DES Camp Explore

S.T.R.E.A.M.: Each week, students participate in a S.T.R.E.A.M. Challenge designed to incorporate science, technology, reading, engineering, art, and math. Critical thinking, creative problem solving, and teamwork are just a few of the gifted process skills utilized. Please ask your child about the Apple and Desert Island S.T.R.E.A.M. activities we completed during the 1st 9 weeks. You can also check out photos of our S.T.R.E.A.M. activities in action on our school webpages! Upcoming 2nd 9 Weeks S.T.R.E.A.M. Challenges include: The Great Pioneer Town: These STEM challenges are built around the story of a pioneer family traveling west to stake a land claim and build a new town. The Great Arctic Circle: These STEM challenges are built around surviving an expedition to the arctic circle.

Dates to Remember: October 17 – Wonder League Robotics begins for 2nd and 3rd Grade Explore Students October 19 – School Wide STREAM Challenge facilitated by 5th Grade Explore Students October 26 – 5th Grade Guest Speakers: Harrison County Animal Control; Humane Society October 31 – 2nd Grade Super Science Presentations November 8 - Mock Election facilitated by 4th Grade Explore Students November 30 - 5th Grade First Lego League Qualifying Competition December 10 - 5th Grade First Lego League Lighthouse Regional Tournament

Stacey Meyer: smeyer@pc.k12.ms.us or 228-255-6219 (2nd – 5th Grade) Jillian Fisher: jfisher@pc.k12.ms.us or 228-255-6219 (4th and 5th Grade)

Remember to check our web pages on the DeLisle Elementary School website: http://des.pc.k12.ms.us/

October, 2016

Self-Directed, Project Based Learning

Each nine weeks, students are expected to complete a minimum of one self-directed project of their choice. These projects allow students to: explore their interests through research,; think creatively; investigate careers; develop products,; and create presentations.

2nd Grade Focus

Thinking Skills: Student detectives solve mysteries by gathering and sorting info and using logical and inferential, thinking. To reach conclusions, students: organize clues, combine and analyze info, and use deductive reasoning.

Super Science: Students will conduct scientific investigations and present findings to their peers through demonstrations.

21st Century Skills: Robotics: Wonder League Robotics – Students will design solutions to real world science and technology challenges by programming their Dash and Dot robots. They will develop problem solving and creativity skills, learn about current world issues, and develop effective teamwork skills.

4th Grade Focus Thinking Skills: Students will engage in various activities in which they analyze info and apply critical and creative thinking and reasoning to problem solve and reach conclusions.

P.S.A.: Students will use creative and critical thinking, research, problem solving, social awareness, collaboration, and communication skills to solve a real-world problem of interest. They will create and showcase a video bringing attention to their problem and solution.

Japan: Students will be immersed in an in-depth cultural study of ancient to present day Japan.

Mock Election:: Students will create fictitious candidates to run for President of DES, deliver campaign speeches, and hold a school wide registration drive and mock election.

3rd Grade Focus Thinking Skills: Student detectives solve mysteries using critical thinking skills including: deductive reasoning, inferring, note taking, organizing data, and analyzing evidence. 21st Century Skills: Robotics: Lego WeDo – (1st 9 Weeks) Students built model Lego Dancing Birds and Hungry Crocodiles featuring motors and sensors; programmed their models; and developed skills in science, technology, engineering, and math. Wonder League – (2nd 9 Weeks) Wonder League Robotics – Students will design solutions to real world science and technology challenges by programming their Dash and Dot robots. They will develop problem solving and creativity skills, learn about current world issues, and develop effective teamwork skills.

5th Grade Focus Thinking Skills: Students will engage in various activities in which they analyze info and apply critical and creative thinking and reasoning to problem solve and reach conclusions. First Lego League Robotics: Teams will choose and solve a real world problem. They will also build, test, and program robots to solve missions. Throughout, teams will develop teamwork, communication, and performing arts skills. S.T.R.E.A.M.: 5th Grade Explore students will plan, organize, and lead school-wide S.T.R.E.A.M. challenges.

At Home: Family STEM Challenge Idea #1

At Home: Family STEM Challenge Idea # 2 Your challenge is to create a house using only objects found in nature.

Materials Anything made by nature i.e. stones, grass, leaves, twigs, acorns, etc. String or thread

Constraints

Your house must have four walls, a roof and a doorway. Your house must use at least five different items from nature.

Your challenge is to create the tallest possible tower made of candy.

Materials Candy – candy corn, peppermint or other small candy 6 inches of tape

Constraints Your tower must be able to stand without being secured to a table.. Your tower must remain standing for at least 1 minute. Your tower must be at least 12 inches high.

Gifted children want and need books and movies with role models they can identify with. They need to know they are not alone! Where can you find such books and movies that feature gifted individuals in a positive light? Check out the websites below:

http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/featuring_gifted.htm

http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/movies.htm

Just a Few Suggested Books

and Movies Featuring Gifted Individuals…

(As always, please check ratings and reviews before

viewing or reading.)

Movies: Harry Potter E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Space Camp Matilda Harriet the Spy Little Man Tate October Sky Willow Billy Elliot The Last Starfighter Big Hero 6

Books: Archibald Frisby Harry Potter A Gebra Named Al A Wrinkle in Time The Gifted Kids Survival Guide Matilda Amazing Grace Tar Beach The Boy Who Loved Words Math Curse Chasing Vermeer

Gifted Role Models in Books and Movies