Category Archives: Learning Opportunities
#9: Science Experiments
Kids can learn a lot about science by watching and doing fun experiments! When you try out experiments, you get to discover things about chemistry, biology, and physics in a hands-on way. While having fun, you also build important skills like solving problems, doing research, and making decision.
Spark your thinking!
1. Set up your STEAM mini spark recording page: #9: Science Experiments
2. Check out this rainbow test tubes science experiment. Before you start the video record the title on your recording page. Pause the video after Steve shows you the materials. Decide what will happen and record that on your recording sheet.
3. After watching the video one time through, go back and watch it again. Record all of these items on your recording sheet: title, materials, procedures and results.
2. Look over the other 5 videos in the Science Minute™ Video Collection
3. On your recording page, list the 3 videos that you want to watch.
4. Watch 3 videos. For each video watch it all of the way through one time. Then watch a second time, record the title, materials, procedures and results on your recording page.
5. Choose one of the experiments and display what you learned in a creative way (Pic Collage, Explain Everything, iMovie Trailer, Apple Clips, Canva, your choice).
6. Share your STEAM mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator.
OPTIONAL: If you wanted to try any of these experiments at home, that is great! Take pictures to share with your EY coordinator. If you need help gathering supplies for an experiment you want to try, talk to your EY coordinator.
#2: The Oregon Trail
The Oregon Trail was a pathway that pioneers took to journey westward to Oregon during the 1800s. This trail was not a railroad; instead, it consisted of a network of worn tracks that extended from Missouri to Oregon.
Spark your thinking!
1. Set up your Social Studies mini spark recording page: #2: The Oregon Trail
2. Record the names of the landmarks the people saw on the trail.
3. Choose 3 of the questions to answer after watching the video. Remind your teacher that the key can be found in the Social Studies mini spark folder.
- What types of transportation did Pioneers use while traveling on the Oregon Trail?
- Name at least two landmarks mentioned in the video that served as mile markers for the Pioneers.
- Explain why natural wonders were important to the Pioneers on their journey.
- How did Pioneers mark their presence at Chimney Rock?
- Describe the significance of Chimney Rock to the Pioneers traveling west.
- What does the phrase “if man does not feel like an insect here” suggest about the size of Chimney Rock in relation to the Pioneers?
4. Choose 3 historic sites to read about that were along the trail. When you get to the Oregon Trail Webpage, click on the names of the sites to find the information pages. Make a tiny fact page that explains the sites.
5. Study this map of the Oregon Trail. Record 3 things you notice, 2 questions you have, and 1 thing you learned.
6. Study this map with modern roads labeled. Find the east and west end of the Oregon Trail. First find Independence, Missouri and then Oregon City, Oregon. What roads would you choose to take today to get from Independence to Oregon City?
7. Share your Social Studies mini spark recording page and visual with your teacher/EY coordinator.
Early Enrichment #7: Super Digital Citizen
How can you be a Super Digital Citizen?
The Cyber Five!
- Never give your password to anyone.
- Don’t download unless you have permission, you might download a virus.
- Don’t respond to a bully online.
- Show an adult if someone is bullying you online.
- If you don’t like the website you are one, tell an adult and go back.
Can you think of some more rules that will help you be a super digital citizen? See if you can teach your friends how to be a digital citizen by making a poster or pic collage on how you can be safe, respectful and responsible online!
Share your ideas with your EY Coordinator and your class!
#9: Tangram Puzzles
Spark your math thinking!
- Set up your math mini spark recording page: #9: Tangram Puzzles
- 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 5 or 6 puzzles to solve. Choose the right level for you. Older kids should do the advanced puzzles. Add a picture of each completed puzzle to your recording sheet.
5. 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. 
Early Enrichment #6: Alternative Endings
Have you ever wished a story ended differently in a book?
I know I have!
Maybe it was missing more action, a happy ending, or a hook that makes you want to read more.
Try your hand in being an author, and write an ending for a story. You can use a book that you have read before, or checkout the ideas at this website.
http://www.stuartstories.com/activities/finishme.html
Comment below how you would end the stories!
#11: That’s hard to pronounce!
A heteronyms are words that have the same spelling but different pronunciations and meanings. For example, wind and wind can easily cause confusion since both word are spelled the same BUT can be pronounced differently and have different meaning. We’ll outline heteronyms and some other words that are hard to pronounce in this mini spark.
Spark your thinking!
1. Set up your language arts mini spark recording page: #11: That’s hard to pronounce!
2. Write this definition on your recording sheet. A heteronym occurs when two or more homographs – words which the same spelling – are pronounced differently. In a written text, this can be confusing.
3. Watch this video. On your recording page record at least 10 ideas you learned from this video.
4. Look at this list of words. Practice the different ways the word can be pronounced. Ask your teacher to listen to you say the words in the correct format. Have your teacher put her signature on your recording sheet by step 4.
- Bass – a fish, or a low-pitched instrument
- Bow – a thing you fire arrows with, or when you bend over in a respectful greeting
- Desert – to abandon, or a (usually sandy) area with little rain
- Moped – when you were sad, or a low-powered alternative to a motorbike
- Perfect – when you get really good at something, or when something is flawless
- Polish – when you make something metal look great, or something from Poland
- Wind – when you twist something, or when the air moves
5. Number your recording sheet from 1-9. Your challenge is to try to think of a word that will fit into both blanks. These are tricky but spend at least 5 minutes trying to work on these challenge. GOAL-Try to solve at least 6! After 5 minutes or when you have at least 6, scroll way to the end of this page to check your work. Put a star for those that were correct and add in correct answers for those that were blank.
1. She will ———- if you try to bring that ugly ———-into her house.
2. I saw a ——– in her eye when he threatened to ——– up the agreement.
3. They were able to ———- the gates before the enemy got too ———-.
4. The secretary will ——– the items until she has a complete ———-.
5. A ———- occurred when the prisoners were ordered to line up in a ———-.
6. It took less than a ———— to identify the ———— virus.
7. His followers will ———- him if he forces them to live in the arid ——–.
8. He ——– all that he can to protect the ———- from harm.
9. The will written by the ———- was declared by a lawyer to be ———-.
6. Share your language arts mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator.
Check out mini spark #9 The Dove Dove which is about words and how they are used.
ANSWERS
1. Object
2. Tear
3. Close
4. Record
5. Row
6. Minute
7. Desert
8. Does
9. Invalid
Lesson idea from https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2022/aug/12/super-quiz-heteronyms/
#10: Silly Zoo Stories
Use the ideas from this mini spark and the story starter guide to make your own silly animal themed story.
Spark your thinking!
1. Set up your language arts mini spark recording page: #10: Silly Zoo Stories
2. Listen to the book, A Couch for Llama. What did you learn about this llama in the story. Write two sentences.
3. Listen to the book, Books Aren’t for Eating. Write 3 examples of how Leopold is good at his job.
4. You are to write your own silly animal story. Open up or print this super silly story starters page to get some for ideas. Look it over and decide which of the prompts you will use for this mini spark. Record 3 prompt ideas on your recording page. Put a star next to the prompt you will use for your story.
5. Start thinking about your animal’s personality. Here are some question to answer on your recording page before you start your story.
- What kind of personality does the animal have? Is it shy or outgoing, even-tempered or grumpy, be specific.
- What does your animal like to do for fun?
- Why does the animal choose to live where it lives?
- What does the animal like to eat and what does the animal NOT like to eat at all???
- Who are the animal’s best friends. Who is your animal afraid of seeing?
6. Write your story on your recording page. Reminder: INCLUDE YOUR ANIMALS PERSONALITY AS YOU WRITE!
7. Share your language arts mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator.
OPTIONAL: If you would like to write more stories using this guide, please do! Talk with your EY coordinator or teacher about making these into a badge.
Lesson adapted from https://craftingagreenworld.com/writing/funny-journal-prompts/.
#1: The First Trick-or-Treaters
Trick-or-treating has been linked to Halloween festivities in the United States and Canada since the early 20th century. However, various cultures around the globe have their own traditions of children visiting homes to collect treats, with one European practice often seen as the origin of the North American custom.
Spark your thinking!
1. Set up your social studies mini spark recording page: #1: The First Trick-or-Treaters
2. Read this article. Write a 3 sentence summary.
Trick-or-treating is a popular Halloween tradition in America, enjoyed by children of all ages. While today it mainly revolves around collecting candy, its roots can be traced back to ancient customs from Ireland and Great Britain. Historically, trick-or-treating is linked to the belief that the souls of the dead would return to Earth on Halloween night.
In the past, people would visit their neighbors and ask for “soul cakes.” These were small baked goods offered by the residents in exchange for a prayer said for the souls of their departed loved ones. This practice was a way to honor the dead and help guide their spirits to the afterlife.
To appease wandering spirits, many families left food and drink outside their homes. This offering was meant to satisfy the spirits, ensuring that they would not cause trouble or play tricks on the living. If a spirit found no offerings, it was believed that they might play a practical joke on the homeowner.
Today, some people still enjoy playing harmless pranks, but the majority of families focus on the fun of giving out treats to children who knock on their doors and say, “Trick or Treat!” This phrase has become a familiar part of Halloween celebrations, signaling the children’s excitement as they collect sweets from neighborhood homes.
3. Trick-or-treating has evolved, but its essence remains tied to the themes of community and remembrance. As you celebrate Halloween, consider the history behind this fun tradition. Learn more about the recipe for soul cakes. Visit this page and look over the into paragraph and the recipe. Write down the ingredients on your recording page.
4. Look over this infographic that shows some of the different traditions involving “treats”. Choose one or two and do some research to find out more details.
5. Share your social studies mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator.
#8: Zombie Math
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.