Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Computer-less Coding

Today during STEM Time a group of third through fifth graders had a chance to become computer programmers and robots.   Each student took the role of a programmer and in turn took the role of a robot.  Programs were created to stack cups in just the right way.  Students realized, through frustration at times,  the detailed steps that are required to "code" the robot to make the right moves.





Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Getting From Point A to Point B by Coding!

Students in grades 1 and 2 were expected to write "code" for Cameron, our high school helper, to get from one area of the classroom to another by traveling on tiles only.  He wanted to get to a water bottle and students had to tell him to turn 90 degrees, walk forward one space, or students even made him hop!  By students writing the "code" for the direction he would take, they learned what it would take for computer programmers to create a game!  They embraced the challenge and became "coders".


Coding Earns a 10!

As 3rd grader, Jane Swenson, worked to "code" the unicorn to meet the wizard, she worked carefully to plan the path the unicorn should take.  Students in 3rd-5th grade STEM Time learned the basics of computer coding using the Mac Lab at the high school.  Students were motivated and engaged as they attempted to create a small part of a computer game path.  




Sunday, December 7, 2014

iRead Kick Off at EMS!

The Edgerton Middle School iRead Book Challenge has begun!  Students in grades 6th-8th grade were introduced to the list of books for this year's book competition during their Language Arts classes on Friday.   Students from Edgerton High School were also part of the presentation and their role was to encourage and motivate the middle school students to read the variety of titles on this year's list.  The book lists ranges from wicked, magical titles like Doll Bones written by Holly Black to historical fiction and nonfiction like A Long Walk to Water and Bomb-The Race to Build and Steal the World's Most Dangerous Weapon.  The students will form teams and read books from now until the end of March.  Then the students will be 'put to the test' and team competitions will take place that quiz the students on the plots, settings, characters, and themes of the books.  The Final Four teams will compete the first week of April until a final iRead Champion will emerge!


Thursday, December 4, 2014

Investigating STEM Time at Yahara!

A group of 1st through 5th grade students started their investigation into STEM learning today at Yahara School.  They discussed what the acronym STEM represents:  Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.   They shared a variety of ideas that connected to each part of STEM Education.  Their first challenge was to make a egg holder out of 6 Little Tyke interlocking blocks.  The "egg nest" has to carry the egg acrross the gym without falling out.  Each group came up with a different way to create their nest and next week the eggs will be placed in the nests and will go for a ride! More STEM educaiton and activities will be coming soon.......


Monday, November 17, 2014

Astronauts are Landing!

How can marshmellow astronauts and a large marshmellow payload land softly on the moon without causing any damage to themselves?  This was the problem that a group of first and second grade STEM students had to solve today.  After talking about how different space crafts  are expected to land softly on asteroids, the students were given the challenge to create a space vehicle that will hold 2 mini marshmellow astronauts and a large marshmellow payload.  The vehicle must land softly after being dropped from 7 feet onto a target on the floor.  The voyage or landing must not hurt or damage the astronauts or the payload.   After brainstorming ideas madn, the student began constructing their space vehicles and a few test runs were completed.  With each test run, new learning will occur and adjustments will be  made.  More test runs will be completed next week......we will keep you posted!





Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Smart Kid Authors and Illustrators

A group of second and third grade TAG Time students are proud to say they have written and illustrated their FIRST book!  It is entitled, The A B Cs of Kindness.  One other student also wrote her own book entitled, A B C, 1 2 3, Kindness Words for You and Me.  These stories were written in connection with October being Anti Bullying Month.   The student auuthors are Anthony Vitaioli, Juliet Aleson, Samantha Aleson, Drew Gunderson, Jillian Scharlau, and Alyssa Kosmicki.  I am proud of these student for creating and writing their own book!



Sunday, October 19, 2014

Newbery News

Newbery Award Winning books are known to be a collection of some of the best chapter books for young readers.  A group of 4th and 5th grade students had the opportunity to chose one Newbery book to read during their TAG Time.   After they read the book, they each created a poster with a QR code that links their audience to a website that is connected to the plot, setting, or author of the book they read. Kate Fox Gunderson even created her own website about the award winning book she read and  'linked' the  readers to her own website!  A great way for students to advertise entertaining books to each other!

Monday, October 13, 2014

CAUTION! Oil Spill!

First and second grade STEM Time students were faced with a problem the minute they walked in the door!   Today students were involved in an oil spill simulation and had to decide on ways to get the oil out of their "lake" in the cheapest and most efficient way.  Students watched and learned about the distribution of oil and how it could affect the habitat in the area.   Creative solutions were tried and engaging discussion was shared!







Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Creating Something "New" by Using Something "Old"

Monday was a big day for a group of first and second grade STEM students.  They put finishing touches on their "new" creations.  Afer two weeks of using something "old" to create something "new", the students named their creations and have  them on display in front of the office at Community School.  The creations range from a superhero to a coffee maker!  A great learning experience that allowed the students to 'learn beyond their limits'.

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Where's Rube Goldberg?

If you would have traveled through the Tech. Ed. Hallway at Edgerton High School this morning you may have noticed some 3rd-5th grade students trying to model a Rube Goldberg machine.  Students have been given the challenge to build a compound machine that will send a tennis ball traveling at least one meter horizontally or vertically.   Students are using materials all the way from string and cardboard to paper cups and PVC pipe.   In the next couple of weeks students will put their machines to the test and see how far that little tennis ball will  travel!






Monday, September 29, 2014

Creating NEW by using OLD!

Today during STEM Time at the high school, a small group of creative and willing first and second graders rolled up their sleeves and looked at  recyclable  items in a different way  After making a plan and discussing ideas with their partners, they created a new use for many items that we would recycle or throw away.   They taped. glued, poked holes, and fastened items together with pipe cleaners to invent creations that will be on display after next week.   Mr. Mink and I are proud of all the students for thinking "out of the box" and taking a risk with their learning!