Category Archives: Learning Opportunities

#62: Ada Lovelace

Full STEAM Ahead

Ada Lovelace is often celebrated as the world’s first computer programmer. Her visionary work and ideas laid the foundation for the modern computer technology we rely on today.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your STEAM  mini spark recording page: #62: Ada Lovelace 

2. Look over this info card from National Geographic about Ada Lovelace. Record 5 details about her on your recording page.

3. Listen to this Ada Lovelace book. On your recording sheet finish these sentence starters. Use an example from the story in each sentence.

Ada Lovelace was

Ada Lovelace proved

Ada Lovelace changed

4. Read this article. Record 3 details about Ada that you did not already know.

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

# 87: Literary Device Lesson- Short Story Challenge

Reading Enrichment

In this mini spark you will write a short story with a beginning, middle, and end.  Your story will be short-only 10 sentences! You will use literary devices as well. Get started on your short story challenge!

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your Language Arts mini spark recording page: # 87: Literary Device Lesson-Short Story Challenge

2.  Look over this slideshow about the literary devices you will use for this challenge. Record each literary device and an example for each one on your recording page.

3.  Read this challenge activity written by Brian Tolentio. There is a also a sample story to read. You can print this page as a reference if you would like.

Write this on your recording page

1 & 2- HYPERBOLE

3 & 4 – SIMILE

5 & 6 – PERSONIFICATION

7 & 8 – METAPHOR

9 & 10 – ALLITERATION

4. Write your 10 sentence story on your recording page.

5. Share your Language Arts mini spark recording page with your and visual with your teacher/EY coordinator.

 

#86: Doreen Cronin

Reading Enrichment, Uncategorized

Doreen Cronin has a remarkable talent for transforming everyday occurrences into humorous tales, showcasing her comic genius within the pages of children’s books. She believes that while most of the information we encounter daily fades away, certain thoughts and words linger in our minds for a purpose.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your language arts mini spark page #86: Doreen Cronin

2. Learn more about Doreen Cronin and her books. Read this article. Write 3 facts about her on your recording page.

3. Look over this webpage with the titles of her books. Record 3 books you have read or heard of before and 3 that you have not read.

4. Listen to this interview. Record at least 3 suggestions she gives about becoming a better writer.

5. Listen to one of the stories from this playlist. Write the title of the book you choose. After listening choose 2 of these questions to answer.

List 3 adjectives to describe a character in your book. Give an example to prove how each is true.

Some characters play small but important roles in the story. Name such a character. Why is this character necessary for the story?

Did the author keep you interested? How or why?

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

Use this mini spark as your first task in the Author’s Speaks to Kids badge at the EY website.

#70: Tails and Tales

Early Enrichment

Check out these fun stories from the San Diego zoo. Read along and learn about the animals who live there.

Spark your thinking!

1.  Set up your Early Enrichment Mini Spark recording page: #70: Tails and Tales

2. Study this map. On your recording page write down the names of three of the exhibits.

3. Visit the zoo webpage and look over all of the story choices. On your recording page, write the titles of three stories you will read.

4. For each story write 3 facts about the animal, 2 interesting details from the article, and 1 question you have.

5. Share your Early Enrichment Mini Spark recording page with your teacher or EY Coordinator.

Learn more about animals by completing the Animal ABC badge at the EY website.

#61: STEAM Challenge: Hole Punch

Full STEAM Ahead

Check out this hole punch challenge.  To complete a puzzle, take a square of paper, fold it using as many folds as needed so that if you punch only ONE hole and unfold it, you will match one of the puzzles.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your STEAM mini spark recording page: #61: STEAM Challenge: Hole Punch

2. For this STEAM challenge you will need 1 hole punch and 10-12 sheets of paper cut into squares. You can make your own or print this template.

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

4.  To complete a puzzle, take a square of paper, fold it using as many folds as needed so that if you punch only ONE hole and unfold it, you will match one of the puzzles. Your challenge is to create any THREE of the patterns seen here. Optional: Print this task card

5. Take a picture of your 3 final folds and at add it to your recording sheet.

6. Write about 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 fold and punch badge on the EY website.

#109: Volume of a Triangular Prism

Math Mini Sparks, Uncategorized

A triangular prism is a three-dimensional geometric shape characterized by having two identical triangular faces at its ends, connected by three rectangular sides.

Spark your math thinking!

1. Set up your math mini spark recording page: #109:Volume of a Triangular Prism

2. Make a sketch of these triangular prism examples on your recording page

  • Tents: Many camping tents have a triangular prism shape, with the top forming a triangle and the sides being rectangular.
  • Pyramids: Some structures, like certain types of pyramids, can resemble triangular prisms when viewed from the side, especially if they have a rectangular base.
  • Wedges: Tools like doorstops or some types of wedges are often designed in the shape of a triangular prism to provide stability and support.
  • Chocolate Bars: Some chocolate bars are shaped like triangular prisms, with two triangular ends and rectangular sides.

3. Record this formula on your recording page.

4.  Watch the teaching video and pause it to do the math on a piece of paper with the teacher. Add a picture of your notes to your recording page.

5. Do 3 practice problems at IXL. Record your work and your answers on your recording sheet. Add your score when you are done. (Sixth grade HH.5  Volume of triangular prisms 6ZL)

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

#85: Compare and Contrast

Reading Enrichment, Uncategorized

Looking at how things are alike and different helps us think critically. It allows us to analyze information about animal behavior and ecology, so we can understand and form our own ideas about how animals live and interact with their environment.

Spark your thinking!

1.  Set up your language arts mini spark page #85: Compare and Contrast

2. Read this article about seals and sea lions. Write down 5 details about each animal.

3. This article outlines how the animals are different, but there are ideas in the article that suggest how they are the same as well. On your recording sheet use what you learned to make 4 sentences about seals and sea lions using these sentence starters.

1. __________ and __________ are alike because __________.

2. __________ and __________ are different because __________.

3. The most interesting difference between __________ and __________ is __________.

4.  While __________ and __________ are alike because __________, they have different __________.

5. Read this article about crocodiles and alligators. Make a colorful fact sheet with 3 facts for alligators and 3 facts for crocodiles.

6.  Create a Venn Diagram on your recording page. Record at least 5 items in each section. The far left section will have information that is only true for alligators, the far right section is only true for crocodiles, and the middle section is information that they share.

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

#108: 2025 Math!

Math Mini Sparks

Happy 2025!

Spark your math thinking!

1. Set up your math mini spark recording page: #108: Happy 2025

2. Watch THIS VIDEO and write down at least 3 of the math problems given in the video that equal 2025.

3. Complete THIS WORKSHEET in your notebook putting a checkmark next to the ones that are incorrect and a star next to the ones that are correct.  In your notebook, record the incorrect answers and see if you can write the correct answer.

4. Have your teacher check your work. Remind your teacher that the key can be found in the math mini spark folder

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

 

#84:  The Incredible Octopus

Reading Enrichment

Octopuses possess the capability to tackle challenges, acquire knowledge through watching others, and even utilize tools – similarly to humans. However, what makes the intelligence of octopuses truly remarkable is that it arises from a biological framework that is entirely unlike our own.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your language arts recording page: #84:  The Incredible Octopus

2. Watch this TED Ed video.  Record 5-10 interesting details from the video on your recording page.

3.  Listen to the story Inky the Octopus. The story is written in a poem format. Record the rhyming sets of words as you listen.

4. Look over these reminders about how to write a diary entry.

  • Written in the first person
  • Includes the date and/or time it was written
  • Starts with ‘Dear diary,’
  • Include an introduction to set the scene
  • Signed with the writer’s name
  • Writes events in the past tense
  • Tell events in chronological order
  • Include personal emotions and feelings

5.  Imagine you are Inky the octopus living in the aquarium. Write a 6+ sentence diary entry for the day you planned your escape. Describe what you saw, how you felt, and the challenges you faced. Don’t forget to include the details of your successful escape into the ocean. Check the reminder list before you start.

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

Use steps 2 and 4 from this mini spark to get a start on a new badge! Check out the Inky the Octopus badge at the EY Website.

 

#107: Hidato Puzzles

Math Mini Sparks, Uncategorized

Hidato Puzzles (or Hidoku Puzzles) are the creation of Dr. Gyora M. Benedek, an Israeli mathematician. The Hebrew word “hida” means riddle. In a hidato puzzle, you are given a grid with a selection of the numbers already filled in.

Spark your math thinking!

1. Set up your math mini spark recording page: #107: Hidato Puzzles

2. Watch THIS VIDEO and write down, in your own words, how to solve a Hidato Puzzle.  A sample sentence can be found at the end of this post.

3. Visit THIS SITE and get some additional information about Hidato Puzzles, as well as some tips for solving them. Write down 3 tips on your recording page.

4. Try solving some Hidato Puzzles on your own!  THIS LINK will take you to several puzzles at varying difficulty levels.  Work with your EY Coordinator to decide how many you need to complete to finish this Mini Spark.

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

 

Want to go further?  You can by earning the Hidato Puzzle Badge!  Check out the requirements HERE.  NOTE:  Scroll to the bottom of the page.

 

 

Sample Sentence:  One can solve a Hidato Puzzle by connecting numbers in ascending order (starting at 1)  to the next number either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.