,000 times more sensitive than a human’s.

5. Look over this  animal nose information page from the San Diego Zoo.  Record 2 details about each of the animals listed in the article.

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

#64: The History of March Madness

Social Studies Enrichment

Get caught up to speed on everything you need to know about the NCAA Division I men’s and women’s basketball tournament history, better known as March Madness in this mini spark.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your Social Studies recording page: #64: March Madness History

2. Read this article that outlines the history of the men’s NCAA tournament.  There are five charts in the article. Record the titles/topics of each of the charts. Create a timeline on your recording page with 5-10 of the items that you find most impressive. If you prefer you can use a digital timeline creator.

3. Look over these two infographics and read the write up about the most watched championship March Madness game in history.  Record 10 number facts on your recording page.

4.  Watch this video that give you some tips on how to pick the perfect bracket. Write the tips given at the end on your record page.

5. To wrap up this mini spark, watch a video about the early history of the men’s tournament through 2013.  Make a history fact sheet. Ideas of what to include-important dates, tournament highlights, facts about players, locations of games, changes to the brackets and so on.

6.  Share your Social Studies mini spark recording page and your timeline with your teacher/EY coordinator.

#63: Falkland Isands

Social Studies Enrichment

The Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) are a remote South Atlantic archipelago. With rugged terrain and cliff-lined coasts, its hundreds of islands and islets are home to sheep farms and abundant birdlife. The capital, Stanley, sits on East Falkland, the largest island.  With only around 3,000 residents, the Falkland Islands are one of the most remote and least populous territories on Earth.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your Social Studies recording page: #63: Falkland Islands

2. Study this map from the World Atlas website. On your recording page add

  • 5 island names
  • the ocean where they are located
  • the approximate latitude and longitude 
  • the capital 
  • the nearest continent and country (research required) 

2.   

3. Read this information page. Choose one detail to record for each section.

4. Divide your recording page into five sections. Read this article about 5 penguins found on the Falkland Islands. For each penguin, record 3 details.

5. Do further research about one of the penguin species. Create colorful fact page with 5+  facts that you found during your research. Include your sources on your fact page.

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

#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:

5. 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 1 or 2 samples of measurement about that extreme record and add it to the last row in the table.

6. 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.