All posts by lspady

WE-SIDE February Contests

MS Learning Opportunities, Other Events & Contests

WE-SIDE

Welcoming Equity Support Inclusion Dignity Everyone

In honor of Black History Month (February 2021), Westside Community Schools is sponsoring a poetry, photography, and creative video contest for all students and staff.  Check out the details below!
  • Entries need to be turned into your school office or emailed to lucas.mike@westside66.net by 10:00 AM on February 25th.
  • Gift card prizes and/or Westside gear/swag will be given out to contest winners.
  • POETRY CONTEST:  Divisions for K-2nd graders, 3rd & 4th graders, 5th & 6th graders, middle school students, high school students, and staff.  Submissions should be about inclusion, equity, respect, teamwork, embracing diversity, Black History, or other relevant topics. Any and all forms of appropriate poetry will be accepted.
  • PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST:  Divisions for K-2nd graders, 3rd & 4th graders, 5th & 6th graders, middle school students, high school students, and staff.  Submissions should be about inclusion, equity, respect, teamwork, embracing diversity, Black History, or other relevant topics.  Appropriate photographs of all shapes, sizes, colors, etc. will be accepted.
  • 1-2 MINUTE CREATIVE VIDEO CONTEST:  Divisions for K-2nd graders, 3rd & 4th graders, 5th & 6th graders, middle school students, high school students, and staff.  Submissions should be about inclusion, equity, respect, teamwork, embracing diversity, Black History, or other relevant topics. Appropriate videos no longer than 120 seconds will be accepted.

#50: STEAM Challenge: Roller Coaster

Full STEAM Ahead
Roller coasters are all about physics! Unlike most moving vehicles, cars, trains, and buses that rely on engines, roller coasters rely on gravitational potential energy. What goes up, must come down.

1. Set up your STEAM mini spark recording page:#50: STEAM Challenge: Roller Coaster

2. For this mini spark, you will be building your own roller coaster.  Visit the Instructables website linked below to find templates you can print and cut out.  Or, use your own materials and come up with your own design.  Get creative and don’t forget to take pictures to document your progress.

3. Go to the Instructable website and read the information from the top to the bottom. Record examples of potential and kinetic energy on your recording sheet.

4. On your recording page, make a list of the supplies you will need. If you need help getting supplies talk to your EY coordinator.

5. Print out this template. If you want to used colored paper, talk to your EY coordinator about getting some to use.

6. Complete all of the steps. Take at least 5 pictures of your process.

7. Take a picture and a video of your challenge.

8. Add all of your pictures to your recording sheet. If you would like to make Pic Collage of your challenge that is great.

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

2020-21 Weekly Challenge #17: Roller Coasters

Current Challenge

Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay

Rollercoasters are all about physics! Unlike most moving vehicles, cars, trains, and buses that rely on engines, rollercoasters rely on gravitational potential energy. What goes up, must come down.
For this week’s Weekly Challenge, you will be building your own roller coaster.  Visit the Instructables website linked below to find templates you can print and cut out.  Or, use your own materials and come up with your own design.  Get creative and don’t forget to share your work using the submission link below!

Instructables Website (with instructions and templates): https://www.instructables.com/Create-Your-Own-Roller-Coaster-With-Downloadable-P/?utm_source=teachernewsletter&utm_medium=email

Submit Your Work Here: https://forms.gle/7csLBcnVF1xHvyGX6

#49: Intro to Opera

Full STEAM Ahead

Art requires creativity and imagination and enhances flexibility, adaptability, productivity, responsibility and innovation – all required skills for a successful career in any field of study.  The ‘A’ in STEAM represents ‘Art’ which includes music.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your STEAM mini spark recording page: #49: Intro to Opera

2. Get started with this informational video. Record details from this clip on your recording page. Add in details about  conductor’s role and actions. Explain how he is positioned during the opera.

 

3.  Watch this video, The Physics of Opera. Record at least 8 vocabulary words and a short definition on your recording page.

4. Answer these questions on your recording sheet.  Rewatch the video if necessary. ****Remind your teacher that the answers to these questions can be found in the STEAM mini spark folder.

  • What techniques do opera singers use to project their voices over an orchestra?
  • How does the shape and material of an instrument affect its sound?
  • Explain the concept of harmonics as described in the video.
  • Why is it beneficial for an opera singer to emphasize higher partials? 
  • Describe the role of the concert hall in enhancing the sound of opera singers. 
  • What factors can influence a singer’s vocal ability as they age?
  • How do the vocal techniques differ between a Wagnerian singer and a bel canto singer?

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

Check out the Marvelous World of Opera Badge on the EY website.

2020-21 Weekly Challenge #16: Intro to Opera

Current Challenge, Uncategorized

Art requires creativity and imagination and enhances flexibility, adaptability, productivity, responsibility and innovation – all required skills for a successful career in any field of study.  
The ‘A’ in STEAM represents ‘Art’ which includes music.

source: https://sproutsupplies.com/blog/steam-the-importance-of-art-in-stem-education/

For this week’s Weekly Challenge, you’ll have an opportunity to explore the world of opera.  There are several different learning choices.  Pick as many activities as you’d like and then demonstrate your learning by creating a product.

You are welcome to find other resources of your own.  Have fun!

Submit Your Work Here: https://forms.gle/UmK5n4AXx9V5gpG78

NOTE:  There is a Marvelous World of Opera badge available if you’re interested.  Get a copy of the recording sheet here: https://sites.google.com/westside66.net/eybadgepage/fine-arts-badges?authuser=0

#80 Problem Solving PicCollage

Math Mini Sparks

Spark your math thinking!

  1. Set up your math mini spark recording page: #80 Problem Solving PicCollage.       
  2. Pick a problem      Problem A      Problem B       Problem C
  3. Complete the problem
  4. Create a PicCollage with the problem, your work, and your final answer.
  5. Ask your EY teacher to correct your work. Solutions are in the mini spark folder.
  6. Share your math mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator.

Frog Dissection Workshop January 27

MS Learning Opportunities

Grab some gloves and participate in this unforgettable hands-on class to uniquely explore the anatomy found in a frog. Learn to use the equipment properly and discover animal needs and identify organs with step-by-step directions.

Who:  7th and 8th Graders (I have room for 24 students-in person and EC students welcome)

Where & When:  In person students will meet in Dr. Bruner’s room from 9-11 am on Jan. 27.  EC learners will need to pick up materials at WMS prior to the 27th and will participate via WebEx from 9-11 am on Jan. 27

Sign up now using this Google Form: https://forms.gle/gwyicBYruKQtBbGQ8

Signups will be accepted until Friday, January 15.

In the meantime, check out this website.  I didn’t check all the links nor am I sure that they are all open with your school laptop, but I wanted to give you this resource to explore.

Online Dissection Resources: https://www.navs.org/additional-information/bioleap-dissection-alternatives/free-online-dissection-resources/#.X_TehulKg0o

Storytelling Workshop – January 20

MS Learning Opportunities, Uncategorized

Image Source: http://clipart-library.com/clipart/53061.htm

In this half-day workshop, participants will explore the basics of acting, using the natural tools of voice and body, as well as integrating technology to engage in dynamic storytelling. Students will learn how to develop character through movement, sound, and visual composition. By using creativity, self-assessment, and constructive dialogue, students will discover their own unique theatrical narrative style. Contemporary text, improvisation, and personal writing will challenge each student to reach beyond their limits, in order to honestly and joyfully search for their character and story.

Sign up now!  https://forms.gle/dZ8fE8goDk2hWWgx7