Category Archives: Learning Opportunities

#100: Checkerboard Math

Math Mini Sparks

Count all of the squares on the checkerboard or a chessboard- This is a classic problem. You will look at how to solve it using drawings, using patterns, and solving a simpler problem. Also look at how how to solve a variation of this type of problem that may pop up on math contests.

Spark your math thinking!

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

2. Print a  paper copy of a checkerboard.

3. The challenge for this mini spark is to count ALL of the squares on the checkerboard. Start watching this video, pause to copy the chart he creates and STOP at 2:40. Record the answers to these 3 questions.

How many squares on an 8 X 8 board?

How many squares on an 1 X 1 board?

How many squares on a 2 X 2  board?

 

4. Figure out the next answers using your chart and the copy of the board you printed. Without watching the rest of the video try to find the answers for each of the following questions.

How many squares on a 4 X 4 board?

How many squares on a 5 X 5 board?

How many squares on a 6 X 6 board?

How many squares on a 7 X 7 board?

5. When you have a solution click  to watch the rest of the video to see if you have recorded the correct numbers.

6. Solve this second problem written by CEMC math. Print this board if you want a new copy to help you. Record all of your work and your answers on your mini spark recording sheet.

Bart and Lisa counted all squares on a checkerboard.   On the same checkerboard, they decided to count the number of small rectangles-1 unit by 2 units  or 2 units by 1 unit. 

They were careful to count all of the overlapping rectangles. If they counted correctly, what was their total? Look at this picture before you start. 

***Reminder for your teacher that the solution can be found in the math mini spark folder.

7.  Share your math mini spark recording page and boards with your teacher/EY coordinator.

You can use step #6 as one of your problems for the Problem of the Week CEMC Math badge that can be found on the EY badge page.

 

 

#99: Applications of Mathematics

Math Mini Sparks, Uncategorized

I didn’t know you needed to know math for that!

Find out how math is used in movie graphics, roller coasters, swimsuit design, and so much more!

Spark your math thinking!

  1. Set up your math mini spark recording page: #99: Applications of Mathematics
  2. Explore this website and find a topic that interests you.
  3. In your math notebook, record the topic title and 1-2 interesting things you learned.
  4. Repeat until you have read and recorded information about 10 math topics.
  5.  Share your math mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator.

#98 Chocolate Math

Math Mini Sparks, Uncategorized

Chocolate’s flavor is a combination of sweetness, bitterness, and creaminess that many people find irresistible. We celebrate national chocolate day in July every year. Check out this math mini spark to learn more about chocolate and math.

Spark your math thinking!

  1. Set up your math mini spark recording page: #98 Chocolate Math
  2. Read this Bedtime Math post about the world’s largest chocolate kiss!  Do one of the math questions on your recording page before scrolling all of the way down to see the answer.

A Day for Chocolate

3. Check out this math trick that reveals your age and how many times a week you like to eat chocolate at this chocolate math site. Write about this site?

4. Read about chocolate facts at this site. Create a math data page with all about chocolate. Include at least 8 facts

Fun Facts About Chocolate

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

Check out the Chocolate Lessons badge at the EY Website.

#97:The Mysterious Mobius Strip

Math Mini Sparks, Uncategorized

Möbius strip, a one-sided surface that can be constructed by affixing the ends of a rectangular strip after first having given one of the ends a one-half twist.

Spark your math thinking!

1. Set up your math mini spark recording page: #97 The Mysterious Mobius Strip

2. Watch this introduction video. Record 5 details on your recording sheet.

 

3. Follow the steps on this site  to make  a Mobius strip.

4. Take a picture after completing your mobius strip and add it to your recording page.

5. On your mini spark page, record interesting ideas from this mini spark.

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

#96:Different Types of Numbers

Math Mini Sparks, Uncategorized
Real or Imaginary? Rational or Irrational? In this Mini-Spark, you will learn about different types of numbers and their classifications.
Spark your math thinking!

1. Set up your math mini spark recording page: #96:Different Types of Numbers

2. Start by watching  this video. Take notes on your recording sheet while you watch.

 

3. Choose a worksheet version below to complete.

PDF Version

 Docs Version

4. Share your math mini spark recording page and your worksheet with your teacher/EY coordinator

#95: The Chaos Game

Math Mini Sparks

In mathematics, the term chaos game originally referred to a method of creating a fractal, using a polygon and an initial point selected at random inside it.

Spark your math thinking!

  1. Set up your math mini spark recording page: #95: The Chaos Game
  2. Watch this video. Record details on your recording page.

3. Watch this video to learn how to play The Chaos Game. *****This video is long–> looking for other video

Follow the instructions in the video.  Take a screenshot of your final picture and add it to your recording page.

4. Link to the GeoGebra Website to find the chaos game.

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

#58: Ancient Origins of Halloween

Social Studies Enrichment

Halloween evolved from the ancient Celtic holiday of Samhain. Over the centuries, Halloween transitioned from a pagan ritual to a day of parties, costumes, jack-o-lanterns and trick-or-treating for kids and adults.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your social studies spark recording page: #48: Ancient Origins of Halloween

2. Read this information page about Halloween’s History. Record any details that were new to your on your recording sheet.

3. Based on this information, you can see that traditions cover centuries and adapt to the changing times. What Halloween or Fall traditions does your family practice? Write a response on your recording sheet.

4. Do some research and record what you find on your recording sheet. Feel free to record any other Halloween details that you find.

  •  Why are black and orange tied to Halloween?
  • Why do we see Jack O’ Lanterns at Halloween
  • What does candy corn pop up at the stores around Halloween?

5. Share your social studies mini spark recording page  your teacher/EY coordinator.

Source: https://www.history.com/topics/halloween/history-of-halloween

#65: Learn your ABCs

Early Enrichment

Learn to sign letters in this mini spark.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your Early Enrichment mini spark recording page: #63: Learn your ABCs

2. Watch this video and practice all of your letters. On your recording page record the 5 letters that are the most difficult for you to remember.

3. After watching the video several times, write down the spelling of your favorite animal.  Using the chart below practice spelling this using sign language. When you are ready share this with your teacher or a classmate. Have your teacher sign your recording sheet.

4. Share your early enrichment mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator.

Check out the sign language badges at the EY webpage. 

#75-Dakuwaqa:A Fijian Myth

Reading Enrichment

Across the Pacific, myths and legends are passed down through oral tradition. The myth of Dakuwaqa is deeply rooted in Fijian culture and serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness between humans and the natural world, as well as the consequences of greed and disrespect for the environment.

Spark your thinking!

  1. Set up your language arts mini spark recording page: #75-Dakuwaqa:a Fijian Myth
  2.  Watch this video. On your recording page, record the names of the characters as they appear.

 

3. Choose an activity to complete.

  • Write a simplified version of this myth for a younger audience.  Make your version 10-15 sentences long.
  • Read about kids helping sharks.  Choose two projets. Write a 5 sentences about each of the projects and the kids behind the project.
  • Research sharks and create an information page about them with 10-15 facts.

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

# 64: Earthquake Lesson

Early Enrichment

What do you know about earthquakes?  Let’s find out!

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your early enrichment mini spark recording page # 64: Earthquake Lesson

2. Read this teaching page written by an earthquake. If a word is bold, record it on your recording page.

Greetings! I am an Earthquake.
I usually occur at the edge of tectonic plates, which are the outer layer of the Earth. Made of rock, these plates are constantly on the move.

My Trigger: Getting Stuck!
I happen when the tectonic plates get stuck but continue to try to move. As they remain stuck, pressure builds up until I can finally break free with a sudden movement!

Foreshocks: My Warning Signals!
Before I make my grand entrance, I sometimes send foreshocks your way. These are smaller earthquakes that occur before the main event, which is known as the main shock. Scientists can use these signals to predict when I might arrive.

Aftershocks: My Echoes!
Once I’ve made my appearance, aftershocks usually follow. These are smaller earthquakes that occur after the main one, as the Earth’s crust adjusts to the changes I’ve caused. They can be very dangerous, especially if buildings are already damaged from my initial impact.

My Seismic Waves!
The shock waves I create as I move through the ground are called seismic waves. They are strongest at the center of my occurrence and travel to the surface, causing the ground to shake and leading to destruction.

Measuring My Strength!
Scientists use the Moment magnitude scale to measure my strength. This scale accurately measures the energy I release. In the past, they relied on the Richter scale, which measured the size of my seismic waves but wasn’t as precise.

My Birthplace: The Hypocenter!
I always start somewhere underground, and that place is known as the hypocenter. It’s the hidden origin of my power.

The Epicenter: My Surface Spot!
The point directly above my hypocenter on the ground is called the epicenter. The difference is clear: the hypocenter is underground, while the epicenter is above, where the effects are felt most.

My Record-Breaking Event!
The strongest earthquake ever recorded was in Chile in 1960, measuring 9.5 on the Moment Magnitude scale—an extremely high value! I lasted for a full 10 minutes, leaving a significant mark.

My Frequent Home: Japan!
I tend to occur most often in Japan, located within ‘The Pacific Ring of Fire,’ which sits at the edge of the Pacific Ocean where tectonic plates meet. Other countries affected by my presence include the Philippines, the United States, Chile, and more.

3. Which of these 10 facts surprised you the most?

4. Write a 5 question quiz about earthquakes. Make an answer key as well.

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

Check out the Natural Disaster Reporter Badge at the EY Website.