Category Archives: Learning Opportunities

L. Arts Mini-Spark #1: How do geckos defy gravity?

Reading Enrichment

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For this week’s Reading enRichment, complete the following:

  • Read the following writing prompts before you watch the video.
    • What are spatula?  If the spatulae weren’t shaped like spatulas, would it be better for them to be shaped like spheres or cubes? Why?
    • Explain the process that makes the geckos feet “stick” to surfaces.
    • Talk about how the geckos sticky feet can help humans create new materials. How could this help humankind?
  • Watch this TED Talk:  https://youtu.be/YeSuQm7KfaE
  • Pause the video if you need to take notes.  You may need to watch the video more than once.
  • Choose one of the prompts listed above and leave a comment (at least 3-4 sentences).  When leaving a comment, use your first name, grade, and school (i.e. Tyler, 5, Sunset).  Do not publish your email.

NOTE:  There is a section in the video about electrons and charges.  You do not need to understand this 100%, just watch and listen to the narrator explain the process.

Take it a step further by learning more about our world using research and Geckos!

  • Watch this video: https://youtu.be/TlyvS1ckDZM
  • Expand on what you have learned by researching your own animal and responding to this prompt:
    • What is another animal that exhibits an incredible phenomenon, and how can it be used to make life better for humankind?
  • Record your responses on this form

And if you still can’t get enough…This “Prototype This” episode @ https://youtu.be/0yp9tsthL8s is about creating a Gecko Superhero Suit.  Respond to this post after watching the video with any new learnings, thoughts, and/or opinions.

Welcome To Early Enrichment!

Early Enrichment

These posts are intended for our early learners in the primary grades (K-3), however older students might find the topics interesting and are welcome to participate.  Each week, we will post a learning opportunity (video, app on the iPad, article, writing prompt, etc.) for students to complete individually or in a small group setting.  Students may choose to do any/all of the activities listed.

Week of April 20th Learning Opportunity

BrainPop Jr. Movie of the Week is a free app on the iPad.  This week’s movie is perfect for Earth Day-Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

Did you learn something new?  Leave a comment and let us know!  When leaving a comment, use your first name only.  If you make a poster, give it to your teacher and have him/her give it to the EY Coordinator at your building.  We may post your picture on our Student Showcase Wiki!

3D Moving Background in Hopscotch

Learning Opportunities





Several students are “playing” and “branching” projects in Hopscotch, but we’re more interested in the “creating” part!  We know you have great ideas and we want to showcase your amazing creative talent!  We’ve shared a few projects on our wiki, but we want MORE!

Here is a new video tutorial on how to create 3D Moving Backgrounds for video games and other projects in Hopscotch.  Don’t forget all the other great tutorials too!

Paddleball – Instructions start at 28.30



If you create a project in Hopscotch, leave a comment with your name, school, and a description of what you created.  Someone will come to your school and video/take pictures of your amazing work!
Go Code and Create!

 

WCS Spring Break Enrichment Classes

Learning Opportunities, Parents, Spady Blog

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Sorry…All Classes Are Full

Sign up now for Spring Break Enrichment Classes!

During the week of spring break (March 30-April 2), four enrichment classes will be offered to 2nd-6th graders at Westside Community Schools.  All classes will be held at Westgate Elementary at 7802 Hascall St.  Click on the flier below to find class descriptions and times.  Classes are limited to 20 students so sign up today!

Click Here for the Flier

Poetry Seminar

Learning Opportunities

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On February 24th, there is going to be

a poetry contest for you and for me.

Write a poem of your own,

and perform it into the microphone.

Submit your original rendition

for a chance to attend the poetry competition!

Who:  Poetry Lovers in grades 3 – 6

Where:  Underwood Hills

When:  February 24th,  half-day seminar

What:  Write an original poem of your own, read it into the voice recorder on your i-pad, follow the instructions in the link below to submit your poem to your school’s EY coordinator by Wednesday, February 11th.

https://ey.westside66.org/wiki/pages/h3d9U7k6u/Poetry_Out_Loud.html?target=

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

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