Day 4-5

Science Notebooks and Lab Safety!

Thursday:
The students explored different interactive Science notebooks and explained how Scientists need ways to collect observable and measurable data.   Afterwards, we began to set up and decorate our own notebooks. 

Friday: 

I posted two circle maps on the board and had small groups brainstorm what they know or have experienced in regards to two things: 

1. How can students protect themselves in the science classroom? 
2. Why are safety rules important to science students, in indoor and outdoor settings?

They wrote their responses on post-it notes and then we discussed it as a class. Then, I used Kahoot (game-based digital learning platform) to assess students previous knowledge on lab safety. We discussed any areas I saw that the students needed more understanding. At the end, we went back to our essential questions to see how our knowledge and understanding has changed.

I needed to stress lab safety to them because we will begin using the Science lab on a regular basis.

Day 3

iPad Expectations
This morning I gave the students a list of iPad expectations. Then, they were put into groups and assigned two expectations to make into mini skits for the class. It was a blast to watch them!

Straw Boat Engineering Challenge! 
The Problem- Using ten straws and 10 inches of plastic wrap, make a boat that can hold 25 pennies without sinking. They were also given 3 inches of tape to use and that's it. Every single group was not successful the first time. I was happy about that because I got to encourage students that most engineers are unsuccessful the first time around. The important step is improving and modifying their design until they got it to work. Engineers continue to improve and modify until they are successful. 

Day 2!

We finished our 3-D classroom designs today! Afterwards, we presented our process and designs to Ms. Pool's second grade class, which concluded the last step of the engineering process (SHARE).  Take a look! 

After recess, we had another design challenge. This one was a bit smaller than the last. Groups were asked to make paper shapes to support books. They recorded their findings and compared the different shapes to the amount of weight it could support. Take a look!
http://creeksidelearning.com/stem-activities-for-kids-how-strong-is-a-piece-of-paper/ 

First Day of School!

Today was a great day! My students are amazing! We started a design challenge today to make a 3-D class map. The scenario was a "fake" email from our principal giving us our challenge. 

Dear Mr. Parthemore,

Throughout the school year, many new students transfer into Cannon Elementary School. Many of these students do not know the normal classroom procedures or where important items are located in the room.  The school board is trying to decide if our campuses should convert to 3-D classroom maps to make it easier for our newer students. Unfortunately, our district is on a specific budget so we may not be able to afford these new maps. Your class challenge is to create a 3-D classroom map of Mr. Parthemore’s room using construction paper, scissors, glue sticks, markers/crayons, straws, tape, and a box of decorative pieces.  Your classroom maps must include the following items: garbage can, bathroom passes, Kleenex box, hand sanitizer, daily schedule, notebook paper, job chart, class dictionaries, classroom laptops, the writing process chart, pencil sharpener, leveled books, backpack holder, student and teacher desks, Monday take home folders, Emergency go kit backpack, door, and windows.  Once your design is completed, please write up a request explaining why our campuses should go from 2-D to 3-D and why your design should be chosen.

Afterwards, please send me your written requests and designs to me so that I can write up a proposal to the school board. Since the school board meeting is later this evening, you will only have only an hour to complete this task.

Excited to see your designs!

Regards,

Mrs. Blizzard

So far, their designs are turning out great! Take a look! 

 After lunch, our class participated in the third grade Washer Challenge. The object was to get the tennis ball into the tub using only a washer and 5 strings. Students needed to work together for a common goal, understanding that all team members are important. Take a look: 

Welcome Third Grade!

Dear Parents and Students,

I am so excited to start this upcoming 2015-2016 school year with you! I will be providing links and videos on my blog to those of you are new to STEM and would like a better understanding of what the engineering design process looks like in and out of the classroom. I will also be posting images and updates on what the students are working on throughout different units. Feel free to follow me on Twitter: @JoeParthemore

The Design Process Video

This week (8/24-8/28) we will be completing three different engineering challenges: Spaghetti Tower Challenge, Keva Block Design Challenge, and the Straw Boat Design Challenge. The Straw Boat Design Challenge is posted below for you to see. Pictures of the students completing the challenge will be posted later this week!