Students classify ingredients in a mixture to understand how the physical properties of each item stays the same even when mixed. Not true of Solutions, as we will discover next week.
Last Friday both classes completed the second part of the MinecraftEdu tutorials. In this portion students had to work together in small groups to mirror existing structures by building them using various materials. The differences between Minecraft and MinecraftEdu became very apparent as students were required to allocate tools, and share resources. They also learned that reading informational signs and following directions are very important. In regular Minecraft players can go off and build as they choose, in MinecraftEdu they have a specific learning objective to accomplish. Our students rose to the challenge and helped each other finish the mission. On to Place Value World!!! As you can clearly see from our photos, we are immersed in the activity.
Students CHOOSING to do rigorous Math problems in their spare time?? Unheard of? No, they are Math Superstars! Ask your child about it.
More than half of our students chose to participate in an optional critical thinking and problem solving program called Math Superstars. In this program, students work hard outside of class to solve challenging problems to earn stars towards coveted rewards. Rewards include sitting with a friend at lunch, changing desks, extra computer time, being first in ALL lines, and yes, even chewing gum in class. Big thanks go to Keep Grapevine Beautiful for donating boulders to our World of Wonder school garden. The boulders are not only beautiful but they are especially useful in our Monarch Way station! The rocks provide places for the butterflies to rest and bask in the sun. The small crevices on the rock surfaces may also provide puddling spaces for the butterflies to drink water that contains minerals not found in nectar. And of course, the rocks provide great places for the children to sit and enjoy the butterflies and the garden. Also, the boulders are from right here in Grapevine! They were excavated from the site where the Gaylord was built.
Just another example of why GES is a great place to learn! Multiplication facts practice doesn't have to be boring flashcards. Here students practice using Rocket Math. It's quick, it's fun, and we love to celebrate our next level.
Today was our first day using MinecraftEdu. The computer lab was electric with excitement! Students learned how the environments will look, how to control their virtual self AND their real life self. I was SO proud of all the collaboration and mentoring that I observed right off the bat. It is going to be a great learning experience for all! Eyes on the Teacher the MinecraftEdu way.
Today students learned about the properties of matter and the tools Scientists use to measure these properties. In this hands on activity, we looked at mass, buoyancy, liquid volume, state, temperature, and classification by shape. The big hit was using the Triple Beam Balance to measure mass, but ask your student about the buoyancy of lemons and limes. I think the answer might surprise you!
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