2. We have access for the next 30 days (from Nov. 10-Dec. 10) to a website which contains several resources. Scroll down to the “Books” section and look for “How to Ace the National Geographic Bee Official Study Guide,” and the “Nat Geo Wild Animal Atlas: Earth’s Astonishing Animals and Where They Live.” http://www.galesites.com/trial/geobee/district66
3. There’s an app for that! If you are interested in having a Geo Bee app on your iPad, let the EY coordinator in your building know and we will do our best to get it installed on your iPad.
Story problems come up in all levels of math and being able to solve problems and explain your thinking is a skill that needs to be practiced over and over again.
This activity provides a way for you to practice your math problem solving skills. Watch the video explanation below and create a math problem of your own.
Question: What do you get when you bring together 90 young creative minds?Answer: A group of engaged learners demonstrating critical and creative thinking skills while collaborating, working as a team, and solving problems!
At the end of August, third through sixth grade students at all 10 elementary buildings were invited to submit a “Choose Your Own Adventure” story. Over 100 stories were submitted and 90 students were invited to attend the Creative Problem Solving seminar at the Westside Community Conference Center.
As students came in, they were given a VIP name tag with a group name on the back. You can read more about the group names on our wiki page.
The first challenge of the day was to build the highest structure possible given 15 index cards, 2 straws, and 5 mailing labels. The structure had to be on the yellow piece of paper taped to the table. The challenge? Hands could not enter the yellow area! Students were given 2 straws, a fork, and 4 popsicle sticks to use as tools. The result was a lot of communicating, problem solving and creative thinking! Our judges (5 former Destination Imagination participants from WHS) measured the final height of the towers. Check out what the kids built!
Creative design!
How tall can it go?
Using a popsicle stick to place the index cards
Deciding how to use the materials
Building outside the yellow paper
The winning towers!
Next, the students rotated through five stations that put their communication and teamwork skills to the test. Throughout the challenges, students were given tickets for displaying good teamwork and communication skills. Students also earned tickets for their creative designs and solutions. Tickets were placed in sacks for a chance to win a variety of prizes.
The prize table!
What are some creative uses for these items?
Lego building challenge
Building a 3-D model out of PVC pipes
Here is a brief synopsis of each station:
Random PVC parts are on the floor. How fast can you construct a 3D figure using all of the parts?
How accurately can you recreate a Lego structure after only looking at it for 2 minutes? This station required students to pay attention to details and communicate effectively.
How fast can you raise a hula hoop up from the ground, over someone’s head, and back to the ground? Oh, and by the way, only using spoons!
What are some alternate uses for a pool noodle? A 5-gallon bucket? A seat cushion? Teams scored points for original and creative ideas.
How quickly can you pass a ball around the group making sure every person’s hands touch the ball?
The afternoon was spent working on an Explain Everything (app installed on all iPads) video. Students were given a brief introduction to the app and a link to some additional resources. Students were able to choose any topic for their video. Some chose to explain the basics of a favorite sport and others chose brainteasers. Most students didn’t have enough time to finish their video, but we encouraged them to use their E/I time back at school.
Overall, it was an exciting day and truly inspirational to witness the creative and innovative problem solvers of Westside Community Schools come together!
Thank you to those of you who could attend the parent meeting on September 18th. Below is a link to the presentation. Feel free to contact your building’s EY Coordinator if you have any questions.
This contest will S – T – R – E – T – C – H your imagination! This contest challenges students in grades 5-8 to design and create a working invention that incorporates at least 1 rubber band.
You can read about the official rules by clicking here.
More information about the divisions and prizes can be found here.
Entries must be postmarked by March 16, 2015
Westside Community Schools does not sponsor or endorse the organization or activity described here. The sharing of this information is provided as a community service.
CoderDojos are a global movement of open source coding sessions led by volunteer mentors from education and industry. Kids learn how to creatively code at their own pace in a fun, relaxed environment. CoderDojos are FREE to attend, and the only rule is be cool!“
Westside Community Schools does not sponsor or endorse the organization or activity described here. The sharing of this information is provided as a community service.
You are in charge of the Fall Festival at your school. What attractions will you offer to fit the theme (and keep costs reasonable), and how can you get students, parents, and the rest of the community excited about this upcoming event?
Go to this website and check out this challenge. Be sure to use the student resources at the bottom of the page.
You can create a flyer for your festival or a commercial that you record! Use your imagination and create an exciting day for your school and community!
Share your product with your EY Coordinator! We would really like to put some examples in our student showcase!
The first quarter has passed so quickly. We have accomplished a lot but it seems like we are still treading water. The introduction of the iPad has impacted the look of EY and I do see the bigger picture. I believe the students will become more comfortable with all of the opportunities that are available to them. I have already seen growth in their independence and being invested in their learning. I really want to encourage them to pursue their interests and challenge themselves to be a life long learner.
We have several events to look forward to in the next few weeks; the spelling bee, a quiz bowl and then the geography bee. Our focus for the 2nd quarter will be on culture. We will be exploring current events and reflecting on our own experiences and how they have impacted our lives. Your child may be asking for input from you.
Once again, I encourage you to explore the blog There is a lot inside if you have time to navigate around it. We did have a little glitch yesterday when all we had put on there since Sept. 1st was lost. You have to love technology. 🙂 But, we will forge ahead and embrace this new educational tool. I really do believe it will enhance student learning.
I hope to meet with most of you at conference time during your scheduled time. I will be at Sunset on Wednesday and Loveland on Thursday this quarter. If you would like to schedule a separate time, please email me and I will be glad to meet with you. Thanks so much!
During E/I time first quarter, many enrichment opportunities have been presented to your students. Feel free to download, print out, or modify the form below to use at conferences. It might be a nice talking point with parents on how students have used their E/I time and what opportunities they have participated in.
Rhyme Out is a game where you listen to three consecutive clues and the answers all rhyme! For example…here are the clues:
A lamp cover
The sharp end of a knife
A twisted hair style
Remember, the answers all rhyme. Think you’ve got it? Did you say shade, blade and braid? If you did, way to go!
4th graders at Swanson and Westgate made up their own Rhyme Outs using Explain Everything and Pic Collage on the iPads. Check these out! Leave a comment if you know the answers.
