LED Valentines

During February and March, we are studying electricity and magnetism.  One of our essential questions is: how does an electrical circuit work?  Our class got some hands-on experience last week creating circuits, in a very creative way!  Using cell batteries, copper tape and LED lights, we worked with Mrs. LaRussa in CLIC to create LED valentines.  We really enjoyed creating these fun cards and learning how to make a circuit work.

Massachusetts Science Frameworks, Physical Sciences 6:  Recognize that electricity in circuits requires a complete loop through which an electrical current can pass, and that electricity can produce light, heat and sound.

Southeast Video Project

    As part of our Social Studies curriculum, we study each of the regions of the United States.  In December, we learned about the Southeast while asking such essential questions as "What are the important aspects of this region?" and "Why is it important to learn about the Southeast region?" As a culminating activity, pairs of students researched a particular state using books and iPads.  They then wrote a script for the perspective of a particular character, combining their research from multiple sources.  The class then memorized their scripts and recorded them on an iPad using a green screen and app.  Mrs. Klipfel led us through this whole project; we are very grateful for her (as always)!  Watch the final version of our class video here! Common Core Standards:  ​CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.4
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development and organization are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.7
Conduct short research projects that build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.8
Recall relevant information from experiences or gather relevant information from print and digital sources; take notes and categorize information, and provide a list of sources.

Massachusetts State Framework:

State Social Studies Framework: History and Geography

Observe and describe national historic sites and describe their function and significance.

 

New Technology!

Over the past week, we have had the privilege of using two new pieces of technology!  The first, calculators, may not seem like such a big deal, but our class had a great time "playing" with them and using them for Calculator Mazes.  We are planning on using them to check over our work.

This summer, Proctor received an entire cart of 20 laptops!  We have been using them to type up our final drafts of our personal narratives.  (This ties into Common Core Standard CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.) All of our practice on Type to Learn has been paying off and we are getting really fast and accurate!

One of our essential questions for this entire year is: "How can we use technology to naturally complement our learning?" Using these laptops is truly making our writing process easier!