November STREAM PROJECT
This year, students will work on month long projects that reflect the current theme in all six areas of STREAM (Science, Tech, Reading, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics)
K and grade 1 students may have parent help with the writing elements for the projects (grades 2-6 should write their own)
SPACE TECH DODECAHEDRON
http://www.mathsisfun.com/geometry/dodecahedron.html
ALL Projects DUE BY: THURSDAY, Nov. 20th
(MUST FOLLOW & COMPLETE ALL SIX STEPS/AREAS for FULL CREDIT)
1. Technology
Research a topic from this month, find 12 facts
Using the internet, books, etc. look for twelve facts about one or more of the topics we are learning about this month (Big Hero 6 inventions, robotics, NASA programs, stars, galaxies, Technology featured in Hunger Games such as hovercrafts, etc.)
Reading/Writing
Write your 12 facts onto the templates provided
Using your best handwriting (or type/print and glue them on) put one fact on each of the pentagons on your template. BUT make sure to save some space for step 3 and 4 on each pentagon.
Arts
Decorate your 12 pentagons
Using any art materials you have (paint, washi tape, markers, crayons, etc.) illustrate each of your 12 facts with a picture that represents the fact. You may cut out images or hand draw them. Add one picture on each of the pentagon templates.
4. Science
Label each pentagon fact with the Scientific branch/area related to it
Write what branch(es) of science the fact is related to using the information on the following website : http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0881984.html
Example- A Robotic arm would involve Biology (Medicine) and Physical (Physics)
5. Math
Cut out the 12 decorated and labeled pentagons
Using scissors cut your template circles out and fold all the edges to create your 12 pentagons.
6. Engineering
Attach your pentagons together to create the dodecahedron (12 sided three dimensional shape)
Using glue or paste, use the folded tabs to put all of your pentagons together to create the 12 sided three-dimensional figure called a dodecahedron.
LABEL YOUR WORK WITH YOUR NAME & TURN IN YOUR COMPLETED DODECAHEDRON ON/OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 20th 2014
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Learning Lab News November 2014
Mr. J’s Learning Lab News
Vol. 2 Issue 4- November 2014
Need some space? Visit our new STELLAR site @
THEME OF THE MONTH: SPACE TECH
[Robotics (Big Hero 6), space travel (Interstellar & NASA, Hunger Games Hovercrafts)]
This month we begin our fourth monthly theme of “SPACE TECH” featuring the robotics and inventions of Big Hero 6 (such as Baymax), the “Interstellar”space travel from NASA featured in the new movie of the same name, and Hovercraft designs like to ones featured in “Hunger Games: Mockingjay Pt.1”. In science we will be doing various hands on examples of these 3 science theories. In arts, we will be creating mathematical and scientific pictures related to robots, stars, and the galaxy. We will be learning three new songs for the Masterpiece Showcase finale. The three songs represent the 3 weeks/areas of our theme- For robotics/Big Hero 6: Fall Out Boy's “Immortals” featuring samples from Styx “Mr. Roboto” and the Beastie Boys “Intergalactic.” For NASA/Interstellar space: “In the Stars” by Icona Pop and from the Hunger Games soundtrack: “Night Sky” by CHVRCHES.
At home, students will be making three-dimensional Dodecahedrons (twelve sided shapes) for this month’s STREAM project. The template & direction sheet are attached.
Here is a calendar for what we will be doing this month in the three learning labs:
week 1- Robotics/Big Hero 6
MONDAY, NOV 3- Arts Lab- Introduce new theme, songs, new math site, dodecahedrons, Introduce/draw Big Hero 6 robot- Baymax
TUESDAY, NOV. 4- Tech Lab- Typing Web, Moby Max, NEW First in Math site!
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 5- Sciences Lab- Robotics Lab, Baymax Photo Bomb
THURSDAY, NOV. 6- Tech Lab- Typing Web, Moby Max, NEW First in Math site!
FRIDAY, NOV. 7- Arts Lab- Big Hero 6 day, continue practicing new songs, Big Hero 6 inventions
MOVIE NIGHT at OAKMONT 8- Time TBA
week 2- Interstellar/NASA
MONDAY, NOV. 10- Arts Lab- practice songs, Draw stars and galaxies- barred spiral, etc.
TUESDAY, NOV. 11- NO SCHOOL - VETERAN'S DAY! Honor a hero today!
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 12- Sciences Lab- Interstellar space, NASA Apps
THURSDAY, NOV. 13 & FRIDAY NOV. 14- Mr. J, Mrs. Earl , and families @ NASA Overnight Adventure
At school: Two days of Tech Lab- Typing Web, Moby Max, NEW First in Math site (FIM)
week 3- More NASA, Hovercrafts & Hunger Games
MONDAY, NOV. 17- Arts lab- continue songs, finish Stars/Galaxies
TUESDAY, NOV. 18- Tech Lab- Typing Web, Moby Max, FIM
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 19- Sciences Lab- Hovercraft technology
THURSDAY, NOV. 20- STREAM Projects DUE Tech Lab- Typing Web, Moby Max, FIM...
HUNGER GAMES Mockingjay OPENING NIGHT at 8p.m. (Tickets on sale NOW)
FRIDAY, NOV. 21- Masterpiece Showcase at 9:00 a.m., Hunger Games MOCKINGJAY Capitol Arena (in back field),
Early release at 11:30
THEN… THANKSGIVING/FALL BREAK (NOV. 22-30TH)
SEE YOU BACK DECEMBER 1ST FOR OUR NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM THEME!
STREAM Projects
Mr. J has been so impressed by the great projects turned in for the first three months of the school year! They have exceeded Mr.J’s high standards, and October’s MINECRAFT creations were the best yet! Attached to this Newsletter you will find a rubric/Step guide to complete this month’s Dodecahedron SPACE TECH Project (DUE THURSDAY, Nov. 20th).
New MATH website! First in Math
Our school has a new Math game website “www.FirstInMath.com” from the creators of the “24” board game. Each student will get a unique username and password and will be able to access the site at school and home. The site has math games, a skill set “gym” and other features. Students must LEVEL UP to unlock bonus games and increase their rankings. Mr. J found the site at the FCTM Math convention in October, and hope it adds a new dimension to our Math curriculum.
Moby Max November Contest
Our first two contests for this school year have been great! We are looking to see students continue to accell on their MobyMax accounts in November. This month’s contest winners will be based on the MOST TIME actively spent on the new Module called READING SKILLS INFORMATIONAL on the MobyMax site. To check your student’s time, login to their account and click the Time/Alerts module button, then use the right arrow button to see the module.
TypingWeb Third Contest
This year, Mr. Y found us a great new site that challenges your typing skills in unique ways. This will be great learning for our new state test, The FSA, and we will be having monthly contests based on various elements from the website.
Our next contest will be MOST WPM (Words Per Minute) for students who have spent at least 45 minutes or more on the site practicing. When you log onto your Typing Web account you can practice your typing skills, play typing games, and then MAKE SURE to challenge yourself to the Typing Test! You can take the test as many times as you wish, and each time it will let you know how many words per minute you can type. You will have until November 20th to see if you are the winner, so keep trying and typing!
Upcoming Events and Important Dates
November 3- Start our Robotics/Space unit (NASA, Big Hero 6, Interstellar, Hunger Games hovercraft)
November 7- BIG HERO 6 Movie Night (Time TBA)
November 13 & 14- NASA Overnight Adventure at Kennedy Space Center
November 20- Hunger Games opening night (Oakmont 8 @ 8pm, Tickets already on sale & going fast!)
November 21- Masterpiece Showcase (9 a.m.), Early Release 11:30
November 22 until November 30- FALL BREAK, No School, Happy Thanksgiving
December 1- Back to school, begin new Night at the Museum theme
December 6- NIGHT at the MUSEUM event at South Florida Museum (more details soon…)
EXPECT A NEW LEARNING LAB NEWSLETTER AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH MONTH
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Learning Lab Newsletter Oct. 2014
Mr. J’s Learning Lab News
Vol. 2 Issue 3- October 2014
Steve has crafted us an updated website, but watch out for creepers! Visit the new site @
THEME OF THE MONTH: MINECRAFT
This month we begin our third monthly theme of “Minecraft” starring those famous pixelated creations and biomes! We will be learning song parodies from the Minecraft universe on YouTube. We will learn “Revenge” and “Creeper’s Thriller.” In science we will be doing various hands on examples of what science theories are incorporated into the Minecraft world. In arts, we will be creating mathematical pixelated pictures and students will be creating the three dimensional cubes needed for this month’s STREAM Project. Throughout the month, students will be earning MinecraftMoney which will be used at our RedStoneStore near the end of the month.
Here is a calendar for what we will be doing this month in the three learning labs:
WEDNESDAY, OCT.1 - Sciences Lab- Intro to Minecraft theme, MinecraftMoney, & Minecraft Pocket Edition (MCPE)
THURSDAY, OCT. 2- Tech Lab - TypingWeb, Moby Max
FRIDAY, OCT. 3- Arts Lab- Learn new Minecraft songs, Mathematical Pixel Pictures
MONDAY, OCT 6- Arts Lab- Continue new songs, create “Crafting Table” and template
TUESDAY, OCT. 7- Tech Lab- Typing Web, Moby Max
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 8- Sciences Lab- Brewing Science, MCPE
THURSDAY, OCT 9- Tech Lab- Typing Web, Moby Max
FRIDAY, OCT. 10- NO SCHOOL! See “Alexander & the Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” which opens today
MONDAY, OCT. 13- Arts Lab- practice songs, Minecraft Animals/Creature art
TUESDAY, OCT. 14- Tech Lab- Typing Web, Moby Max
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 15- Sciences Lab- Minecraft Animals and Creature study lab
THURSDAY, OCT. 16- Tech Lab- Typing Web, Moby Max
FRIDAY, OCT. 17- Arts Lab- Minecraft Skins creators
MONDAY, OCT. 20- NO SCHOOL
TUESDAY, OCT. 21- Field trip day! Going to STRAZ Performing Arts Center to see Judy Blume and go behind the scenes!
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 22- Sciences Lab- Periodic Table of (Minecraft) Elements
THURSDAY, OCT. 23- Tech Lab- Typing Web, Moby Max
FRIDAY, OCT. 24- Mr. J is speaking at FCTM Math convention! Extra Tech Lab time!
MONDAY, OCT. 27- Arts Lab- Minecraft Menagerie
TUESDAY, OCT. 28- Tech Lab- work on typing web & Moby Max times!
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 29- MinecraftMoney’s RedsStoneStore is open, one day ONLY!
THURSDAY, OCT. 30- Tech Lab time & Whole School rehearsals for Showcase
FRIDAY, OCT. 31- Early release and MASTERPIECE SHOWCASE! 9 a.m. at Gecko Stage, all classes perform and whole school presents Minecraft medley for the Finale (May wear costumes)
STREAM Projects
Mr. J has been so impressed by the great projects turned in for the first two months of the school year! They have exceeded Mr.J’s high standards, and he is looking to see this great trend continue in October. Attached to this Newsletter you will find a rubric/Step guide to complete this month’s Minecraft inspired Pixel Projects.
Moby Max October Contest
Our first contest for this school year was great! We are looking to see students continue to accell on their MobyMax accounts in October. This month’s contest winners will be based on the MOST TIME actively spent AT HOME on the MobyMax site. To check your student’s time, login to their account and click the Time/Alerts module button.
TypingWeb Second Contest
This year, Mr. Y found us a great new site that challenges your typing skills in unique ways. This will be great learning for our new state test, The FSA, and we will be having monthly contests based on various elements from the website.
Our next contest will be MOST WPM (Words Per Minute) for students who have spent 120 minutes or more on the site practicing. When you log onto your Typing Web account you can practice your typing skills, play typing games, and then MAKE SURE to challenge yourself to the Typing Test! You can take the test as many times as you wish, and each time it will let you know how many words per minute you can type. You will have until October 29th to see if you are the winner, so keep trying and typing!
Upcoming Events and Important Dates
October 4- Ringling Museum ROAR free Library event! Must RSVP (See this website for details: http://www.ringling.org/events/roar-ringling-order-art-readers)
October 10- No School
October 11- Star Wars Reads Day, many FREE Events around town- BAM!, Central Library, etc. (See this website for more info: http://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-reads-day-strikes-back-october-11-2014)
October 20- No School
October 21- Field Trip to STRAZ Performing Arts Center in Tampa
October 29- MinecraftMoney RedStoneStore @ school
October 30- MINECRAFT STREAM Project DUE!
October 31- Early Release, Costume Parade/ Masterpiece Showcase @ 8:30 a.m.
November 3- Start our Robotics/Space unit (NASA, Big Hero 6, Interstellar)
November 7- BIG HERO 6 Movie Night (Time TBA)
EXPECT A NEW LEARNING LAB NEWSLETTER AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH MONTH
October STREAM Project
October STREAM PROJECT
This year, students will work on month long projects that reflect the current theme in all six areas of STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics)
K and grade 1 students may have parent help with the writing elements for the projects (grades 2-6 should write their own)
ALL Projects DUE BY: THURSDAY, OCT. 30th
(MUST FOLLOW & COMPLETE ALL SIX STEPS/AREAS for FULL CREDIT)
1. Technology
Ellison Machine Cube Cutting
While in the Arts Lab this month, students will bring in thier own colorful paper they wish to use for this project. (Cardstock works the best). While in class, students will use their paper to cut out small two-dimensional (flat) cube templates that they can then transform and fold into three-dimensional cubes.
2. Engineering
Attach your cubes together to create something
Using your cubes you cut out in Arts Lab, fold them, and use tacky glue/ rubber cement/ duct tape to attach them together to make a three dimensional creation. You may want to make a sketch/ blueprint of your design before putting it together. You also may want to decorate your cubes before they are folded. The design of the creation can be Minecraft based (Steve, a Creeper, A pig, pickaxes, Forest trees, Endermen, etc) or one of your own design.
3. Arts
Decorate your cubes/creation
Using any art materials you have (paint, washi tape, markers/chalk, etc.) decorate your three-dimensional design.
4. Math, 5. Science, & 6. Reading
Fill out attached INFORMATION SHEET for these three areas.
Using your three-dimensional engineered creation to help fill out the back of this sheet.
OCTOBER MINECRAFT STREAM PROJECT INFORMATION SHEET
Student Name:
Homebase teacher:
Reminder: TURN COMPLETED PROJECT & THIS INFORMATION SHEET (for Sections 4/5/6) INTO Mr.J by THURSDAY OCT. 30th
MATH:
How many cubes in all did you use to make your creation?
What are the following measurements:
The length of one of your cubes used:
The TOTAL length of your finished creature:
4th-6th grade: What is the volume of your finished design?
What is the Surface Area of your finished design?
SCIENCE:
Name your creation:
Name your creation:
Classify your creation (What species is it? -can be fictional-):
READING:
Write three fun or interesting details about your creation (can be fictional):
1.
2.
3.
Monday, September 1, 2014
Learning Labs Newsletter September 2014
Mr. J’s Learning Lab News
Vol. 2 Issue 2- September 2014
Have a SWIMMING time! Winter + Hope have updated our website! Visit the new site @
This school year we have THREE Learning Labs for our students (Arts, Sciences, and Tech). These labs will reflect the latest skills needed for Florida students in the STREAMing world: Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics
THEME OF THE MONTH
This month we begin our second month theme “Dolphin Tale” starring those famous cetacean mammals from the Clearwater Marine Aquarium! We will be learning two songs from the Dolphin Tale soundtracks. We will learn “Waves” by Blondfire and “I Believe” by Basic Vacation. In science we will be doing various hands on examples of Oceanography and Marine Biology that will help with your next STREAM project. In Art, we will be learning about the Wyland Foundation, how to make ocean vistas, and draw marine life seen at the aquarium.
Here is a calendar for what we will be doing this month in the three learning labs:
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 3 - Sciences Lab- Learn about tanks & aquariums (for your STREAM project)
THURSDAY, SEPT. 4- Tech Lab – Typing Web, Moby Max
FRIDAY, SEPT. 5- Arts Lab- Learn new songs “Waves”, “I Believe”, begin to paint oceans
MONDAY, SEPT.8- Arts Lab- Continue new songs “Waves”, “I Believe”, continue oceans
TUESDAY, SEPT. 9- Tech Lab- Typing Web, Moby Max
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 10- Sciences Lab- Learn Oceanography
THURSDAY, SEPT. 11- Tech Lab- Typing Web, Moby Max
FRIDAY, SEPT. 12- Arts Lab- finish oceans, Dolphin Tale 2 opens! Come to Oakmont 8 for Family Movie Night! (Time To Be Announced)
MONDAY, SEPT.15- Arts Lab- Make waves, practice songs
TUESDAY, SEPT. 16- Tech Lab- Typing Web, Moby Max
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 17- Sciences Lab- Various pre-field trip CMA lessons
THURSDAY, SEPT. 18- Tech Lab- Typing Web, Moby Max
FRIDAY, SEPT. 19- Field trip day! Going to Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) to see Winter & Hope
TUESDAY, SEPT. 23- Tech Lab- Typing Web, Moby Max
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 24- Sciences Lab- post field trip CMA lessons
THURSDAY, SEPT. 25- Tech Lab- Typing Web, Moby Max
FRIDAY, SEPT. 26- BOXTROLLS DAY! Create our own BOXES! Bring any boxes you can!
Saturday, Sept. 27- Run/Walk for Life and Student Art competition (Downtown Btown)
MONDAY, SEPT. 29- Arts Lab- Final rehearsals for showcase, Wyland mural
TUESDAY, SEPT. 30- MASTERPIECE SHOWCASE! 12:15 at Gecko Stage, all classes perform and whole school presents TMNT and Dolphin Tale medley for the Finale!
STREAM Projects
This year we have NO STEAM Reports! We have added the "R" for Reading, and now have monthly STREAM Projects instead of the weekly STEAM reports. Woo Hoo! Mr. J believes this will be a better way to truly use all SIX areas of STREAM better! Attached to this newsletter will be a STREAM PROJECT page detailing the second project based on our Dolphin Tale theme, and the project will be due to Mr. J by MONDAY SEPTEMBER 29
Moby Max Update/ New Contest
Our first contest for this school year is based on NEW BADGES! We are looking to see the students who can earn the most NEW badges from August 26th to September 22nd. Remember you earn a NEW badge each time you get 50 questions answered correctly. You can check you progress by clicking the BADGES tab in your Moby Max account.
TypingWeb First Contest
This year, Mr. Y found us a great new site that challenges your typing skills in unique ways. This will be great learning for our new state test, the FSA, and we will be having monthly contests based on various elements from the website.
Our first contest will be MOST WPM (Words Per Minute). When you log onto your Typing Web account you can practice your typing skills, play typing games, and then challenge yourself to the typing test! You can take the test as many times as you wish, and each time it will let you know how many words per minute you can type. We are looking for ONE STUDENT from each grade level (K- 6) who can type the MOST words per minute to win our first contest. Then we are looking for the HIGHEST WPM in the WHOLE SCHOOL for the Grand Prize! You will have until September 25th to see if you are the winner, so keep trying and typing!
Sea The Unseen at DALI MUSEUM … FREE ART EVENT!
On Saturday, September 13th at 10 am, the Salvador Dali museum will be hosting a FREE Art workshop using marine debris to create new works of art. The day will be full of fun and lessons related to our Dolphin Tale theme. If you wish to attend RSVP to Mr. J so you can have a guaranteed spot for this great event!For more details visit http://thedali.org/event/plastic-art-marine-debris-workshop/
Field Trips
Our first field trip will be on Friday, September 19th to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to visit Winter and Hope from the DOLPHIN TALE movies. Permission slips were given out at the Open House and first day of school. The second trip of the year will be in October to the STRAZ Performing Arts center for a fun filled day seeing a play, going behind the scenes/backstage, and learning improv skills. Permission slips will come home the first week of September.
Upcoming Events and Important Dates
September 3- Start our second theme- Dolphin Tale
Friday Night, September 12th- Dolphin Tale 2 Movie Night at Oakmont 8 (More details soon)
Saturday, September 13- Free Art Workshop “Sea the Unseen” at Dali in St. Pete (RSVP to Mr. J)
Friday, September 19- Clearwater Marine Aquarium/Dolphin Tale field trip
Friday, September 26- Boxtrolls Day! Bring in empty boxes to create your own boxtroll!
Saturday, September 27- Run/Walk for Life and Art show (Downtown Bradenton)
Monday, September 29- Dolphin Tale STREAM Projects due!
Tuesday, September 30- MASTERPIECE SHOWCASE at 12:15
Wednesday, October 1- Begin Minecraft/modern video game theme
EXPECT A NEW LEARNING LAB NEWSLETTER AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH MONTH
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