STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education.  It is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in all four specific disciplines It focuses on these areas together not only because the skills and knowledge in each discipline are essential for student success, but also because these fields are deeply intertwined in the real world and in how students learn most effectively.

This week the students participated in a STEM activity.

The task is simple: in eighteen minutes (I gave the students an additional 15 minutes), teams must build the tallest free-standing structure out of 20 sticks of spaghetti, one yard of tape, one yard of string, and one marshmallow. The marshmallow needs to be on top.

 Students worked with their team to design and test their structures. Then they made the necessary changes/adaptations and retested it.  This activity is designed to encourage critical thinking and scientific reasoning skills, as well as, problem solving and teamwork.  The students LOVED it!  We all look forward to the next STEM activity!

A.J. and Ben worked  together to write a graphic novel.  Everyone enjoyed listening to them share their writing.  The book, The Amazing Justice Fighters will be available in our class library.

Look at the cover of this book.  What do you predict the book will be about.  Remember to use the title and illustrations as clues for your prediction.  Type you prediction in the comment box.

I predict…

Watch the video.  Afterwards, round these number to the nearest ten – 34, 76, 57, 23.  Put your answers in the comment box.

Enjoy this week’s photos taken by Liam D.

Watch the video.  Afterwards, think about a book you read today.  In the comment box tell the name of the characters and the setting of the story.

Enjoy last week’s photographer’s photos.

Congratulations to Addison for being the first student to read 100 books for the 100 Book Club!  Who will be next?

Watch the video.  In the comment box type the ordinal number WORD for your place in your family.

For example I would type: “fourth.”