Dear Frisco Families,
Today, I will be sharing out in written form, because the week got away from me. Sorry about that. You will not be disappointed by some of the fun pictures of the amazing STEM work your kids are doing.
Thank you PTSA for purchasing Mystery Science. Mystery Science is a valuable tool for teacher planning as we create our PYP Planners (units).
I am also very appreciative of my new shelving unit that is currently covered with fifth grade biosphere projects. THANK YOU!
Turkey Trot Info
Stay tuned for information about how to participate and volunteer for Frisco's Thanksgiving Day 5K Turkey Trot. Frisco generously donates $4 from each participant to our STEM program! More information coming soon!
5K and Grade 2
Kindergarten and second grade read Iggy Peck: Architect, they learned that an architect is a STEM career, and they learned that architects build for beauty, durability, and purpose. After we read, we looked about famous pieces of architecture, and we talked about what made them look different. Student did team "build challenges" where they used different materials to build. Some had old playing cards, some had toilet paper tubes, etc. We talked about the challenges of some materials (popsicle sticks and index cards were kind of hard), and we talked about how the different materials made the structures look different.
We continue to talk about listening to group members and making sure everyone gets to share an idea.
Grade 1
First grade continues to practice programming their Ozobots. Ozobots have light sensors, and you code them by making marker patterns with red, blue, and green. We talked about how this is similar to technology that robots on the Amazon fulfillment center floors use, as a robot follows lines on the floor that tell the robot where it needs to be. I am sure you have seen our practice sheets come home.
On Monday, first graders will apply what they have learned to the towns they have created in their classroom. They will make an Ozobot bus route that is coded to make two stops at places people need to stop at, the Ozobot will be programmed to turn right and left as needed, and it will "go the speed limit." For example, we can code them to go "fast" on their town highway, but in a school zone, they will go "slow."
Grade 4
Fourth graders are making seismographs, and we will test them on Tuesday. We have a ton of different models in progress. Tuesday will be the real test, as we see if they will measure a ball dropped on the table from different heights. I am seeing real progress with conversations around discussing everyone's ideas (not just voting), trying ideas, and compromising. Our initial prototype drawings provide our launchpad for sharing individual ideas.
Grade 5
Students have planned biospheres in their science class, and we are building them in the makerspace. Pictures to come next week. Students are exploring the variety of materials and they are learning what works best in their model. We are also practicing makerspace routines for safety, because students do get to use wire cutters (with cut gloves) and hot glue guns. We are working as a team to make sure everything is returned as well. Again, look for pictures next week.
SeeSaw
You will see student work and photos in SeeSaw soon! Be sure you have joined your child's classroom teacher SeeSaw, as work for STEM will have its own STEM folder.
Please reach out with ideas and questions!
Jen Mortensen
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