Just a few short weeks ago our scholars did not know what Arduino were. Today our scholars have all had the opportunity to put together and even create code for an Arduino. They have used them for simple tasks like lighting up an LED light and then for more complex tasks like turing an servo motor. Today the scholars took their use to the next level when they were asked to model the Science concept that they had used in their Wildflower legend.
Our scholars have been busy lately as they have put all of the finishing touches onto their golf courses. It's amazing how much Math and Science have been needed to complete each step of the way. It all began with real life parameters that caused them to do everything from solving problems that related to the perimeter to creating a scale design that included all pieces of their design. It has been an amazing process and the scholars cannot wait to show you their projects during Friday's Field Day!I am not sure how we ended up going on three field trips in one week but we loved every moment. It all started on Monday with our make-up field trip to the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. The scholars enjoyed the exhibits as well as a visit to the Omni where they were able to watch a film about Humpback Whales. The scholars were excited to see this film and happy to finally make the connections that were began when we Skyped with the expert that helped to create this film.
Next the students were excited to walk our very own Botanical Gardens in Grapevine. Here we were able to observe many of the Texas Wildflowers that the scholars have been studying. They were also able to plant a garden bed and learn more about the life cycles of many of our native plants. Finally for those scholars that were able to make it, the Ecology center at GHS. Here the scholars learned more about pond ecosystems, animal and plant needs and even how to fish! Here are a few pictures of the caterpillars and then Butterflies that you have been hearing so much about. Please note the picture of the caterpillar that escaped his cup and attached himself to the window. Of course he made himself a chrysalis there and of course he completed his metamorphosis there! That was the best part :)
These scholars are designing a mini-golf hole. The goal is for the golfer to be able to get a hole-in-one despite needing to bounce the ball off the walls. They are using their knowledge of angles, force, and reflection to help them. To test their course they lined their model with straws and rolled a marble to simulate the path that a golf ball might take.
From the Greek peri (around) and meter (measure). Our Fourth grade Scholars have been learning about Perimeters. Here the scholars were challenged to create polygons with given perimeters. I enjoyed watching them as they created strategies throughout the challenges.
These scholars designed a test find out what the effects of different amounts of friction could have on a moving golf-ball. They came up with the idea themselves that a ramp could be used to create an equal amount of force for each of their tests. They designed their ramps themselves using Knex, paper and their creativity. Here they are in action collecting their data.
These scholars are creating games and books to share with other scholars. The idea is to create a game or book that would re-teach fraction concepts that they learned earlier in the school year, such as comparing fractions and finding equivalent fractions. What is amazing about creating products like these is how the process forces you to consider your own understanding. It has really helped some students clarify what they remembered from before. I am looking forward to seeing their finished products later next week.
Just how normal was our weather this past November? Our Scholars are working to find that answer by creating Stem and Leaf Plots that will help them compare the past and the future. We spent our class-time on Friday discussing the question and creating the Stem and Leaf Plots. We will work to answer our question on Tuesday.
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