Category Archives: Uncategorized

Math Pre-Testing

Uncategorized

Pre-Testing in Math

Pre-Testing in math is more than just a way to separate your students into two groups for a unit: those who already know it and those who don’t.  The data collected from a pre-test should inform your instruction for the unit and help you to adjust your plans…move quicker, skip it, do a more creative activity, etc.  For more information on quality pre-tests, check out Byrdseed Six Traits of Quality Pre-Assessments.

#85 Spreadsheets and Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD)

Math Mini Sparks, Uncategorized

Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD) is how far, on average, all data values are from the middle. To find the MAD of the you can follow 3 easy steps:

  1. Find the mean of the values.
  2. Find the distance of each value from that mean (subtract the mean from each value, ignore minus signs which is also the absolute value)
  3. Then find the mean of those distances

For this Math Mini Spark, you’ll be finding the MAD on a spreadsheet.

Spark your math thinking!

  1. Set up your math mini spark recording page: #85 Spreadsheets and MAD
  2.  Calculate the MAD of this data set: 3, 6, 6, 7, 8, 11, 15, 16 
    1. Find the mean of the values.
    2. Find the distance of each value from that mean (subtract the mean from each value, ignore minus signs which is also the absolute value)
    3. Then find the mean of those distances

  3. Look over the first part of this post from Math is Fun that outlines the steps. Make sure that each of the steps you did were correct.
  4.  Make a Copy of this spreadsheet by clicking the link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ndcgCZ1EeVcKausxtkmBkONVfCeilbQNE6ukdUCWYk8/copy
  5.  Watch the video and complete the steps shown in the video on your own spreadsheet.

 

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

NOTE:  This mini-spark can be used as 1 spreadsheet lesson for the Spreadsheet Superstar Badge.

 

#59: 1 hand book review

Reading Enrichment, Uncategorized

Before you share a book with a friend, it helps to share a quick, ‘handy’ book review. Learn how in this mini spark.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your language arts mini spark recording page: #59: 1 hand book review

2. Read over these instructions and write down the 5 sentence starters on your recording page.

3. Choose a book that you have recently read and enjoyed. Write the title on your recording page.

4. Open this sheet and read it. You can print it if you want. You will use this as a guide to writing your own.

5. Create your own script on your recording page.

6. Choose at least two people and read your 1-hand book review to them.

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

 

 

#58: Halloween Roll-A-Story

Reading Enrichment, Uncategorized

Ready for some Halloween writing fun?

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your language arts mini spark recording page:#58:Halloween Roll-A-Story

2. Grab a die or use this online version

What to do:

  1. Roll your dice three different times.
    1. The first number you roll will be your character. Record it.
    2. The second number you roll will be your setting. Record it.
    3. The third number you roll will be your conflict. Record it.

4. Use your character, setting, and conflict to write a silly spooky story.

5. Optional: Illustrate your story.

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

#54: Amanda Gorman

Early Enrichment, Uncategorized

Five presidents have had poets read at their Presidential inaugurations. This mini spark is about Amanda Gorman, the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history!

Spark your thinking!

1.  Set up your Early Enrichment Mini Spark recording page: #54: Amanda Gorman

2.  Read this short article about Ms. Gorman.  What was her advice for young poets? Write her advice on your recording sheet.

 

3.  Listen to this poem. Record a line of the poem on your recording sheet.

4. Your challenge is to write a short rhyming poem. The topic is YOU!  Use this rhyming dictionary if needed.

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

2020-21 Weekly Challenge #19: Cold Weather Science Experiments

Current Challenge, Uncategorized

Below Zero Temperatures = Science Experiments!

For this week’s Weekly Challenge, try one of these Cold Weather Science Experiments and figure out if it’s real or a myth!  Don’t forget to share your results!

  1. Freezing Soap Bubbles: Head outside with some bubble solution and blow some bubbles!  NOTE:  Try heating up the bubble solution in the microwave beforehand.  You can make your own bubble solution with 2 cups of water, half a cup of dish soap, and 2 teaspoons sugar.
  2. Banana Hammer: Hang a banana outside for a few hours and it will freeze solid-solid enough for you to be able to hammer actual nails with it.
  3. Make An Ice Thrower: Fill a Super Soaker with boiling water and then shoot it out into the cold.  When very hot water meets very cold air, the water vaporizes, turning it into ice crystals…essentially, homemade snow.  Don’t have a Super Soaker, just use the pot you boiled the water in.
  4. Freeze-Fry An Egg: Don’t actually eat it, but leave a frying pan outside for about 15 minutes and then crack an egg into it.  What happens?
  5. Instant Freeze Water – Bottle Slam

If none of these experiments catch your interest, a simple Google search for “Cold Weather Science” will display several options.  Have fun and don’t forget to submit your learning!

Submit Your Work Here: https://forms.gle/PcVvit1VbANsZfBcA

#51: Scientific Calculator Lesson

Full STEAM Ahead, Uncategorized

You will use your scientific calculator in science and math classes in middle school and high school. Work on this STEAM mini spark to learn how to use this tool.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your STEAM mini spark recording page:  #51: Scientific Calculator Lesson

2. Find a scientific calculator to use for this mini spark. If you don’t have one you can use an online one. Type “Scientific Calculator” and one will come up for you.

3. Print this reminder sheet or open it up.  This is an image of a graphing calculator, but most of the buttons will be the same on a scientific calculator. Record all of the words and what they do on your recording sheet.

4. Watch this video. Take note on your recording page and try out the different keys she discusses on your own calculator while you watch.

5. Write down any of the common mistakes that the teacher discusses in the video.

6.  Explain to another student how to find the square root, take a number to the 3rd power, and how to write a number in scientific notation.

7. Remember to ask your teacher before using a calculator on an assignment. There are times when it is ok to use a calculator, and times when your teacher wants you to practice the math skills.

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

2020-21 Weekly Challenge #16: Intro to Opera

Current Challenge, Uncategorized

Art requires creativity and imagination and enhances flexibility, adaptability, productivity, responsibility and innovation – all required skills for a successful career in any field of study.  
The ‘A’ in STEAM represents ‘Art’ which includes music.

source: https://sproutsupplies.com/blog/steam-the-importance-of-art-in-stem-education/

For this week’s Weekly Challenge, you’ll have an opportunity to explore the world of opera.  There are several different learning choices.  Pick as many activities as you’d like and then demonstrate your learning by creating a product.

You are welcome to find other resources of your own.  Have fun!

Submit Your Work Here: https://forms.gle/UmK5n4AXx9V5gpG78

NOTE:  There is a Marvelous World of Opera badge available if you’re interested.  Get a copy of the recording sheet here: https://sites.google.com/westside66.net/eybadgepage/fine-arts-badges?authuser=0