Hello MJE Parents! What a crazy start to the year. We have spent the last few weeks getting started and then restarting. I have finally met with all of my grades at least once. We are working hard to establish our routines. I am so sorry that we did not get to meet at our annual curriculum night. I am enclosing the information I would have shared with you here. This year our theme is Systems and our three units of study are Ecosystems, Economics, and Energy. We will spend approximately 10 weeks on each unit. Ecosystems When and why should an ecosystem be preserved? As students explore that controversial question, they will learn how the characteristics of an ecosystem determine the type of life found within it. They will move on to explore what happens when one element of an ecosystem is altered and how the actions of humans impact ecosystems. For this unit, they will analyze an animal in one biome and see if it can survive in a different biome. Economics Students will gain an understanding of the roles of producers and consumers in an economy, along with basic economic concepts. Then they will conduct market research, design and produce an innovative product, develop a market plan and sell a product in a competitive market. No, your business is not at risk, just yet! This is an interactive simulation project to give the students a glimpse into the world of business. Energy How can a community economically provide needed energy while maintaining ecological balance? This is the timeless question to ponder for this unit. Students will be guided through experiments as they explore types of energy, energy resources, and the economic and environmental issues related to the consumption of energy. We hope to ignite those scientific minds who will be solving the world’s energy crisis for our future! If you have anything you would like to contribute to these units-materials, presentations, life experiences, etc. please let me know! Welcome to the MJE GT Challenge 2017-2018 year! DEVICES Students are able to bring a device to Challenge to help in our work. Helpful apps to have installed are:
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I hope that everyone is enjoying the summer break! I have been hanging out with my family and spending time learning new things to share with you this year. I miss you all and can't wait to see you in August. I'll post our first day of Challenge here as soon as I receive the finalized date from the district. Enjoy the rest of your break!
Mrs. Swindell 5th Grade worked to build suspension, arch, or beam bridges. Tension and compression forces are difficult to overcome!
Students in 1st through 5th were shown this image. They had to ask questions and keep asking until they figured out the patterns and what this image represents. I responded to their questions with more questions. Eventually, all grade levels figured out what this represents! Can you?
This week the grade levels are building a tower with time and material constraints in place. The teams have 50 note cards and 24" of masking tape. The teams work together to build the tallest possible tower in 60 minutes AFTER they brainstorm and plan for 25 minutes. After the teams measure and debrief they are allowed to return to the towers to make improvements based on what they learned from each other.
Today, second grade is rocking the tower build challenge! I have seen so much cooperative problem-solving at work! I love how they are learning from their mistakes and working together! Kinder had a creative and squiggly first day! I am impressed with my new friends! Each student was able to draw from their own creativity to create something from a simple squiggle. We talked about how we each have different ideas and how it is okay to not be perfect! We also learned a good bit about each other! Our guest speaker from the PTA reinforced the idea that we are all differently-abled and should embrace our uniqueness! Check out the LLOYD BACHRACH video at Yes You Can. Thank you PTA for giving us this program.
I look forward to next week! First through 5th will be building geodesic domes with newspaper and tape. Send your papers in if you have any! We'll also learn about several architects along the way. Kinder will continue to work on creativity and problem-solving! We'll throw in a building activity, as well. Please check the MORE... pages at the top of this page for more information on Destination Imagination, KPGT, and Camp Invention. All of these organizations work to better our GT community and provide services for your children. As always, thank you for the privilege of working with your children. -Mrs. Swindell Welcome to the MJE Challenge website! I will use this to communicate with parents beginning this week. It is my goal to provide links to important district paperwork and dates, as well as keeping you updated on our weekly happenings.
Thank you to everyone who helped out with the HMNS field trip! We couldn't have had a successful field trip without your help! Shout out to Mrs. Storemski for hauling our lunches on both days! If you have any newspapers ready to recycle can you please send them my way? You can send them with your child or drop them at the front office. I appreciate donations in any amount! |
AuthorTanya Swindell, MJE Challenge teacher Archives
September 2017
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