February/March GT Newsletter
Mrs. Kruse
Spring Semester in GT
“You can do anything you set your mind to.”
— Benjamin Franklin
* Students (1st-5th) will have a showcase at the end of the semester to show off their projects. Parents will have the opportunity to visit the classroom during their GT time. This will allow students to showcase their projects.You will receive an invitation that will give all the details.
Kindergarten- Students will be introduced to PETS™ (Primary Education Thinking Skills) . The first character that is introduced is Dudley the detective. Students are engaged in problem-solving scenarios using several different animals each week in GT. This semester your kindergarten will have the opportunity to learn to code using visual code blocks that represent real programming concepts.
1st- 1st graders will explore and discover how the layers of the rainforest are interconnected. This will allow students to have a better understanding how plants and animals depend on the layers for survival. Students will research the characteristics that are compatible with that layer and the adaptations that are required for survival. 1st grade students will learn about deforestation of the rainforests and use problem solving skills to try to solve this real world issue. This will allow students an opportunity to better understand the pros and cons of deforestation.
How do the rainforests impact our world?
How would the layers be different if one or more of the plants and animals were to become extinct?
How would grocery stores be different without the rainforest products?
How does the destruction of the world’s rainforests affect our everyday lives?
2nd - 2nd grade students are learning about the Prehistoric Eras and how it can help us unlock essential secrets about the history of life on earth. Learning about what happened to the dinosaurs serves as a basis of study about any ecosystem. The study of Prehistoric Eras give us a new perspective on time and space and invites us to study worlds very different from our modern earth. Students will explore the theories of extinction and relate prior knowledge about food chains and natural resources. Students will explore the eras of history when dinosaurs lived.
What is important about the past and how will it affect the future?
How can fossils give clues to support a theory?
How does the environment determine how an organism will function?
How can change in one part of a system in nature affect other parts of the system?
What can we learn from the past?
3rd - 3rd Grade students will develop deductive thinking skills as they learn to solve a variety of logic problems. Students will gather and examine evidence provided, record information in their case book, make comparisons, and generate questions about the evidence. Students will have the opportunity to reflect on what it was like being part of the criminal justice process. They will also have the opportunity to differentiate between valid conclusions and generalizations as each student creates their own mystery.
How do Crime Scene Investigators find evidence?
How do scientists and Crime Scene Investigators work together as a team?
What must the forensic investigator be aware of when investigating a crime scene?
4th-4th grade students will gain an understanding of the process of innovation. Each student will go through the engineer process to develop their own invention. This will include brainstorming ideas, researching, imagine different solutions, and making a prototype. Students will also create an advertisement to sell their invention. Have your child share their ideas with you.
How do inventions modify or create an industry?
How have man’s inventions affected the developing world?
How will your invention change the world?
What has been the greatest invention so far?
What industry will your invention modify or create?
5th- Students will have to identify a way to impact the learning or culture of their school through a personal service project. Students will use their compassion to develop a service project that will affect the lives of others. Have your student share some of their ideas with you and how the project will affect others.
Students will:
Develop critical-thinking skills in real-world applications.
Develop strong leadership, collaboration and communication skills.
Realize that they can make a difference
Students will also have the opportunity to work on a project called Culture Shock. This will include exploring the culture of a foreign country from a tourist’s perspective. Students will study the language, geography, culture, history and landmarks that are significant to their country and compare to the United States. Students will also include the historical events that this country has experienced.
How do different cultures develop different perspectives on the world and its problems?
How are people culturally and historically connected to the world?
How do countries interact with one another to solve issues?
How does the geography of this region influence the people who live there?
How does the American culture differ from the country you researched?
How does history impact the culture of the country?
Summer Camp Fair
(Grades: K-8)
March 23rd
Are you looking for a summer camp or activity for your child? Join us for our 2nd annual Summer Camp Fair sponsored by Gifted Minds, Prosper in partnership with Prosper ISD GT Department. Come explore different options for summer enrichment in one place with opportunities to win a summer camp or activity for your child. There is no charge to attend the Summer Camp Fair.
Camp Pursuit 2019
(Grades: Incoming 1st-6th)
June 3rd
Prosper ISD GT Department is excited to announce this summer's Camp Pursuit. Camp Pursuit promises to feature our STEAM-iest, most creative, and most inspiring courses yet. And as a valued NuMinds partner, we're delighted to offer Gifted Minds Prosper members $25 off admission. All families can enjoy an additional $25 early bird discount when they enroll by Friday, March 1st at 11:30 p.m.
Camp Invention 2019
(Grades: Incoming 1st-6th)
June 17th
Camp Invention® is returning to Prosper Independent School District! In partnership with the National Inventors Hall of Fame® (NIHF), Prosper ISD GT Department is pleased to offer the nationally acclaimed Camp Invention® program to ALL children entering first through sixth grade. It’s an exciting, weeklong summer adventure with lessons that explore connections between science, technology, engineering and innovation. Children work together to create solutions to real-world problems and build critical 21st-century skills while rotating through several high-energy, hands-on modules. The week begins on June 17, 2019, with Natalie Stevens serving as Director of the ALL-NEW 2019 program, Supercharged!
Register today using promo code INNOVATE25L to save $25 (expires 3/22) or PLAY15LISTING to save $15 (expires 5/10) OFF $275. Every registration includes a complimentary Camp Invention t-shirt. Availability is limited, so visit www.invent.org/camp or call 800-968-4332 to secure your child’s spot today!