Middle School Newsletter
Northland Innovation Center
October Newsletter
Program Goals
To provide curricula that focuses on more elaborate, complex, and in-depth study of major ideas, key concepts and themes that integrate knowledge within and across disciplines and encourages the use of higher-level thinking skills.
To provide curricula that sets high standards and that demands rigorous expectations for student work and performance demonstration.
To provide instruction that allows for the development and application of productive thinking skills and enables students to re-conceptualize existing knowledge and/or generate new understandings that deal with real-life problems and issues.
- To provide instruction that is flexibly paced and matched to the student’s ability, pre- assessment data, learning style, interest, and motivation.
- To provide opportunities for students to develop leadership and group interaction skills that allows student-centered discussion and Socratic questioning.
To require project based learning of gifted students that represents application, analysis, and synthesis of knowledge.
To encourage an environment that fosters a positive attitude toward creative challenges, investigative activity, and knowledge creation.
What We Are Learning
Odyssey of the Mind
App Studio
Stock Market Challenge
Students have been very busy becoming investors. The focus for the month has been on DIVERSIFICATION!! The students have been encouraged to use that word as much as possible, in terms of their portfolios. We have covered the three different levels of risk when it comes to investing in stock, we have looked at diversifying amongst size and sector, and we are currently spending time figuring out what constitutes a good mutual fund(s) for our portfolios.
It is exciting to see the students discussing finances and economics. There is extra enthusiasm when it comes to checking our rankings every week. My “investors” are busy working on their strategy from week to week, and are also thinking long-term in regards to winning this simulation!
Graphic Art and Design
The 6th grade students have started learning the basic tools and functions of Adobe Illustrator by recreating a summer themed flat design picture. So far, we have created a surfboard, a beach towel, swim trunks, and a parasol. We will complete our picture theme by adding in a suitcase, and then, the students will learn how to add details and a background to complete their first project.
The 7th and 8th graders took a look at how companies use logos to help create an image to symbolize the company. We looked at examples of logos from successful companies, how logos have changed over time, and what the key components are that help make a logo successful. Students then attempted to create their own logo to either represent him/herself, design a logo for an imaginary company, or redesign an existing company’s logo. The students first sketched out their design, put the design on graph paper, and then recreated it using Adobe Illustrator. Many spectacular designs have been created so far! I am amazed by how talented and creative the students have been with this project.
Fab Lab
Students have been very busy problem solving in Fab Lab. The first rotations are coming to an end and the projects look amazing. Some options that students have chosen to create range from wooden napkin holders to trendy hair bands. Students have also been designing cookie cutters and have been using the 3D printer to transfer them from a digital picture to a tangible object. All along the way, students have been developing their probles solving skills to design, test, and refine their prototypes.
Drones
Students have begun to practice for their flying license. They will be learning basic flight maneuvers with drones. Students will also learn basic safety while using the drone. Students will begin a project where they will pick an aeronautics subject and will create a project based on research they do.
Cybersecurity
FIRST LEGO League
Any Middle School First Lego League unit of study participant who wishes to come and work on their project in robotics after school on Mondays in November may have a parent drop off and pick up from 3:30-4:30. Please send Mrs. Fogel an email to let her know you will be coming cassie.fogel@nkcschools.org
Unlocking the Mysteries of Science
This month we have been traveling through the Scientific Process, Exploring Cells using virtual reality, and researching topics for our Science Fair Projects.
We will be choosing our topics before winter break for the Science fair at Union Station on April 5th-8th. More details will be coming on the fair and projects.
http://www.sciencepioneers.org/science-fair/2017-greater-kc-science-engineering-fair-schedule
Battle of the Brains
Broadcasting
Middle School S.A.G.E Team
Shon Adamson
Cybersecurity & Drones
816-321-4009
Melissa Duffett
Stock Market & Odyssey of the Mind
melissa.duffett@nkcschools.org
Jennifer Koch
Graphic Design & Augmented Reality
816-321-6710
Cassandra Shaffer
Fab Lab
816-321-5988
cassandra.shaffer@nkcschools.org
Lara Owsley
Broadcasting
816-321-4216
Lara.bradleyowsley@nkcschools.org
Cassie Fogel
Lego Robotics, App Studio, Odyssey of the Mind
816-321-4605
Wendy Rust
Fab Lab
816-321-6558
Melissa Torres
Battle of the Brain & Mysteries of Science
816-321-8719
Northland Innovation Center
Website: http://www.nkcschools.org/page.cfm?p=2774
Location: 6889 North Oak Trafficway, Gladstone, MO, United States
Phone: 816-321-5350
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Northland-Innovation-Center/1063895487035799
Twitter: @NKCSchools