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'Brain Builders are OPTIONAL! Students may choose to complete one of the monthly projects below to share with the class on any day in the assigned month. In addition, optional weekly research questions are posted in class. Students are required to complete the corresponding worksheet due on Fridays. These often serve as great dinner conversation topics!
May:
Practice identifying the countries of Europe: here In class, show what you learned on the Smartboard. You must do this using the "Countries:Level 1" feature. In addition, you must do this with "all countries", not just "regions". Only two mistakes permitted to obtain a Late Homework Pass! (Adobe Flash required)
April:
Practice identifying the states: here In class, show what you learned on the Smartboard. You must do this using the "States 1" link. In addition, you must do this with "All states: national", not just "regions". Only two mistakes permitted to obtain a Late Homework Pass! (Adobe Flash required)
March: Genius Hour!
1. Pick a topic.
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Choose a topic that you are truly passionate about.
- Develop a driving question.
Use questions to guide research. This is the what, why, and how that allows you to go deeper into your subject. If the questions you are asking can be answered with a simple Google search, it is not specific enough. A great place to start for guidance in the inquiry process is this infographic from TeachThought.
- Do the research.
In addition to reading books and articles, students can access websites, watch videos, and connect with experts in the community.
- Bring it all together.
Creating something original is the core purpose of Genius Hour. Whether you publish, design, act, make, or do, there should always be a tangible takeaway from the process. Some ideas for presentations? Create a blog, use various forms of technology, shoot a video, write and perform a play, or paint a mural.
- Reflect.
After the presentation, bring the process full circle and “cement the learning” by reflecting. What went well? What did you learn? What would you do differently? Where do you want to go from here?
*Adapted from: Mulvahill , Elizabeth. “What Is Genius Hour?” We Are Teachers, 21 May 2018, www.weareteachers.com/what-is-genius-hour/.
February:
We have been studying Astronomy. Choose one of the "Sun" projects described on the attached file. Be ready to share with the class!Click here
January:
We learned a lot about the Stock Market Crash of 1929. Research more about how the stock market works.
1.Choose a company that you would like to "invest" in. Use GoogleFinance or another search engine to check your company's stock each day for two weeks.
2. Study the example and directions provided. You will use decimal multiplication and addition/subtraction with this project. Prices change daily and an investor can earn on lose money. You will be doing the same thing with their stock. Every day for two weeks check the your stock. Figure out your gains or losses. At the end of the two weeks, write a half-page summary of the stock. Use the example to model a summary.
*Adapted from:TPT; Nichole Pellitteri, "Stock Market Review Project"
December:Genius Hour!
- Pick a topic.
Choose a topic that you are truly passionate about.
- Develop a driving question.
Use questions to guide research. This is the what, why, and how that allows you to go deeper into your subject. If the questions you are asking can be answered with a simple Google search, it is not specific enough. A great place to start for guidance in the inquiry process is this infographic from TeachThought.
- Do the research.
In addition to reading books and articles, students can access websites, watch videos, and connect with experts in the community.
- Bring it all together.
Creating something original is the core purpose of Genius Hour. Whether you publish, design, act, make, or do, there should always be a tangible takeaway from the process. Some ideas for presentations? Create a blog, use various forms of technology, shoot a video, write and perform a play, or paint a mural.
- Reflect.
After the presentation, bring the process full circle and “cement the learning” by reflecting. What went well? What did you learn? What would you do differently? Where do you want to go from here?
*Adapted from: Mulvahill , Elizabeth. “What Is Genius Hour?” We Are Teachers, 21 May 2018, www.weareteachers.com/what-is-genius-hour/.
November:
Causes of animal endangerment is a topic we explore this year. Create a Ted Talk video (3-4) minutes about an important issue regarding our environment. Be sure to include the following:
1. Hook―How do you establish a connection with your audience so you can get them to “buy into” the idea?
2. Explain the Current Problem―What exactly is the current environmental challenge, what do your peers need to understand about it, and how does impact present and future ecosystems.
3. Share the Current Solutions―What solutions are currently available, how do they work, and what kind of difference can they make?
4. Closing―Reconnect with the audience and close with a passionate call to action.
Students are encouraged to think about the following when they are preparing:
· Who is in your audience?
· How can you use humor in your speech?
· What visual will help get your point across?
· Your information must rest on accurate data.*Adapted from: Settlemyere , Mary Anne. “How My Students Create Their Own Ted Talks” TeachThought, 24 September 2014, https://www.teachthought.com/pedagogy/students-create-ted-talks/.
October:
We are currently studying Immigration. Click on the website link below to access data regarding the number of Immigrants arriving to the USA over a period of time. Ask your teacher for the question sheet that goes with it. You will have to turn that in as you complete the acitivity.
September:
Choose one of the "Invention" projects described on the attached file.
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