Over the last month our crew has produced some fine work in all areas of study. Below are a few selected pieces that shed light on some of our focus.
The white board captures students practicing large project organization. The chart on the left highlights the final scores for the Tower of Power building project. A project 5th graders completed while 6th grade and I were on voyage. The project focused on teaching, practicing and improving students 21st Century Skills: Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Creativity. I'm saddened that I wasn't present for the project, but from what has been shared, the activity was a great success. The notes on the right side of the board are from the Service Learning Project (SLP) Persuasion Team attempting to organize their needs for completing their PowerPoint.
Expedition
During case study #1: Who Picks our Food, small groups of students created and taught, the crew, a lesson based on expert text about migrant workers. Some chose tech and presented info via lecture, while others began by checking for understanding, shared info and then assessed learning. It was pretty cool to hand the teaching over to the kids. They don't always like to listen to me talk--sharing info they need to know for a specific activity--but they kindly do it. They question, "Why is it that we can't always do hands-on stuff?" In a nut-shell I share, "It's just the way it is sometimes." Before each group decided how they were going to teach they all declared they would not just talk to the class. In the end they all just had to do a little talk. Some more than others.
Ellie and Tiernan planning
Aidan, Kimberly, Kaytee and Gregory sharing the responsibilities
GA, GA
A few months ago the crew decided that for our class Service Learning Project (SLP) we are going to build a Ga, Ga Pit for the kids at REMS. I won't go into what it is now, ask your kids if you'd like to know more. All information below is student generated.
The following three images:
1. Sample letter to lumber stores asking for discounted materials.
2. Estimation of financial need.
3. Draft of fund raising bake sale/cake walk.
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The following is one of 3 designs submitted as potential Ga Ga Pit design. The class voted 20-4 for Kaytee and Ellie's design, seen below. This draft is still consider rough, and Kaytee and Ellie continue to work to improve.
Troubleshooting Ga Ga Pit measurements
Math
Reflections
After kids have practiced a concept they are asked to express their understanding of mathematical concepts in writing. Below are two examples from the Bits and Pieces Investigation.
Poetry
Wranglin' Figurative Language
Below are few free verse and Haiku styled poems.
