Category Archives: Learning Opportunities

#16: Discover Circles

Math Mini Sparks

Circles are EVERYWHERE, and wherever there are circles, there’s math to be done!

Spark your math thinking!

  1. Set up your math mini spark recording page: #16: Discover Circles
  2. Read this circle fact page. Record 3-5 ideas on your recording page.
  3. Find circles in your environment and snap some pictures.  Make a Pic Collage (or use another app of your choice). Add the finished project to your recording sheet.

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  4. Get a ruler. Snap a picture of a circle that you have found with a ruler going through the center This is measuring the diameter of the circle.  Calculate the circumference of the circle by taking pi (3.14) times diameter.  C = πd. Record your math and the answer on your recording page
  5. Read the following steps to see how you can get to Pi!

Step 1:  Measure the diameter of a circle.  I used the top of my QT cup in the picture below. I measured the diameter as 11.5 cm.

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Step 2:  Measure the outside of the circle (circumference) with a string (I used a piece of making tape folded in half because I didn’t have a string handy).

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Step 3:  Measure the string.  I measured the circumference of my QT lid as 36.5 cm.

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Step 4:  Divide the circumference by the diameter (36.5 divided by 11.5).

I got 3.17391304.  Not too bad!

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5. Do steps 1-4 with your own circle. Record all of the math on your recording page.

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

#15: Spheres with Pi

Math Mini Sparks

Learn about how Pi relates to cylinders, cones, and spheres in this math mini spark.

Spark your math thinking!

  1. Set up your math mini spark recording page: #15: Spheres with Pi
  2. Watch this video. Practice drawing the sphere with the teacher on your recording page. Record 3-5 other details from the video.

3.  Read about cylinders, cones, and spheres. Answer the questions the show up as ????  with a blue background and keep moving along the teaching journey.

4. Read this teaching page that shows how to calculate the surface area of a sphere. Record the steps on your recording sheet.

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

#7: Zip Codes and More!

Social Studies Enrichment

ZIP Codes™ are an integral part of making sure the mailpiece is processed quickly and efficiently. Not having a ZIP Code™ on your mail causes unnecessary delays because it will require manual handling.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your Social Studies mini spark recording page: #7: Zip Codes and More!

2. Watch this video about how mail is sorted.  What is culling? Describe the bar codes and explain why they are added to the envelopes.

3. Watch this video. Record 5 ideas from the video on your recording page.

 

4. Zip codes are helpful, but what are some other ways mentioned in the video that we can use to find locations

5.  A full ZIP code has five digits, like 12345. But the first three digits are super important because they tell you which main post office, called a Sectional Center Facility. Look over this list of the first 3 Zip code numbers from all over the US. Find 5 cities you have not heard of before and record the state, city name, and the SCF.

6.  Share your Social Studies mini spark recording page with your teacher or the EY coordinator in your building.

 

Enjoy this spark? Look for these badges at the EY website. 

Early Enrichment #14: One Hundred

Early Enrichment

This week we celebrated 100 days of school!

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Can you believe that we have been in school for one hundred days! Wow! That is a lot of school! Can you imagine what it would be like if you went to school for a hundred years! That’s even crazier. 

Imagine all of the things you could learn in 100 years.

Imagine all of the things you would have made in 100 years. 

Imagine what a classroom would look like in 100 years. 

Imagine what you would look like in 100 years! (use this app if you are curious!) 

Brainstorm about what a classroom might look like in the year 2116, what you would be like,  and what you may have learned if you were still a student. Create something to share your ideas. You can make a Pic Collage, write a story, comment below, or share your work with your EY Coordinator!

#14: Story Starters

Reading Enrichment

A story starter is one specific type of writing prompt that you can use when you need an idea for a story. In this mini spark, you will find writing starters and comic starters that go along with the Dav Pilkey series: Dog Man, Cat Kid, and Captain Underpants.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your language arts mini spark recording page: #14: Story Starters

2. Who is Dav Pilkey? Read a little about him on this page. Record 5 details on your recording page.

3. Watch this video interview. On your recording page, write 2-3 sentences about how Dav started his writing journey.

4. Look over an example of a  writing starter and a comic starter.

Look at the comic starter for Dog Man.

Look at the writing starter for Dog Man.

After looking at each type, would you prefer to write and illustrate comic or write the next part of the story? Add your response to your recording sheet and explain your choice.

5. Choose one of these starters to complete. You can choose to do the comic starter or the writing starter. Print out your choice to use to create your story.  

Comic starter for Dog Man Lord of the Fleas

Writing starter for Dog Man Lord of the Fleas

Comic starter for Dog Man Fetch-22

Writing starter for Dog Man Fetch-22

Comic starter for Cat Kid Comic Club Influencers

Writing starter for Cat Kid Comic Club Influencers

Comic starter for Dog Man

Writing starter for Dog Man

Comic starter for Captain Underpants 25 ½ Anniversary Edition

Writing starter for Captain Underpants 25 ½ Anniversary Edition

6.  Share your language arts mini spark recording page and project if you printed it, with your teacher/EY coordinator.

There are many more choices at the main Story Starters website. If you are interested in doing these projects for a badge, talk to your teacher or your EY coordinator.

#6: Lizard Point Geography Quizzes

Social Studies Enrichment

 

How well do you know the location of the stated in the United States of America? In this mini spark you will learn how to use lizard point quizzes to become a geography master!

Spark Your Thinking!

1. Set up your Social Studies mini spark recording page: #6: Lizard Point Geography Quizzes

2. Watch this introduction video. Record 5 of the different ways you can use Lizard Point to help you learn.

3. Decide what your area of study should be. This link will take you to the USA quiz. You can navigate to other geography topics using the toolbar if you would like to choose another area.   Record the name of the content you will study on your recording page.

4. Set your timer for 5 minutes and work on your quizzes. Use the different tools to help you. At the end of the 5 minutes rare your progress on a scale of 1-5.  5 means you mastered the content. If you did a graded quiz you can record that score here.

5. Choose one more area to explore. Set your timer for 5 minutes and work on your quizzes. Use the different tools to help you. At the end of the 5 minutes rare your progress on a scale of 1-5.  5 means you mastered the content. If you did a graded quiz you can record that score here.

6. Share your Social Studies mini spark recording page with your teacher or EY coordinator.

 

 

Early Enrichment #13: Writer’s Block

Early Enrichment

Have you ever heard someone say “writer’s block?” It sounds kind of silly doesn’t it?

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A writer on a block? A writer that uses a block? A writer writing about a block? What is it?

A writer’s block is when you have a hard time of thinking about what to write about or how to keep going in your stories.  Sometimes it is hard to know where to start or where to continue.

Here are a couple of different ways to get over having “writer’s block.”

 1. Listen to music. Music can relax you or inspire you. 

3. Have a snack. Make sure your brain is properly fed when you sit down to write.

4. Look for inspiration around you. Take a walk, look around, use pictures to inspire you. 

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Use this writing prompt and comment below with your story. Try some of these helpful tips if you are facing writer’s block!

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#14: 100

Math Mini Sparks

10 squared = 100

The number of centimeters in a meter = 100

The number of sides on a square multiplied by the quantity of the number of letters in the alphabet take away one = 100

55+45 = 100

The base 10 equivalent of this binary number:  1100100 = 100

Spark your math thinking!

1. Set up your math mini spark recording page: #14: 100

2. Choose one of these projects to earn this mini spark.

  • Come up with 100 facts about the number 100. You can include math problems (like the ones listed above)
  • Facts that include the number 100
  • How to say 100 in different languages
  • Learn the scientific names of 100 animals.  Use this site (or another research tool) and present your learning using a tool of your choice (a list on paper, a Keynote, Pic Collage, etc.). Flip a coin 100 times and record the number of heads and tails.  Summarize your results.
  • Write a 100 word story about what you think life will be like 100 years from now.
  • Research information about life 100 years ago.  This article has some information about how things have changed. You may need to do other research Make a NOW VS THEN chart on your recording page. Compare/Contrast this year to what it was like 100 years ago. Include at least 10 items in your chart.

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

#14: Can we build a wooden skyscraper?

Full STEAM Ahead, Learning Opportunities

Rising to a height of 85 meters in the Norwegian landscape, Mjøstårnet holds the title of the tallest wooden building in the world, constructed primarily from timber sourced from nearby forests. However, not long ago, towards the close of the 20th century, engineers believed that erecting a wooden structure taller than six stories was unfeasible. What, then, are the differences between wooden constructions like this and skyscrapers made of steel and concrete? Stefan Al explores this question.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your STEAM mini spark recording page: #14: Can we build a wooden skyscraper?

2. Listen to how Mjøstårnet is pronounced. Whisper say it 10 times.

3. Watch this TED Ed video. Record 5 terms from the video with the definition on your recording sheet.

4. Choose 5 of these questions to answer on your recording page. **Reminder for your teacher that the answers can be found in the STEAM mini spark folder.

  • Explain how Mjøstårnet blends into the Norwegian countryside.
  • Describe the main types of engineered wood mentioned in the transcript and their functions.
  • What significant invention in the 1890s changed the way wooden buildings could be constructed?
  • How does cross-laminated timber (CLT) differ in construction from traditional lumber?
  • What are some advantages of using CLT and glulam in building construction compared to concrete?
  • Discuss how engineered wood materials like CLT and glulam contribute to environmental sustainability.
  • Why is it mentioned that Mjøstårnet is not made entirely of wood?
  • How do engineered wood materials perform in terms of fire safety compared to steel?
  • What impact could using wooden materials have on the carbon footprint of buildings?

5. Read this post from Guinness World Record. On your recording page, list 5-10 facts about Mjøstårnet.

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

#13: STEAM Challenge: Cardboard Box

Full STEAM Ahead, Learning Opportunities

Are you ready for a fun cardboard box building challenge? Grab a box, scissors and tape, and a few other item, and let’s get started! With just these three materials, you can create,well, anything you want!

Spark your thinking!

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

2. Look over your STEAM Challenge:

3. Make a sketch of what your project 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 cardboard box 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 out the Cardboard Challenge badge at the EY Website.