Jefferson Highlights 2/28-3/1

aielloc
Mar 1, 2019
3 min read

Students in Mrs. Semrad's class are continuing their Ramp Races S.T.E.M. unit. They have collaborated to design and build their ramps, with the goal of achieving the highest speed for their marble. On Wednesday they received peer feedback to guide the modification stage. This week they also evaluated collaboration within their groups. Students will hold their speed trials next week recording distance and time for each ramp run. They will then use the formula for speed (distance divided by time) to determine how fast their marble traveled.

I had the chance to speak with groups yesterday and listen to them reflect on their project process. All groups agreed that they had worked well together, delegated jobs, and made sure that all group members' ideas were heard.

Thursday was crazy hair day as part of the spirit week to celebrate literacy at Jefferson! These guys went all out!

The 3rd Grade Reading group continued to develop their set pieces. Students painted, sculpted, and drew to create a theatric design model based off of textual evidence in their chosen folk/fairy tale.

3rd Grade Travel Agents were hard at work Thursday completing calculations to present to their clients. They are also creating Google Slide presentations to share vacation costs and photographs so their client can determine if they are satisfied with the planned vacation. This groups was very focused and productive today!

Jefferson's 5th Grade math group approached some challenging tasks on Thursday. We reviewed 1-step algebraic equations but added in fractions and decimals in addition to the variables. Students were challenged and and determined to solve these puzzles. We transferred our knowledge of whole number algebraic equations (6th-7th grade standards worked on last year) to the 5th grade standards that include decimal and fraction multiplication and division. These were challenging and we will continue to work on the skills needed to confidently complete these problems.

Today Jefferson's 4/5 Grade Reading groups split their time between working on their fiction writing piece (utilizing foreshadowing) and their 20% Projects. Brianna realized that many of the words that appeared in the article she was reading were unfamiliar to her. She decided to make a list of all of those words on a white board and look them up. Willa is working on her original fiction story about a library that comes to life with beloved characters. Jace is designing a community center for veterans. Today he labeled his blueprint and created a key. Andrew received the printed copy of his hockey equipment timeline today. He adhered them to the tri-fold he started last week. Levi is creating his own graphic novel using the app Seedling. His story about "Bad Guy" and "Turtle Dude" will include foreshadowing. He plans to use the fallacy form of foreshadowing to mislead his readers. Katlyn has tested out a variety of apps/programs to digitally design her improved tiger habitat. She was unhappy with Smart Draw. Today she used TinkerCad to create a 3-D design of her vision. She has been in communication with Mr. Wild, the large mammal curator at the Milwaukee County Zoo with her inquiries regarding habitat design.

Today was pajama day at Jefferson so everyone was very cozy today!