Category Archives: Learning Opportunities

Social Studies Mini-Spark #1: The First Trick-or-Treaters

Social Studies Enrichment

Trick-or-treating has been around for quite awhile in America. By now, however, it’s mostly about the treats.

Like other Halloween customs, trick-or-treating comes from Ireland and Great Britain and has to do with the souls of the dead coming back to earth.

People would go from house to house, asking for “soul cakes,” little baked items that people inside the houses would give in exchange for having a prayer said for their soul.

Also, people would leave food and drink outside their houses, in hopes that the spirits roaming the earth would take the offering and leave the house alone.

It was said that both the people asking for the “soul cakes” and the spirits who didn’t find any food or drink outside a house would play a trick, or practical joke, on the people who lived in that house.

Some people still play practical jokes today. Most people, however, prefer to give treats to the kids who say, “Trick or Treat!”

Article Source:  Socialstudiesforkids.com, Graphics courtesy of ArtToday

  • Go to this website to find the recipe for soul cakes. Bake your own soul cake, take a picture of it, and e-mail it to the EY coordinator at your school.
  • We’ve all heard the rhyme, “Trick or Treat, Smell My Feet, Give Me Something Good to Eat”.  Write your own “Trick or Treat” rhyme, incorporating the facts from the above article.
  • Or, respond to this article with something new you learned in the comment section below.

 

#8: Zombie Math

Math Mini Sparks

Spark your math thinking!

1. Set up your math mini spark recording page: #8: Zombie Math 

2. You need to get away from these mutant zombies-FAST! Can you solve the bridge riddle? Watch the riddle. IMPORTANT! Pause the video to record your possible solutions on your recording sheet. After you have written down your solution, you can watch the rest of the video. Record the solution from the video on your recording video and if you found the solution write “I SOLVED THE BRIDGE RIDDLE!!”.

2. Can you escape the web of zombies in 13 steps and exit safely? Challenge yourself with a web made up of algebraic expressions that include exponents and square roots, all tangled up with angles, area, and other ghostly geometry concepts. Print the Zombie Web page.  Reminder for your teacher-the answer key is in the math mini spark folder.

3. Practice using the exponential growth formula-with Zombies! Take notes on your recording sheet showing the math from the video.

4. **Advanced Option: The Mathematics of Escaping Zombies. Check out this video from Numberphile.  Watch this and take record some important details on your recording sheet showing the math you learned.

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

# 8: Binary Code: Numbers

Full STEAM Ahead

To talk to computer your need to speak its language.  One such language, or code, is binary.  It works by using a system of 2 symbols, base 2, often made up of 0’s and 1’s.  In this 2nd binary code STEAM mini spark learn about binary code: numbers 

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your STEAM mini spark recording page: #7: Binary Code: Numbers

2. The base 2 number systems (binary) requires you to be familiar with the powers of 2. Copy these two charts on to your recording page.

3. Watch this teaching video to 3:37 to get started reading numbers written in binary. Pause the video at 1:28 and write the chart on your recording sheet.  He does the addition for you, but still write down all of the numbers as he goes and add them together to make sure it is 155.  Scroll to the bottom of this post to see that you have all of the correct numbers.  Watch until 3:37, taking a few more notes as you watch.

4. Make a table like this on your recording sheet. Then look up at the top to find age on the graphic for this mini spark. Fill in this table with the 1s and 0s.  You can put 0s in for 128 and 64 or just leave them blank.

5. Use the process that the teacher used in the video. What birthday is the person celebrating? Record all of your math on your recording page.

6. Scroll to the bottom of this post to check your answer. If you have the answer correct, put a star on your recording sheet. Correct your work if necessary.

7.  Watch this video to see how to write base ten numbers in base 2. Pause at 27 seconds and draw the horizontal table on your recording page.  Then follow along with the teacher and fill in your chart. What is 347 in binary?

 

8. Learning the process of converting from base ten to base 2 and base 2 to base 10. This STEAM mini spark was an introduction. OPTIONAL: If you want to learn more and practice you can visit the Khan Course-Binary Numbers.

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

Check out STEAM Mini Spark # 7: Binary Code: Names

 

From step 3: You should have 128 + 16 + 9 + 2 + 1 = 155

 

 

#7: Mayan Math

Math Mini Sparks, Uncategorized

The Mayans were a classical civilization of Mesoamerica.  Originating in the Yucatan around 2600 B.C.E., they rose to prominence around A.D.E. 250 in present-day southern Mexico, Guatemala, western Honduras, El Salvador, and northern Belize.

Spark your math thinking!

1. Set up your math mini spark recording page: #7: Mayan Math

2. Mayan Math was the most sophisticated number system ever developed in the Americas.  Astronomers and architects used Mayan Math, but it was also simple enough to be used by uneducated traders and farmers.  Where we use ten different symbols to represent numbers (1, 2, 3, 4 , 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0), the Mayans used only three: a dot for a one, a bar for five, and a symbol (usually a shell) for zero. (The Maya were the first civilization to discover and understand the concept of zero.)  The chart below shows the Mayan numbers 1 – 19. Draw this chart on your recording page or use this online tool to practice making the numbers 1-19.

Screen Shot 2015-10-22 at 11.32.27 AM
3.  We use a decimal system, based on the number ten, but the Mayans used a vigesimal system, based on the number twenty. So, where we learn to count on our fingers, Mayan children counted on their fingers and toes. In fact, the number twenty was very important to the Mayans, so much so that the words for “human being” and “twenty” share the same root in most Mayan languages. Record a summary of this information on your recording sheet.
Watch a video about base 20 and how it is used. Record important details on your recording sheet.

4. The Mayans wrote their numbers from top to bottom rather than from left to right, but apart from that, their system was not so different from ours. For example, to write the number 34, we place a three in the tens column and a four in the ones column. The Maya put a one in the twenties column and a fourteen in the ones column. Draw this image on your recording sheet.

Screen Shot 2015-10-22 at 12.25.02 PM

5. Practice making larger numbers at Round 2 at Mayan Math Games. Then you will move to Round 3 at Mayan Math Games where you make numbers in the base 20 system.   If you think you can move to round 3 without starting in round 2 that is ok. Add a note to your recording page about what you learned.

6. Adding in the Mayan system is simply a matter of juggling the dots and bars. To calculate 36 + 13, for example, you start by adding the units (i.e., 16 + 13). This gives you 29, so you leave 9 in the ones column and carry the 20 up, giving you a grand total of 2 twenties and 9 ones = 49.

Screen Shot 2015-10-22 at 12.26.44 PM

Pretty smart, right? Especially, when you consider that the Ancient Egyptians never cracked the concept of zero and that complex calculations with Roman numerals were way too complicated for ordinary Romans. Practice adding in Round 4 at Mayan Math Games.

7.  Optional: If you would like to try subtraction go to Round 5 at Mayan Math Games.

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

Check out the ancient number systems badge at the EY website

#9: The dove dove.

Reading Enrichment, Uncategorized

 A homograph is a group of words that are spelled the same way, but have different meanings. They may or may not be pronounced the same way, although the difference in pronunciation is often just a shift in the accented syllable.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your language arts mini spark recording page: #9: Homographs

2. Here is a sentence that uses the homograph “dove.”  Write the two meanings of the word dove on your recording page.

The dove looked elegant as it dove underneath the tree branch to catch the bug.

Here is a sentence that uses the homograph “bank.”Write the two meanings of the word bank on your recording page.

After swimming at the river bank, we went to the bank to get some money to buy ice cream.

3. Read this article.  Write down a 4 of sets of words and the meanings that you think are hard for some kids to remeber.

3. Strengthen your brain by playing a matching game. You will be given two lists of word definitions. Find the pair that has the homograph in common. Here is a sample
Find the matching pairs and write them on your recording sheet. The answers are at the bottom of this mini spark. Check your work.
4. Go to this website. Choose the level that fits you. Record the level you choose on your recording sheet.
5. Play the game 3 times. Write your answers on your recording sheet.
Don’t click “hint” until you have guesses made.
Then click the word “hint”. That will give you the words and you will be able to check to see if your guesses are correct. Correct your work on your recording sheet.

6. On your recording sheet, build a 2 column form like the game you played in step 5. Use these 5 words. If needed, use a dictionary to help you with your definitions.

minute, coordinates, produce, entrance, down

7. Make an answer key to go along with your definitions.

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

Check out mini spark which is about heteronyms, homographs that are pronounced differently.

 

 

Answer for step 3: 1 & B, 2 & D,  3 & A, 4 & E, 5 & C

 

Early Enrichment #5: Matific Episodes

Early Enrichment, Uncategorized

Matific is a math website/app that features hundreds of playful interactions called “episodes.” Practice your math skills by practicing some of their free episodes!

Go to the link below, click the box to continue to website, and choose one of the activities on their homepage.

https://www.matific.com/us/en-us

(note: activities found off of the homepage will require an account created by  classroom teachers. Scroll down to see some of the free episodes).

Spy a Meerkat

Screen Shot 2015-10-09 at 11.59.00 AM

Monster Shop

Screen Shot 2015-10-09 at 12.00.18 PM

Cherry Chomp

Screen Shot 2015-10-09 at 12.01.54 PM

Cut, Paste and Figure

Screen Shot 2015-10-09 at 12.02.47 PM

Weighing the Options

Screen Shot 2015-10-09 at 12.04.46 PM

Get Mixed Up

Screen Shot 2015-10-09 at 12.06.17 PM

The Monster’s Share

Screen Shot 2015-10-09 at 2.08.40 PM

#6: The Mathematical Secrets of Pascal’s Triangle

Math Mini Sparks

Pascal’s Triangle, named after Blaise Pascal, a famous French Mathematician and Philosopher, is more than a triangular shape of numbers.  The patterns found within the triangle are FASCINATING! Investigate some of the treasures found within the triangle in this math mini spark.

1

1     1

1     2     1

1     3     3     1

1     4     6     4     1

1     5     10     10     5     1

Spark your math thinking!

1. Set up your math mini spark recording page: #6: The Mathematical Secrets of Pascal’s Triangle

2. Watch this video about Pascal’s Triangle. On your recording page answer these questions: Describe a pattern you notice within the triangle. What numbers would be in the next row?

 

3. At 1:20 in the video, the Triangular Numbers are highlighted.  The picture below shows the first 5 triangular numbers.  Draw the next 2 triangular numbers on your recording page.

Screen Shot 2015-10-07 at 7.19.52 PM4. At 1:58 in the video, the Pentagonal Numbers are highlighted.  The picture below shows the first 5 pentagonal numbers.  Draw the next 2 pentagonal numbers on your recording page.

Screen Shot 2015-10-07 at 7.24.02 PM

5. Do some more research on Pascal’s Triangle at Math is Fun. Don’t feel like you have to explain everything about the triangle, just pick a couple patterns to highlight on your recording page.

6. This TED Ed Video takes the explanation of Pascal’s Triangle to a higher level, but it’s worth a watch to discover even more patterns within the triangle. Record 5 details from the video on your recording sheet.

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

#7: Binary Code Names

Full STEAM Ahead

To talk to computer your need to speak its language.  One such language, or code, is binary.  It works by using a system of 2 symbols, base 2, often made up of 0’s and 1’s.  In this 1st binary code STEAM mini spark learn about binary code names.  

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your STEAM mini spark recording page: #7: Binary Code Names

2. Check out first part of  this article on binary code. Write your name using UTF-8 binary code. Record your Code Name on your recording sheet.

3. Using the chart from the article, determine the person’s name from the name tag at the top of this mini spark. Record it on your recording page.

4. Watch this video and take detailed notes on your recording page.

5.  Start looking at binary codes that represent numbers.  At this site you will see numbers from 1-100. Choose 10 numbers to recordon on your recording page. Write about what you notice and any patterns you see.

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

Check out STEAM Mini Spark # 8: Binary Code Numbers

Early Enrichment #4: Alien Invasion

Early Enrichment

aliens-36912_640

Imagine you are a scientist for NASA responsible for a top secret research project on one of the planets. Your job is to inform the world on what your planet is like, and if there is any form of life living there.

First, watch the videos to learn about what planets you can find in our solar system. 

 

Then, choose a planet to research using one of the links below.

Planet for Kids 

National Geographic Kids- What is a Planet?

Here are some questions to think about as you research your planet:

What does your planet look like? How far away from the sun is your planet?

What can you find on your planet? Is the temperature cold or hot?

What is the surface like? How long does it take your planet to go around the sun?

After researching your planet, show what you have learned by designing a Planet Report. Your report should include important information about your planet and a drawing of an alien life form that could survive on it. Be sure to label and describe your alien’s  features, for example eyes, and why they are vital for your alien’s survival.

Share your Planet Report and Alien with your EY Coordinator!

#6:Cardboard Arcade Challenge

Full STEAM Ahead

What arcade games can you make out of cardboard? Using a cardboard box, some paper, a few around-the-house items, and a little bit of engineering, you can create your own pinball machine. You could also make a plan for a marble maze. Use cardboard and some tape so you can and guide a marble around a cardboard track. Ring Toss. DIY Bowling. Household Mini Golf……so many choices!

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your STEAM mini spark recording page: #6:Cardboard Challenge

2. Caine’s Arcade is where the idea first started. Watch this video. On your recording sheet, write down some of Caine’s ideas that impressed you.

3.  Set up your recording page with these three sections.

Ticket Grab Game

Labyrinth Game

Cardboard Games

4. When you are watching each of the videos, record ideas, details, and examples of creativity on your recording sheet.

Ticket Grab Game:

5. Write about a game that you would like to create.  Record the materials you would use, draw an sketch of the game and give it a name.

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

Do you want to make your own cardboard game? Check out the Cardboard Challenge badge at the EY Website