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!

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!

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!

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'.

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!

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!

Terry Wooten WOWS Middle School students

A group of middle school students had the opportunity to be entertained this afternoon with story telling and poetry recitiation.  Terry Wooden, a nationally known  poet and story teller, presented at the EPAC to over seventy middle school students.  They listended to stories ranging from being three years old and thinking a turtle was a moving rock all the way to the adventures of a first kiss.  The students listened and laughed as Terry Wooten shared his talents.   Mr. Wooten will be a guest speaker at the Sterling North Book and Film Festival this Saturday at the Edgerton High School starting at 9:00.