Here are some photos from our garden at PUE! The students had put a lot of hard work into starting this garden, but it yielding a lot for first time growers!
Last week we completed our Intro to Forensics unit. We started by learning how to be good observers. This was much more difficult than many expected! Next, we learned to lift fingerprints and identify them as loop, whorl, or arch. Then, we learned the importance of Forensic Odontology. Candy made this lesson sweet! Finally, we learned how to take a cast of a footprint left at the "scene." We then compared the cast to a few suspects' shoe impressions. We hope to revisit this unit at a later date, where we will learn about fiber/hair analysis, evidence collection, handwriting analysis, and secret messages, as well as how to use a black light at the scene.
What happens when you give gifted students a bunch of alligator clips, a circuit board, and a banana? You get a classroom full of high-voltage curiosity! This week, our class dived headfirst into the world of physical computing using the Makey Makey system. Ok, so we didn't use an actual banana this time...but here is a breakdown about how we used the Makey Makey this week. The Conductivity Test We started our mission by building a DIY conductivity tester. Students connected everyday objects to the circuit board to see what could actually conduct electricity. They bypassed standard wires and went straight for the weird and wonderful. They tested: Playdough, glue stick, pencil, rubber band Sriracha packet, apple, lime, candy Shirt, massive flower vase, shoe, broom, magnet, Legos, seashell, etc. Human body! Every successful connection closed the loop, sending a signal to the computer and sparking instant cheers. Sketching Playable Instruments Next, we turned art into engineering. Usi...
Mrs. Moss's 5th grade Quest class is currently working on a game making unit. Students had the choice to either work with a partner to construct a unique board game, or to work independently to create an online game using a coding site. Students are required to incorporate strategy, setbacks/penalties, 3D and moving parts, as well as write thoughtful directions that would allow any player to easily understand the game play rules. Messes are being made...but I think more fun is being had! I cannot wait to see the final products next week!
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