Enrichment Clusters2017 Brochure

St. Columba School7800 Livingston Road

Oxon Hill, MD

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Table of Contents

Introduction..........................................................3Multiple Intelligences ….......................................4Registration instructions …..................................6Cluster descriptions .............................................7Contact information …........................................12

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Introduction for Parents

With 2017, we begin our fifth year of Brain Power Hour, an enrichment opportunity for every student in grades 2 - 5! Over the past five years, approximately forty great clusters have given our students an opportunity to grow through discovery and investigation. Within our clusters, we have found that students are creative problem solvers and builders. This year, we are highlighting the STEAM (Science,Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) aspects of our clusters. Each cluster will identify a problem that will require our students to ask, imagine, plan, create, and improve upon their plans to solve that problem in a positive and engaging manner, while preserving the use of multiple intelligences (see page 4). This year, the clusters will run eight consecutive weeks during the first semester. Students will have time for an in-depth exploration of one topic while following the STEAM design process. Clusters will meet on Thursday afternoons, alternating between 5th, 6th and 7th periods.

The “Brain Power Hour” program is based on Dr. Joseph Renzulli’s concept of enrichment as presented in his Schoolwide Enrichment Model. The mission of this model is to “apply the pedagogy of gifted education to enrichment opportunities for all students.” Using this format we are better able to meet the needs of our students.

Brain Power Hour will begin on September 28, 2017 and conclude on . November 16, 2017. Each opportunity or “cluster” will be facilitated by teachers and other qualified

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professionals. There will be approximately 10-12 students in a cluster. Each cluster will also be multi-aged, drawing students from the grades for which the cluster is designed.

Each student will pick 3 options from the cluster offerings. Students will complete a registration form indicating these choices in school on Friday, September 22, 2017. Please be sure that your child will be happy with any of the 3 choices. Once registration is complete, the cluster rosters will be compiled and students will be notified of their Fall cluster on the day of the first session, September 28, 2017.

These clusters have been designed as curriculum enrichment. They are not “clubs” or “just for fun;” however, they are meant to be enjoyable and engaging at the same time as they stretch and enrich your child’s thinking and application skills. As such, this is a required activity, a part of your child’s learning experience, just like any other class.

When considering the cluster choices, please talk with your child about his/her interests and use that as a guiding principle when looking at the cluster content. In making selections, it might be helpful to reflect on past cluster experiences and other activities your child is interested in.

All cluster options may require work beyond what is done during regular meeting time. Please check the “Brain Power Hour” entry under the “Teacher Page” on the St. Columba website to keep informed of these requirements.

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Multiple Intelligences*

Harvard psychologist Dr. Howard Gardner developed the theory of Multiple Intelligences (MI). Each person has different intelligences or ways of interacting with the world. For each person, these intelligences are all present, but combined in a unique way. Curriculum ideally involves use of multiple intelligences to engage students more thoroughly by capitalizing on differences in abilities, strengths and learning style preferences. The use of multiple intelligences in enrichment is an essential component of Dr. Renzulli’s Schoolwide Enrichment Model. The multiple intelligences are presented here in graphic format.

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Each cluster will attempt to address a variety, but not necessarily all, of the multiple intelligences. By the nature of the cluster topics, some will more strongly tie to a specific set of intelligences. The cluster description will hopefully aid in this discernment. All clusters are intended to be highly interactive, involving students in various processes and projects.

* The graphic representation of the multiple intelligences can be found at http://comicsworkshop.wordpress.com/2011/09/02/poster-multiple-intelligences-in-comics-ed/, accessed 8//10/2013, used with permission.

Registration

In an effort to make registration more student driven, an emphasis of Dr. Renzulli’s model, registration will occur in school only. The brochure will be sent home Tuesday, September 19, 2017. This will provide time for you to review the choices available to your child. Registration will take place on Friday, September 22, 2017. Any students absent that day will be registered upon their return to school.

As this is an opportunity to enrich your child’s interests, we seek your assistance in making this the most positive experience it can be. Please take the time to discuss the cluster choices with your child before September 22, 2017..

“Enjoyment ~ Engagement ~ Enthusiasm”- Dr. Joseph Renzulli

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Cluster Descriptions

All clusters will be facilitated by teachers or other qualified professionals. In choosing a cluster, the focus should be the content of the cluster balanced with the interests of your child.

Columba Coding Company

What do computer scientists, engineers, and video game developers have in common? The same thing former President Obama, superstar Shakira, and NBA All-Star Chris Bosh do! They can all code in a computer programming language! Programs (or lines of code) tell the computer, smartphone, or video game what to display or calculate. As part of the Columba Coding Company, you will learn to write step-by-step instructions for programs, debug code, and create a simple game. If you like using computers, being creative, or solving problems, this is the cluster for you! Open to grades 3-5.

Problem: How do we use code to communicate with a computer?

Multiple Intelligences: Logical/Mathematical, Linguistic, Visual/Spatial

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Delicious Donut Designs

Do you want to be rollin’ in dough? “Dough” you know what to do? Join our team of designers to learn all the ins-and-outs of the donut business. What special design or recipe will make your business the ultimate donut shop? “Donut” delay - join today! America runs on Dunkin, and St. Columba will run on donuts! Open to grades 4 -5

Problem: How can you use problem-solving to create a successful donut business?

Multiple Intelligences: Linguistic, Logical/Math, Visual/Spatial, Interpersonal

Lost in Shapes

What do Transformers, Wall-E and R2D2 have in common? They are all robots! Can you get "lost in shapes" and create a two dimensional robot and/or animal using only quadrilaterals? In this cluster you will explore these awesome shapes. You will have an opportunity to create and produce your own robot and/or animal art pieces.

We are looking for some imaginative students who would like to discover the wonderful world of quadrilaterals. Open to grades 2-3.

Problem: How can a robot be created from four-sided shapes?

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Multiple intelligences: Linguistic, Visual/Spatial, Logical/Math

Mountain High Resort Design CompanyLove the snow and all those extreme sports? Now is your chance...an old ski resort has come up for

auction and you have won it! Now you have to revive it and turn it into your dream extreme! Where can your imagination take you? Turn the old resort into the "must go" winter vacation! You are in charge! Bring your creativity, imagination and know-how and meet at the ski lodge to begin the adventure. Open to grades 3-5.

Problem Using marketing and design skills, how can an old ski resort become a viable business?

Multiple Intelligences: Linguistic, Logical/Math, Visual/Spatial, Bodily Kinesthetic, Interpersonal

Monument MastersEver want to design a larger than life building? Create a statue to honor someone you know? Here

we will design and create our own structural masterpieces to showcase some of history's greatest heroes, triumphs, and even events that have shaken the world as we know it. Join a cluster like no other, and we'll see what you can build.Open to grades 4-5.

Problem: How can students design and build a structurally sound monument with historical significance and stand the test of time?

Multiple Intelligences: Linguistic, Logical/Math, Visual/Spatial, Bodily Kinesthetic, Inter/Intra personal

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Beyond “Once Upon a Time”

What would happen if our favorite fairy tale characters didn't get their "fairy tale ending"?

Goldilocks has upset the three bears with her visit and has now disappeared. The Gingerbread Man has run so far away that now he is lost. The Lost Boys are homesick and don't want to have pirate adventures with Peter Pan. What happens when the stories extend beyond what we know? The fairy tale characters encounter new problems, and they need your help as their stories continue into uncharted territory! Journey beyond the traditional stories to a new “once upon a time.” Open to grades 2-4. Problem: How can students work together to create STEM type solutions to fairytale-based problems? Multiple Intelligences: Logical/Math, Visual/Spatial, Bodily Kinesthetic, Interpersonal

Puzzle-It!

I need a piece that has 3 knobs and a little yellow on one knob...a piece that is all red except of 2 dots of green...They all fit together to form a picture. How do you decide on how many pieces? How big? What might be a popular theme? How can we make it 3-D? Come explore the world of jigsaw puzzles and create your own. Open to grades 2-5.

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Problem: How can students work together to understand and then create a puzzle others can enjoy? Multiple Intelligences: Visual/Spatial, Bodily Kinesthetic, Inter/Intra personal

Our War With Weather

My team of weather warriors will take a look at why these and other fantastic natural disasters occur,

their effects, and how to prepare for them in case of an emergency. Open to grades 2-5.

Problem: Winds roaring, rain pouring, lightning strikes, and a tornado funnel is just about to touch down. Are we prepared to handle the worst?

Multiple Intelligences: Linguistic, Logical/Math, Interpersonal, Naturalist

Questions?

Should you have any questions regarding the Brain Power Hour! program, please contact:

Cindy Flores or Cindy Cobleigh, Co-Coordinators301-567-6212 or leave a message with the school office. We will get back to you.

Thank you for your support!!

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“ A rising tide lifts all ships.” - Dr. Joseph Renzulli

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