All posts by lspady

#96:Different Types of Numbers

Real or Imaginary? Rational or Irrational? In this Mini-Spark, you will learn about different types of numbers and their classifications.
Spark your math thinking!

1. Set up your math mini spark recording page: #98 Chocolate Math

2. Start by watching  this video. Take notes on your recording sheet while you watch.

 

3. Choose a worksheet version below to complete.

PDF Version

 Docs Version

4. Share your math mini spark recording page and your worksheet with your teacher/EY coordinator

#95: The Chaos Game

In mathematics, the term chaos game originally referred to a method of creating a fractal, using a polygon and an initial point selected at random inside it.

Spark your math thinking!

  1. Set up your math mini spark recording page: #95: The Chaos Game
  2. Watch this video. Record details on your recording page.

3. Watch this video to learn how to play The Chaos Game. *****This video is long–> looking for other video

Follow the instructions in the video.  Take a screenshot of your final picture and add it to your recording page.

4. Link to the GeoGebra Website to find the chaos game.

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

Battle of the Books Middle School Reading list for 2025

Middle School 

Two Degrees – Alan Gratz

The List of Unspeakable Fears – J. Kasper Kramer

The Mona Lisa Vanishes – Nicholas Day

What Happened to Rachel Riley – Claire Swinarski

The Labors of Hercules – Gary D. Schmidt

Simon Sort of Says – Erin Bow

Max in the House of Spies – Adam Gidwitz

Tristan Song Punches a Hole in the Sky – Kwame Mbalia

Towers Falling – Jewell Parker Rhodes

Parachute Kids – Betty C. Tang

#22: Tremendous T-Rex

The T. rex was one of the largest predators to ever roam the Earth. It could grow up to 40 feet long and stand about 12 feet tall. This dinosaur weighed between 11,000 and 15,500 pounds, which is roughly the size of a school bus and as heavy as an African elephant.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your science mini spark recording page: #22:Tremendous T-Rex

2. Read this article to refresh your memory about this giant creatures.  Take detailed notes with at least 5 facts on your recording sheet.

3. T.rex Discoveries lessons: Go to the this page and watch the T-rex discovery lessons. Record at least 5 things you learned.

4. T.rex Anatomy and Behavior: Go to the this page and watch the T-rex Anatomy lessons. Record at least 5 things you learned.

5. T.rex Sense and Appearance: Go to the this page and watch the T-rex Sense and Appearance lessons. Record at least 5 things you learned.

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

Check out the dinosaur badges at the EY Website.

 

2024 Junior Library Guild Bookmark Contest: Due May 13

2024 JLG Bookmark Contest

The National Library Week theme for 2024 is “Ready, Set, Library!” and from now until May 13, readers are encouraged to submit their very own JLG bookmark design!  Click here to learn more about the contest.

Rules

  1.  All designs must be submitted by an adult (librarian, media specialist, teacher, etc.) to be considered
  2. Each bookmark must depict a JLG Selection (past, present, or upcoming titles)
  3. Only one entry per reader
  4. ANY reader can submit an entry, even if their library is not subscribed to JLG 

Contest Winners

One winner will be chosen from each age group: elementary, middle, and high school.  The winning libraries will receive a $250 JLG backlist credit and have their winning design professionally printed on bookmarks for their entire school! Winning libraries will be contacted via email in May.

#21: Solar Eclipse Science

Is an eclipse worth seeing? You bet! Join us to find out everything you need to know about watching an eclipse.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your science mini spark recording page: #21: Solar Eclipse

2.  Watch this video and record 3-5 interesting details.

3. To earn this mini spark choose an option.

  • Use the dates from the video and create a mini timeline with 5-8 items about the history of eclipses.
  • Create a teaching page a with 5 details and 3 drawings about a pinhole camera projector, how to make one, and how it works.
  • Use the information from the video to write a step-by-step that explains what to expect during an eclipse.
  • Use the vocabulary words from the video to create a mini eclipse dictionary page with at least 8 terms.

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

Check out the math behind a solar eclipse math mini spark!

#20: Elements

Elements are the basic building blocks of everything around us, including solids, liquids, and gases. They are pure substances made up of just one kind of atom. This means they cannot be broken down into simpler substances or changed into something else without losing their special qualities.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your science mini spark recording page: #20: Elements

2. The  periodic table, organizes all discovered elements in rows (called periods) and columns (called groups) according to increasing atomic number. Scientists use the periodic table to quickly refer to information about an element, like atomic mass and chemical symbol. Record the bolded words on your recording sheet.

3. Watch this video. Respond to this prompt on your recording sheet: What is an element, and how does it differ from a compound?

4. To earn this mini spark, choose an activity to complete.

  • Explore this element webpage to research an element that is new to you. Click the element you want to learn more about.  Make a colorful learning page with 10 details about the element you choose.
  • Review the elements on this webpage.  Choose one element and research that element. Make a quiz game for it using what you have learned. Write 5 questions with answers on your recording page.
  •  Learn more about atoms at this page. Make an atom fact list with 10 items on your recording page.

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

#19 Flamingos and Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is the use of exercises in a pool as part of treatment for conditions such as arthritis or back pain. Go along with two cute flamingos as they attend their hydrotherapy session to help them heal.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your science mini spark recording page: #19: Flamingos and Hydrotherapy.

2. Read the flamingo fact card and other information at National Geographic Kids. While you are reading record a 3-5 pieces of information on your recording sheet.

3.  Watch this video. How the flamingos are being cared for? Write a 3-5 sentence response on your recording page. Include specific details from the video.

4. Choose one of these projects to complete. Add your work to your recording sheet.

  • Write a mini flamingo dairy from the point of view of one of the flamingos from the video. Include 3 entries. Talk about the relationship with the zookeeper, the therapy, as well as the stingray encounter.
  • Learn about 3 species of Flamingos and make a list  of 8-10 facts for each one.
  • The flamingos in the video at the zoo have different experiences than flamingos in the wild. Do research and create an information page comparing and contrasting the two groups.  Use this image as a guide.

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