OCT GT LEAD
Learning Experiences for Academic Discoveries
1ST GRADE (CONTRIBUTION)
First graders are imagining mathematical possibilities of various combinations by using caps, linked with the story Caps for Sell. They also analyzed and proved qualities of the story's characters based on evidence. Lastly, they practiced reflecting on what was fun or challenging in the group challenge of moving cups from one end of the table by only using 4 straws. It's always fun to use a microphone to share your thinking.
Setting up the table - start to finish!
Discussing ideas -- Could it work?
Coming up with a game plan
Dividing up parts of the challenge
2ND GRADE (SYSTEMS)
Second graders start each week with a brain challenge, Puzzabilities. This warms up our brains, gets us used to thinking in a timed fashion, and gives us opportunities to work with another person under pressure. Next Students participated in 4 corners, where they had to take a stand on a topic. This exercise opens our eyes to our similarities and helps us to Appreciate our Differences. It's also a practice in standing alone and justifying why you feel that way.
Warming up our Brains
Using Puzzabilities
A play on words, language manipulation and clever riddles
Appreciating Differences
Participating in 4 Corners
Justifying our position
Making a decision on a statement
Totally Agree, Sort of Agree, Sort of Disagree, Totally Disagree
Designing our Snowflakes
Cutting with Precision
Requires focus to complete
Anaylyzing our unique snowflakes
What a surprise!
Capturing the moment!
3RD GRADE (POWER)
Third Graders are exploring career choices. They completed an Interest Survey, and they have set up Frayer Modesl to take notes on regarding income, education, skills needed, professional environment, and language used. They also continued to practice point of view and play on words with Plexers.
4TH GRADE (EXPLORE)
Focusing on Cause and Effect, students worked in teams to read articles about problems in the world and their effects on nature, environment and people. Then they presented their findings to us. Students have also been studying the work of Rube Goldberg, and his Cause and Effect Contraptions. All of this ties together, as students will build a marble run out of the recyclable trash they bring to school. They will also learn Newton's Three Laws of Physics that will help them in their construction and troubleshooting.
Anti Zika Spray - Killing Bees
Monarch Butterfly Crisis
Diseased Olive Trees in Italy
Algae Beach
Caused be chemicals in deep ocean
Exxon Valdiz Oil Spill
Still a problem
Zebra Migration
Losing their habitat
5TH GRADE (CHANGE)
Fifth Graders are gearing up for for their Robotics field trip on May 2nd by doing more coding in class. Along with this, students are beginning to explore a problem in the world or community that needs attention. They have watched two TED Talks so far to analyze the qualities of a strong talk. This semester, they will each give a 4-6 minute talk about a topic of their choice, may interview an expert in that field, and will present solutions or ideas to either bring awareness or to help make a change.
BOTH 5TH GRADE GT CLASSES
COMPLETING INTEREST SURVEY FOR SPARK TALK (like a TED Talk)
Kathy Griffin
GT Specialist
Email: kathy.griffin@sbcglobal.net
Location: 5300 Pool Road, Colleyville, TX, United States
Phone: 817-305-4870
Twitter: @OCTGriffin