Category Archives: Learning Opportunities

Science Olympiad Jan. 27, 2015

Learning Opportunities, Teachers

Science_Explosion

Announcing the 2nd Annual Westside Elementary Science Olympiad!

On Tuesday, January 27, 2015, one-hundred students (Grades 4-6) will be invited to attend the Science Olympiad at the Westside Community Conference Center.  All interested students should complete the edible vehicle brainstorm sheet.  Completed worksheets must be turned into classroom teachers by January 14th in order to be considered to attend the Science Olympiad.

Entries will be evaluated on creativity and effort.  Building the edible vehicle is not a requirement, however if a student is selected to attend, he/she has the option of building the vehicle and using it during an event at the Science Olympiad.

Check out the resources below for some ideas!

http://tinyurl.com/ediblecar

http://tinyurl.com/ediblecar1

Clipart Source: https://openclipart.org/detail/195741/science-explosion-by-scout-195741

Thomas Edison Invention Challenge

Learning Opportunities, Other Events & Contests

Screen Shot 2014-12-01 at 1.24.12 PM

6th-12 graders…Are you interested in a team-based, integrated/interdisciplinary, head and hands approach to learning?  Well the Thomas Edison Invention Challenge is for you!

Basic Rules:  

  • Get a team of 4 students
  • Register your team
  • Submit an essay or video answering the question: Who was Thomas Edison?
  • Receive a alternative energy kit and create a prototype
  • Document all your work
  • Present your work

The team registration is due by Dec. 8!  Click on the link below!

Deadline #1 – December 8, 2014 – http://edisoninventionchallenge.org/main/about/registration/

Deadline #2 – December 20, 2014 – Teams must electronically submit an essay, not to exceed 750 words OR a student created video. The essay/video topic will be “Who was Thomas Edison?”  NOTE:  3 minute Video submissions are preferred.

Deadline #3 – January 30, 2015 – Teams must submit electronic images of their design logs.  Powerpoint would be the preferred method to showcase your Notebook.

Mid February –  Teams receive an alternative energy kit

Deadline #4 – March 20, 2015 – Teams are to submit a PowerPoint presentation showing the build process.  See submission criteria included in this manual.

 Deadline #5 – April 10, 2015 – 50-60% marketing of your invention and its added value to society and 40-50% demo of a working model or explaining how you imagine it to work.

 Westside Community Schools does not sponsor or endorse the organization or activity described here.  The sharing of this information is provided as a community service.

2014-15 District Spelling Bee

Spelling Bee

On Friday, November 21, the top 31 spellers from Westside Community Schools gathered for the District Spelling Bee.  Two spellers from each of the ten elementary schools and eleven spellers from the middle school participated.  After spelling transcutaneous and camelopard correctly, 7th grader Reese P. was determined the winner.  Graham W., 6th grader from Swanson, was the runner-up.  Reese will attend the 89th Midwest Spelling Bee on March 15th at the Omaha Public School Teacher Administration Building.

Elementary Winners:  
3rd Place:  Zach G. from Loveland
2nd Place: Andrew L. from Rockbrook
1st Place: Graham W. from Swanson

District Winners:
3rd Place: Justin S. from WMS
2nd Place: Graham W. from Swanson
1st Place: Reese P. from WMS

2014 Spelling Bee

Events & Contests, Spelling Bee, Uncategorized

During the week of October 6, 4th through 6th grade teachers will administer the qualifying spelling test in the classroom.  The top 10-14 students will compete in a school spelling bee which will be run a little different this year.

On Tuesday, October 21, Hillside, Westbrook, Swanson, Loveland, and Sunset will have their spelling bees at Underwood Hills on 90th and Western.

On Thursday, October 23, Westgate, Paddock Road, Oakdale, Rockbrook, and Prairie Lane will have their spelling bees at the Community Conference Center (CCC) on 108th and Grover.

School vehicles will be used to transport the students to Underwood Hills and the CCC where they will compete in the spelling bee.  Parents and family are welcome to attend.

Below is the tentative schedule for each day.

October 21 at Underwood Hills

  • Hillside 9:15-10:15
  • Westbrook 10:30-11:30
  • Swanson 11:45-12:45
  • Loveland 1:00-2:00
  • Sunset 2:15-3:15

October 23 at CCC

  • Westgate 9:15-10:15
  • Paddock 10:30-11:30
  • Oakdale 11:45-12:45
  • Rockbrook 1:00-2:00
  • Prairie Lane 2:15-3:15