All posts by lspady

#55: Fold a Flying Bat

Full STEAM Ahead

Paper airplanes are pieces of art. Watch this video showing a paper airplane that has flapping wings like a bat. After watching, try to make one of your own.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your STEAM mini spark recording page: #55: Make a Flying Bat

2. Watch this video about bats. Record 5 details on your recording page.

3. See how researchers are learning more about how bat wings work. Add a few notes to your recording page.

4. For the next step you will need a  few pieces of printer paper (8.5 X 11)

5. Watch this video. The teacher will show you all of the steps for folding your own paper bat. Be patient as any type of paper folding takes some practice. Tip-use a ruler to help you make the creases so they are very crisp.

6. Take a picture of your finished bat and add it to your recording page.

Steps 7 and 8 require teacher permission. Talk with your teacher before proceeding.

7. Try out your paper bat.  Find a space where you will have enough room.

8.  If you are happy with the results, add a few sentences explaining your project.

9. If you would like to go back to the video and try to build a second bat, please do so.

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

#10 Scared of Snakes?

Learning Opportunities, Science Mini Spark

Vipers are sneaky snakes that come with their very own set of sharp, pointy teeth! These special teeth, or fangs, have a little hole in the middle, like tiny straws.

Spark you thinking!

1. Set up your science mini spark recording page: #10: Scared of Snakes?

2. Visit this video and learn more about vipers without having to actually see one in person.  Listen for the answers to these questions and add them to your recording sheet.

The word “Viper” comes from what term, meaning giving birth to live young? 

What allows the viper’s fangs to be extra long?  

How does the snake’s rattle make noise? 

 

3. Choose a snake that you don’t know much about. Do research about the snake and create a colorful fact sheet with 10-15 pieces of information and add it to your recording sheet.  If you would like choices here is a list to check out.

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

Check out the Sneaky Snake badge at the EY website.

 

Author Visit at WMS-April 7

MS Learning Opportunities

“My stories are 6.8 parts fiction and 3.2 parts crazy stories from my life. I guess that’s what happens when I make bets with my stepson and end up in a BMX race . . . or I pretend to be a monkey in a treetop adventure with my daughters . . . or I get caught in a thunderstorm with my husband on a bike several miles from the nearest town. The list goes on . . .”

Quote from Angela Welch Prusia: https://www.angelawelchprusia.com/angela-welch-prusia/

Come meet Angela and learn about her journey as a writer of young adult novels.  She will have novels available for purchase ($10 each).  Check out the flier below!
If you are interested in attending this workshop, email Dr. Spady at spady.lynn at westside66.net

Flier:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rRoGQkJNHfgJ2bmPjAumQNyPpfq89yVD/view?usp=sharing

#69: ULTIMATE Writing Challenge

Learning Opportunities, Reading Enrichment

When reading a favorite story, take some time to notice the length of the sentences you are reading. Writers often use a variety of sentence lengths to create a rhythm. Using long sentences with lots of details, short and sweet to the point sentences, and combined with mid length sentences will make your story flow.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your language arts mini spark recording page: #69: ULTIMATE Writing Challenge

2. Watch this video. Write 3 notes on your recording about what will be easy about this challenge and what will be hard.

3. On your recording page complete the 12 sentence story challenge.

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

Post adapted from http://briantolentino.com/

Engineering Seminar Friday, March 18: Grades 7-8

MS Learning Opportunities

Come meet the Nebraska Engineering Ambassadors and see how they are redefining the conventional ideas surrounding science, technology, engineering, and math!

During this 1-hour seminar, participants will learn the ups and downs of roller coaster design and the physics and engineering behind roller coasters.
To attend this 1 hour seminar, send an email to Dr. Spady at spady.lynn at westside66.net to reserve your spot.
https://engineering.unl.edu/engineering-clubs/engineering-ambassadors-network/

2021-22 EY Challenge # 7

Current Challenge

Calling all FUTURE ENGINEERS…It’s EWeek 2022!

Learn about 5 different types of engineers this week, solve the types of problems they solve, and possibly win a prize!  Check back each day this week to find the problems and if you’d like to submit any problems, check with the EY Coordinator at your building. https://www.mathcounts.org/resources/engineers-week

Monday, Feb. 21: Geomatics Engineering

Geomatics engineers collect data and then analyze and interpret it to find solutions  Geomatics engineering plays an important role in construction, transport, communication, mapping and research.

Click here for the problems:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1p3tkRCP3-rBDfzT8hB11_lsWcKmyjFwD/view?usp=sharing

Tuesday, Feb. 22:  Structural Engineering

Structural engineers design and analyze bridges, buildings and even things like concert stages. Environmental factors, what a structure will be used for and what type of weight will be put on it, and how this all might change from day to day before even beginning a design are all things that a structural engineer must consider.

Click here for the problems:  https://www.mathcounts.org/resources/eweek-problem-day-tuesday

Wednesday, Feb. 23:  Systems & Mechanical Engineering

Systems engineers need to ensure individual sub-systems and components of a large project all work together to perform the overall desired function. Mechanical engineering mostly work in HVAC(heating, ventilation and air conditioning).

Click here for the problems: https://www.mathcounts.org/resources/eweek-problem-day-wednesday

Thursday, Feb. 24: Nuclear Engineering

What if you could harness the energy that is released by reactions within atoms?  That’s what nuclear engineering does!  The energy released by reactions within atoms can be used to generate electricity, power transportation systems, and diagnose and treat illnesses.

Click here for the problems:  https://www.mathcounts.org/resources/eweek-problem-day-thursday