If you’ve ever said to yourself as you watch an online video lesson, “There has to be a better video on this!” now is your chance to make that happen.  The Khan Academy team is looking for teachers to share their lessons online through video.  Check out the video below and go for it!  It would be awesome to have Westside students, as well as students all over the world, learning from you!

Have you ever wondered what the world would be like without certain modern day conveniences that we often take for granted?  Consider this, the first bicycle was invented almost 200 years ago in 1817.  It didn’t even have pedals!  You had to scoot it along with your feet!  How would the world be different today had the bicycle never entered the scene?  What about other modern day conveniences that make life easier today?  Comment below with a list of your top 3 inventions that would have the greatest impact on our lives today had they not been invented.

Have invention ideas that you think just might change the world?  Check out this video for some inspiration and remember, “It’s okay to make mistakes!  It’s not okay to stop!”

Share your ideas in the comments below!

Sensory language includes words or phrases that connect to the five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. It creates vivid mental images and engages the reader’s mind on multiple levels.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your language arts mini spark recording page: #5: Sensory Language

2. Watch this video. Which of the sensory example sentences about cheese did you like the best? Record it on your recording sheet.

3.  Look over the story prompts on this list. Choose 3 that you like. Record them on your recording page. Put a star next to the prompt you will use for your story.

4. Make a section on your recording page for each of these words:  sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.

5. Spend 5 minutes brainstorming details for your character, setting, and events. Choose  descriptive words that connect the reader to your story by using the senses.

6. Write your story on your recording page.

• There is not a required length for your story
• Your story needs to have a clear beginning, middle and end
• Make sure you have a problem/conflict that is presented and resolved
• Make it great by including at least 10 sensory details.

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! Share all of your stories with your teacher/EY coordinator.

Lesson adapted from https://www.thepaintedturtle.org/hospital-program

At the beginning of the school year, Westside Middle School students were given the opportunity to be beta readers for a young adult novel.  Author Angela Prusia has always had beta readers for her novels, but this was the first time she asked students to give her feedback.  After the book was released in February, Angela noted:

“I’m so grateful for all the amazing feedback from your students on my book, Cafeteria Food, which I renamed Nameless after several students’ suggestions! Hands down, their feedback was better than what I normally receive from adults.”

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Fourteen students’ names made it on the acknowledgment page in Angela’s book.  She is excited to offer the students another opportunity to be beta readers for the next two books in this trilogy (another decision she made based on the beta readers’ feedback).

During her visit at Westside Middle School, Angela had the students write several different pieces during a Writer’s Workshop.  Click here to download a compilation of their work.

Have you ever wondered how a basketball, bouncy ball, and golf ball are like a supernova?  Well, probably not, but this video will explain how they are alike using physics.  After watching, try this experiment for yourself and leave a comment on how it went.  For an added twist, try it with different types of balls too!  Physics is awesome!

Are you interested in teaching STEM concepts through engineering connections?  If so, the 2015 Kiewit Teacher Day is for YOU!  Absolutely no engineering background or knowledge is needed to participate and all teachers from K-12 in any discipline are invited to attend.  BONUS:  There will be lots of free giveaways and door prizes!

Click here for the flyer!

Art Seminar ~ Friday, May 8th, 2015

Are you the next Pablo Picasso or Georgia O’Keeffe?  Do you see art in the world around you?  If so, this seminar is for you!  We have announced our ticket for the art seminar and the details are below.  Read through them carefully as well as the scoring rubric at the bottom.

“An artist cannot fail; it is a success to be one.”   Charles Horton Cooley

 ART SEMINAR TICKET

Step 1

*Please create an original piece of 2D or 3D art.

*You may use the medium (material) of your choice.

*Add your name to your project.

*Your art project is due April 27th.  Please turn it in to the EY teacher in your building.

*Please create a piece of art specifically for this event, not something created in art class at your school.

Step 2  

*Thoughtfully respond to one of the prompts below and attach it to your art project.  Please make sure your name is on your reflection.

1. What is the title of your project?  What made you decide on this title?

2. How do you make your work (Think about:  process, medium, materials, how much time it takes, where you make it)?

3. List your inspirations (art historical, personal, current events, motivating factors…anything!).

SCORING RUBRIC

Creativity/Originality

WOW! – Student used his imagination to create an original work of art.

 GOOD! – Student showed a good amount of creativity.

 Keep trying!  – Student showed very little creativity.

Choice of Medium

WOW! –  Student demonstrates a great understanding of the selected medium.

GOOD!  – Student demonstrates a good understanding of the selected medium.

Keep trying! – Student demonstrates an average understanding of the selected medium.

Craftsmanship

WOW! – Student’s artwork is neat and clean looking.  It is clear that the artist paid great attention to detail.

GOOD! – Student’s artwork is neat and clean looking.

Keep trying! – Student showed poor craftsmanship or very little effort given to presentation.