All posts by Jenny Henningsen

#12: Inventor Collection

Full STEAM Ahead, Learning Opportunities

In the STEAM mini spark, learn about inventors. The USPTO collection cards show goofy caricatures of inventors! They’re made to celebrate all kinds of inventors from different backgrounds.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your STEAM mini spark recording page: #12: Inventor Collection

2. The USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) has a collectible card series for kids. The cards feature caricatures of various inventors and are designed to recognize a wide variety of patent holders from diverse backgrounds and demographics in an effort to encourage and inspire future generations of inventors and innovators from various walks of life.

3. Go to the USPTO website  and you will find over 20 inventor collection cards.

4. Each person has a information for you to review. Make a record of each of the people with a few facts for each on on your recording sheet.

5.  Create a kahoot or other quiz about the people featured on the cards.

6. Share your STEAM mini spark recording page and your quiz with your teacher/EY coordinator.

Check out the Kids Invent Stuff Badge the Problem Solving Invention Badge at the EY website.

Check out the STEAM mini spark about  inventorJuliette Gordon Low.

#11: Code.org: Video series

Full STEAM Ahead, Learning Opportunities

Since the “T” in STEAM stands for technology, it seemed only right to add a post about the code.org video series. Get started on this mini spark to join in on the coding fun and who knows, maybe even begin your career in the computer sciences!

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your STEAM mini spark recording page: #11:code.org: Video Series

2.  While you are anxiously waiting for Code.org to begin, why not dig into information on coding and all things computer?  Perhaps you find yourself wondering how the internet works?  Or maybe you’ve always dreamed of sitting down with Mark Zuckerberg to learn a few programming tips and tricks.  Now you can!

3. At Code.org there are 7 topic and each topic has 7-10 short videos.

4. Here is a link to videos that will get your brain wrapped around those intriguing topics and more!

5. After looking them over, choose one main topic to explore. On your recording sheet, write the that topic and title of the videos you will watch. Set up a section for each of the videos.

6. Record new ideas or something that you enjoyed from each of the videos. Also record any terms that were new to you.

7. Make a visal about the topic you choose and include 8-10 details.

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

Check out the Code Crusher Badge and the Code.org Video series badge at the EY Website. You can use this project for one of your projects at the code.org video series badge.

 

 

Stumper of the Week

Nordquist Blog

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I love a good brain challenge and am hoping you do as well!  Each week I will put a challenge problem on my blog page for a little exercise for your brain.  You can email me your answer if you would like to get it checked.

Ok, here goes…

#1  Add 2 lines to make this a true equation:

6  8  0  +  5   =  5

Happy Solving!

 

#9: Science Experiments

Full STEAM Ahead

Kids can learn a lot about science by watching and doing fun experiments! When you try out experiments, you get to discover things about chemistry, biology, and physics in a hands-on way. While having fun, you also build important skills like solving problems, doing research, and making decision.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your STEAM mini spark recording page: #9: Science Experiments

2.  Check out this rainbow test tubes science experiment. Before you start the video record the title on your recording page. Pause the video after Steve shows you the materials. Decide what will happen and record that on your recording sheet.

3. After watching the video one time through, go back and watch it again. Record all of these items on your recording sheet: title, materials, procedures and results.

2. Look over the other 5 videos in the Science Minute™ Video Collection

3. On your recording page, list the 3 videos that you want to watch.

4. Watch 3 videos. For each video watch it all of the way through one time. Then watch a second time, record the title, materials, procedures and results on your recording page.

5. Choose one of the experiments and display what you learned in a creative way (Pic Collage, Explain Everything, iMovie Trailer, Apple Clips, Canva, your choice).

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

OPTIONAL: If you wanted to try any of these experiments at home, that is great! Take pictures to share with your EY coordinator. If you need help gathering supplies for an experiment you want to try, talk to your EY coordinator.

# 8: Binary Code: Numbers

Full STEAM Ahead

To talk to computer your need to speak its language.  One such language, or code, is binary.  It works by using a system of 2 symbols, base 2, often made up of 0’s and 1’s.  In this 2nd binary code STEAM mini spark learn about binary code: numbers 

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your STEAM mini spark recording page: #7: Binary Code: Numbers

2. The base 2 number systems (binary) requires you to be familiar with the powers of 2. Copy these two charts on to your recording page.

3. Watch this teaching video to 3:37 to get started reading numbers written in binary. Pause the video at 1:28 and write the chart on your recording sheet.  He does the addition for you, but still write down all of the numbers as he goes and add them together to make sure it is 155.  Scroll to the bottom of this post to see that you have all of the correct numbers.  Watch until 3:37, taking a few more notes as you watch.

4. Make a table like this on your recording sheet. Then look up at the top to find age on the graphic for this mini spark. Fill in this table with the 1s and 0s.  You can put 0s in for 128 and 64 or just leave them blank.

5. Use the process that the teacher used in the video. What birthday is the person celebrating? Record all of your math on your recording page.

6. Scroll to the bottom of this post to check your answer. If you have the answer correct, put a star on your recording sheet. Correct your work if necessary.

7.  Watch this video to see how to write base ten numbers in base 2. Pause at 27 seconds and draw the horizontal table on your recording page.  Then follow along with the teacher and fill in your chart. What is 347 in binary?

 

8. Learning the process of converting from base ten to base 2 and base 2 to base 10. This STEAM mini spark was an introduction. OPTIONAL: If you want to learn more and practice you can visit the Khan Course-Binary Numbers.

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

Check out STEAM Mini Spark # 7: Binary Code: Names

 

From step 3: You should have 128 + 16 + 9 + 2 + 1 = 155

 

 

#9: The dove dove.

Reading Enrichment, Uncategorized

 A homograph is a group of words that are spelled the same way, but have different meanings. They may or may not be pronounced the same way, although the difference in pronunciation is often just a shift in the accented syllable.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your language arts mini spark recording page: #9: Homographs

2. Here is a sentence that uses the homograph “dove.”  Write the two meanings of the word dove on your recording page.

The dove looked elegant as it dove underneath the tree branch to catch the bug.

Here is a sentence that uses the homograph “bank.”Write the two meanings of the word bank on your recording page.

After swimming at the river bank, we went to the bank to get some money to buy ice cream.

3. Read this article.  Write down a 4 of sets of words and the meanings that you think are hard for some kids to remeber.

3. Strengthen your brain by playing a matching game. You will be given two lists of word definitions. Find the pair that has the homograph in common. Here is a sample
Find the matching pairs and write them on your recording sheet. The answers are at the bottom of this mini spark. Check your work.
4. Go to this website. Choose the level that fits you. Record the level you choose on your recording sheet.
5. Play the game 3 times. Write your answers on your recording sheet.
Don’t click “hint” until you have guesses made.
Then click the word “hint”. That will give you the words and you will be able to check to see if your guesses are correct. Correct your work on your recording sheet.

6. On your recording sheet, build a 2 column form like the game you played in step 5. Use these 5 words. If needed, use a dictionary to help you with your definitions.

minute, coordinates, produce, entrance, down

7. Make an answer key to go along with your definitions.

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

Check out mini spark which is about heteronyms, homographs that are pronounced differently.

 

 

Answer for step 3: 1 & B, 2 & D,  3 & A, 4 & E, 5 & C

 

Quarter 1 Update

Nordquist Blog

imagesThe leaves are falling, the smell of campfires fill the air, and conferences are here!  That must mean the first quarter is over!

We have had a busy, but fun first quarter.  Our focus has been on invention and innovation.  This is always a fun theme for students and proved to be true this year as well.  We had a variety of events and experiences that provided students with the opportunity to explore invention and innovation both inside and outside the classroom.

One such event was the Invention Convention Seminar in October.  This was open to all students grades 2 – 6 (at two separate seminars) and had a focus on the engineering profession as well.  5th & 6th grade students had the opportunity to create their own musical instrument, work through the reverse engineering process, market their invention, and look at improving the world through inventions all while creating an engineering notebook.  2nd – 4th graders worked through the process of creating electrical circuits and even got to put together a light up greeting card using a circuit they made.  It was exciting to see all of the innovative thinkers we have at Westside!

Math and Reading enrichment are in full swing now.  There are many opportunities available to students within the classroom during these subject areas.  Most of the enrichment options can be found through the EY blog.  Many of these experiences have the potential to lead into deeper projects/studies, so be sure to check with your student regarding opportunities they have chosen or plan to explore.

We continue to encourage all students to check out the EY blog regularly for enrichment opportunities in many interest areas both within their classrooms and beyond.  Please encourage your student(s) to explore the blog at home as well.  Like I always say…the blog doesn’t ever take a day off!

Thank you for making this first quarter a success!