Category Archives: Learning Opportunities

#44: Tangram Art

Full STEAM Ahead

Spark your math thinking!

  1. Set up your STEAM mini spark recording page: 44: Tangram Art
  2. Watch this intro video. Write the tangram rules and puzzle shapes on your recording page.

 

3. Try out this a tangram puzzle site with challenges to stretch your thinking.

4. Choose 2 puzzles to solve. Add a picture of your finished puzzles to your recording sheet.

5. Make Tangram art! Choose a tangram animal or shape that you would like to use for an art piece.

6. Supplies needed: Ask your EY teacher for a plastic tangrams set, your choice of crayons, markers, watercolors, or colored pencils, and paper.

7. Watch the teaching video.

 

8. Share your math mini spark recording page and your art piece with your teacher/EY coordinator.

Check out the Tangram Badge at the EY website.

#43: Mini Stop Motion

Full STEAM Ahead

stop-mo·tion noun-a cinematographic technique whereby the camera is repeatedly stopped and started, for example to give animated figures the impression of movement.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your STEAM mini spark recording page: #43: Mini Stop Motion

2. Watch this video to get started. On your recording sheet respond to these prompts.

  • What are some techniques used to create facial expressions in puppets
  • How has the introduction of 3D printing influenced the production of stop-motion animation?

 

3. In this video, the steps are outlined for how to use the app Stop Motion Studio.

 

4. Record your idea for a tiny story, what materials you would use for your stop motion and your set.

5.  Collect a few materials, add stop motion studio to your ipad, and create a tiny stop motion.

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

Check out the Stop Motion Animation Badge on the EY website.

#42: New Inventions

Full STEAM Ahead

What inventions need to be invented? How about a bed-Making Machine: A fun machine that automatically makes your bed for you! Maybe a Spaghetti Twirling Fork: A rotating fork that helps you twirl spaghetti perfectly for a delicious meal. In this mini spark you will learn about some new inventions that were launched in 2023.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your STEAM mini spark recording page: #42: New Inventions

2. Every year, TIME magazine puts out its list of the year’s best inventions. Some of these help us solve problems. Others make life easier, or more fun. TIME for Kids features 10 of them here.

3. Go to the TIME for Kids webpage dedicated to the best inventions on 2023.

4. Number your recording page from 1-10. Write the name of each invention showcased in the post and a 5 word summary.

5. At the bottom on the page explain which one of the inventions you think is the best?

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

 

#53: Character Quotes

Reading Enrichment

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your language arts mini spark recording page: #53: Character Quotes

Step 1:  Download Adobe Spark Post for Graphics from Manager.  Here’s a quick video tutorial on how to login.  You can also go to https://spark.adobe.com/sp/ on a computer.

Step 2:  Create a new project that includes a quote from a character in a book you’ve read or from a book you’re currently reading.  Be sure to add the title of the book and the author.

Step 3:  Download your project and share it with your teacher

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

#78 If I had a million…

Math Mini Sparks

Spark your math thinking!

  1. Set up your math mini spark recording page: #78 If I had a million…
  2. For inspiration, listen to How Much Is A Million by David M. Schwartz.

3. Explore the length of ONE MILLION objects.  You have two options for your recording sheet:  you can either print a copy or fill out a digital version. You can also make the charts on your recording page.

4. Create a visual to display your information.  You can use an app of your choice on your iPad or computer.  You can also draw/color on paper. 

5. Share your math mini spark recording page and ONE MILLION object page with your teacher/EY coordinator.

# 77 Organizing Data

Math Mini Sparks

We are surrounded by information (data) and it’s important to organize it into presentable and easy to understand ways!  For this math spark, you are going to display some information of your choice.

Spark your math thinking!

  1. Set up your math mini spark recording page: # 77 Organizing Data
  2. Start by watching The Great Graph Contest.

3.  Now, choose a topic that you want to graph, the information, and the way you represent it.

4.  Write 5 questions that can be answered from your information. Please also include the answers to your questions.

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

#41: STEAM Challenge: Paper Plate

Full STEAM Ahead

Are you ready for a fun PAPER PLATE building challenge? Grab a paper plate, scissors and tape, and let’s get started! With just these three materials, you can create amazing structures.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your STEAM mini spark recording page: #41: STEAM Challenge: Paper Plate

2. Look over your STEAM Challenge:

3. Make a sketch of what your structure will look like and any ideas that you have. Add a picture of your sketch to your recording page.

4. Gather the materials you will need. Ask an adult to help you find a paper plate if necessary.

5.  Take a picture of your supplies before you start. Add the picture to your recording sheet.

6. Take a picture of you final project at add it to your recording sheet. Explain your project,  what you did well on this challenge and where you can improve.

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

Check of the STEAM with Paper Plates Badge at the EY Website.

 

Early Enrichment Spark #50 – Turkey Time

Early Enrichment

Step 1 – Have you ever wondered why turkey is often a dish enjoyed at Thanksgiving Dinner? Check out this Wonderopolis to learn all about this tradition. Click below.

Now, that you have learned a little about this tradition, let’s get creative!

Step 2 – Watch this video for step-by-step directions on how to draw an adorable turkey. Grab a piece of paper and drawing utensil and click on the video below.

Remember, you can pause the video if you need more time.

Step 3 – Display your turkey drawing in your house for others to enjoy!

#40: STEAM Career Collection

Full STEAM Ahead

November 8th is national STEAM day!

STEAM Day is an opportunity to focus on helping kids advance in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Celebrate STEAM any day of the year by learning about careers that fall under each letter.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your STEAM mini spark recording page: #40: STEAM Career Collection

2. Get your STEAM carrer collection page. You can print a copy of this recording page or make a digital copy

3. Go to this website and read about the different careers. Write each title in the chart under the correct letter.

4. On your sheet, put a start next to any that sound interesting.

5. After choosing careers to summarize, read the next three paragraphs at the website, answer these questions on your recording page.

  • Why have the arts been underemphasized in favor of an education focused on math and science?
  • How can a STEAM education translate to career success?
  • What do we lose as a society when we don’t acknowledge the importance of arts in education?

6. OPTIONAL. Do some more research to find other jobs not listed. Not sure what category the careers that you find fall under? That happens because all of the parts of STEAM are connected and work together! You choose where you put the other careers you find.

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

Check out the My Future is so Bright I Gotta Wear Shades Badge at the EY website.

#52: Thank You Notes

Reading Enrichment, Uncategorized

An act of expressing your appreciation through a few words, a thank you note, is an important way to show your gratitude for someone and their time. In this mini spark you will learn about the basics and create a thank you note for Veteran’s Day.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your language arts mini spark recording page: #52: Thank You Notes

2. Veteran’s Day is November 11th, visit this website to learn more about the history of Veterans Day. Record 5 details about the history of veteran’s day to your recording page.

3. Learn the basics of writing a thank you note. Write each bold prase on your recording page as you read step 3.

Greeting. Don’t forget to make sure you’re using the correct form and spelling of the person’s name. Put a comma after the greeting.

  • Dear Aunt Sharon and Uncle Bob,

Express your thanks. Begin with the two most important words: Thank you.

  • Thank you so much for…
  • It made my day when I opened…
  • I’m so grateful you were there when…

Add specific details. Tell them how you plan to use or display their gift. It shows them that you really appreciate the thought that went into it. Even if it’s cold hard cash, describe how you’ll spend the stuff.

  • Here’s a picture of me with my new briefcase. I look so professional!
  • I can’t wait to use the birthday money you sent to decorate my dorm room.
  • The going-away party meant so much to me. Having all my friends and family in one place was something I’ll never forget.

Look ahead. Mention the next time you might see them, or just let them know you’re thinking of them.

  • We look forward to seeing you next month at Lucy’s party.

Restate your thanks. Add details to thank them in a different way.

  • Again, thank you for your generosity. I’m so excited about college. I’ll let you know all about it when I get settled.
  • We felt so blessed that you made the trip to be with us on our wedding day. We can’t wait to see you again soon!

End with your regards. “Sincerely” is a safe standby, but for closer relationships, you might choose a warmer option.

  • With love,
  • Many thanks,
  • Yours truly,

4. Read over this graphic about writing thank you notes. Write 3-5 reminders on your recording page.

5. Try it! On your recording page, use the steps from #3 and write a thank you note. You can write a pretend note to a fictional person or you can write one to someone who you would like to thank for helping you.

6.  OPTIONAL: Use this template or use your recording page to write a thank you note to a Veteran. If you do not personally know a veteran, you can write a general thank you to all Veterans.

7. Share your language arts mini spark recording page and your thank you note with your teacher/EY coordinator.

Source: https://ideas.hallmark.com/articles/thank-you-ideas/how-to-write-a-thank-you-note/