Category Archives: Uncategorized

#51: Scientific Calculator Lesson

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

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

Storytelling Workshop – January 20

Image Source: http://clipart-library.com/clipart/53061.htm

In this half-day workshop, participants will explore the basics of acting, using the natural tools of voice and body, as well as integrating technology to engage in dynamic storytelling. Students will learn how to develop character through movement, sound, and visual composition. By using creativity, self-assessment, and constructive dialogue, students will discover their own unique theatrical narrative style. Contemporary text, improvisation, and personal writing will challenge each student to reach beyond their limits, in order to honestly and joyfully search for their character and story.

Sign up now!  https://forms.gle/dZ8fE8goDk2hWWgx7

# 7: Platypus Study

Platypuses continue to uphold their status as one of the most unusual animals on the planet. Recent research published in the scientific journal Mammalia reveals that platypus fur emits a bluish-green glow when exposed to ultraviolet light. Only a handful of other mammals possess this ability, and the platypus is the first monotreme— a type of mammal that lays eggs— to demonstrate this phenomenon.

Spark you thinking!

1. Set up your science mini spark recording page: # 7: Platypus Study

2. Look over this info page and record 5 details on your recording page.

3. Read this article published by Newsela to learn more. Take the quiz after the article, Scroll down carefully as the answers are at the bottom and you don’t want to see them until you are done. Write your answers on your recording page. When you are done, check your work and record your score it on your recording page.

4. Go to this webpage and read more information about the topic.  Take 5 notes on your recording page.

5. Choose 1 of these projects

  • What other animals have biofluorescence? Do research to find out. Create a list of 5.
  • Research scientific sketching. Create a scientific sketch of a platypus. Add a picture to your recording page.

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

 

 

2020-21 Weekly Challenge #15: Snowflakes

image source: https://pixabay.com/vectors/flake-snow-snow-flake-snowflake-2029377/

Whether you’re creating one with a folded piece of paper and pair of scissors or you’re learning about the science and math behind them…
Snowflakes are so FASCINATING!

For this week’s Weekly Challenge, you have several different learning choices.  Pick as many activities as you’d like and then demonstrate your learning by creating a product.

Feel free to find other snowflake resources!  Learn something new and have fun creating!
Submit Your Work Here: https://forms.gle/xis68jyeLR31efLj7

#55: Bio Poems

A bio poem is a simple poem that provides biographical information about a person, historial figure, or literary character.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your language arts mini spark recording page: #55: Bio Poems

2. A bio poem is a simple poem written about a person, and it follows a predictable pattern. Bio poems generally don’t rhyme, and they can be autobiographical (about another person) or biographical (about yourself). Record this information on your recording sheet.

3.  Decide who you want to research for your Bio Poem. Here are some options to get your brainstorming kick started.

  • American Presidents
  • African American Leaders
  • Influential Women
  • Favorite Athlete, Musician or Artist
  • Family Member or Friend
  • Yourself

4. Research your selected person (or interview family member) so that you have content for your Bio Poem. Take notes on your recording page.

5. Read the sample Bio Poem below about Rosa Parks.

6. Use the guide and template below to draft your own Bio Poem!

Optional: Draw or include a picture of your selected person.

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

#46: Make Oobleck

1. Set up your STEAM mini spark recording page: #46: Make Oobleck

2. Watch this video. Record the science terms from the video on your recording page. When you see the materials needed to make oobleck, pause the video and record the list on your recording page. Also write a summary of the directions.

3. Gather your materials. Add a picture of your materials to your recording page. **Note a bowl works better than a cup for this project.

4. Make the oobleck. Take a few pictures during the process and at the end.

5. Record the answers to these questions on your recording sheet.

  • What do fluids and solids do, what determines their shape, and can they be compressed?
  • How is Oobleck like a fluid?
  • How is Oobleck like a solid?

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

#41 – Forever Ago Podcasts

Forever Ago® is a history show for the whole family! Every episode explores the origin of just one thing — like sandwiches, video games, clocks and more — while teaching listeners to think critically about history.

1. Set up your social studies mini spark recording page: #41 – Forever Ago Podcasts

2. Watch this brief video about the Forever Ago podcasts. Explain Forever podcasts using exactly 8 words.

 

3.  In step 4 you will listen to one of the episodes. After listening you will tell others what you learned. Print this  review planner or make your own digital copy to organize your thoughts.

4. Choose 1 episode from the list below. Each episode is about 30 minutes so write down your stopping point if you can’t listen to the entire episode all at once. Write the name of the episode you choose on your recording sheet.

5. Fill out the review planner digitally or on paper.

6. OPTIONAL: Take a video of yourself reading your digital planner and share it with your teacher.

7. Share your social studies mini spark recording page and your planner with your teacher/EY coordinator.