Elementary Curriculum Newsletter
FEBRUARY 2020
Math Discourse; Get students talking about math!
Math Discourse; Get students talking about Math!
When: February 12 (this is early release day)
Time: 2:10 pm - 3:45 pm
Location: Africentric (3223 Allegheny Ave., 43209)
When students talk about math, they take ownership of their learning and are more active learners. Tyrone Holmes, Executive Director of Content and Implementation at Curriculum Associates, will give tools to enable students to think critically, collaborate to solve problems, critique the reasoning of others, and ultimately, promote a growth mindset.
Teachers need to RSVP to mbennett@cainc.com & sign up on the PDS system to receive CEU’s.
Would you like to have someone to plan lessons with or discuss learning intentions for your students?
If you would be interested in meeting other teachers at your grade level, please fill out the Google Form below.
After the responses are collected, Heather Allen will send an email to the interested teachers.
Educator Open House & Appreciation Night - February 6
Calling all Educators!
Come visit COSI during our Educator Open House & Appreciation Night on February 6, 2020 from 6:00pm – 8:30pm. This 21+ event is paired with our COSI After Dark event. You will receive free access to COSI After Dark and access to a VIP room highlighting the vast offerings that COSI has for teachers onsite, offsite and online! Explore COSI and be introduced to our Education Team and Programs!
This Appreciation Night will feature a raffle that will happen twice that evening in the East and West Meeting rooms and will have prizes like COSI Programs, COSI After Dark Passes, Science2Go Gift Bags and even a COSI Family Membership. COSI Programs will span the entire COSI Education Department.
This free event is EXCLUSIVELY for formal teachers, non-formal teachers, and afterschool educators. This ticket to the Open House & Appreciation Night will grant access to the After Dark Event. Teacher attendees must present a valid state photo ID (21+ event), proof of teacher status, and ticket secured online upon arrival, to be admitted to the After Dark event and the Open House & Appreciation Night.
Light refreshments will be served in the VIP rooms, and cash bars will be placed around COSI.
Please park in the new underground parking garage on Belle Street. Visit the COSI Box Office with your parking ticket to receive a discount stamp. Discounted underground garage parking is $5 for COSI Members and $6 for the General Public.
Questions? Please call 614.228.2674 ex. 2326 or email qchambers@cosi.org
PAST Foundation - Free STEM Professional Development
The Battelle Innovation in Teaching Fellowship opportunity offers a unique professional development experience for K-12 Ohio Educators in Problem-Based Learning.
Learn how to apply Design Thinking processes to create design challenges with activities tailored to the needs of your students, solving a real-world issue and creating shareable products. You will have the opportunity to connect and collaborate with other Ohio educators!
This opportunity consists of two components: An online course and one hands-on workshop.
This FREE fellowship opportunity (valued at $1,500) is open to K-12 Ohio Educators thanks to Battelle. Registration is open and filling fast.
February 2020 – Design Thinking
February 2020 – Garbology: Waste Management
March 2020 – Design Thinking
March 2020 – Renewable Energy.
SPRUCE RUN OPEN HOUSE - February 15
Spruce Run Nature Center
February 15th Family Event:
Spruce Run offers public programming 1 Saturday a month!
On Saturday, February 15, we will be looking for scientific evidence to determine what animals are awake during the winter months.
Click here to RSVP for this event
Columbus City Schools Department of Engagement invites families on a trip to our Spruce Run Environmental Education Center for a FREE Family Education and Fun Day.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15
9:30 AM - 2:30 PM
FREE BUS RIDES TO SPRUCE RUN from Winterset Elementary (4776 Winterset Dr, 43220)
BUSES DEPART AT 9:30 AM
BUSES RETURN AT 2:30 PM
*** All children must be accompanied by at least one responsible family member. The Primary Parent/Family Member should complete the RSVP form**
OSU - Orton Geological Museum Open House
The Orton Geological Museum and the School of Earth Sciences on The Ohio State University's campus invite you, your friends, and your families to join us at our Open House!
In celebration of the 150th anniversary of The Ohio State University please come visit the Orton Geological Museum, our doors are wide open!
You won't be able to believe your eyes when you take a behind the scenes tour in our collection rooms. Hang out with Jeff the Giant Ground Sloth, and Cryolophosaurus Elliot, and their fossil gang. Our museum scientists will be here to show you real rocks, minerals, and fossils, and answer your questions. From exploring the exhibit gallery to climbing the bell tower, visiting the gift shop and its new items, or just watching paleontologists prepare, and 3D print fossils this will be a family fun event you won't want to miss!
Want more sciences? Don't worry more researchers from the School of Earth Sciences will be there to share their science with you! Both Mendenhall Lab and Orton Hall will be open for you to explore the world of earth sciences.
Come anytime between 10am-2pm on March 21st!
K-3 The History of the Telephone
Activity Description - Students will learn about Alexander Graham Bell and his invention of the telephone, understanding its impact on the U.S. population and the ways that phones have changed over time. (Social Studies)
Activity Description - Students will examine data on the number of immigrants in the United States, to create bar graphs and line graphs with appropriate scales. Students will then compare and analyze their graphs to draw conclusions about the data. (Math)
K-5: Valentine's Day Fun Facts
This holiday is a time to express affection for another person with cards, candy, flowers and other symbols of love. To celebrate this holiday the U.S. Census Bureau shares facts and figures associated with this romantic time of year. Teachers can view the teaching guide for ideas on how to incorporate Valentine's Day Fun Facts in the classroom.
Join with National Wildlife Federation and Dolittle to BE A VOICE FOR WILDLIFE!
TOP FIVE THINGS YOU CAN DO NOW!
- BE A VOICE FOR WILDLIFE
Speak Up for wildlife and wilderness. Express yourself by talking with friends and family, writing letters and social media. Be creative. Use art and videos to tell your wildlife story and get friends, family, schools, businesses and our elected officials to take action to save wildlife and protect our planet.
- PLANT A TREE
Trees provide food, shelter, and homes for wildlife. But did you know trees also produce lots of oxygen and absorb and store carbon? So planting and caring for trees and forests is essential to combat climate change.
- GARDEN FOR WILDLIFE
You can create a haven for wildlife by providing these essential elements: food, water, cover and places to raise young for healthy and sustainable wildlife habitats.
- STOP USING SINGLE-USE PLASTICS
Plastic pollution is harming animals in our lakes, streams, and oceans; but there are solutions. You can use alternatives to plastic and urge your family, friends and local businesses to say no to single-use plastics.
- GO OUTSIDE
Spending time outdoors in nature instills lifelong appreciation and stewardship of the natural world. The most direct route to caring for the environment as an adult is participating in nature activities as a kid.
Franklin County Soil & Water Conservation
REGISTER YOUR CLASS:
https://fswcdconservationpostercontest2020.eventbrite.com
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS:
Linda Pettit, Environmental Education Specialist,
614-486-9613 ext. 115
Black History Month
February is Black History Month
Black History Month can be traced all the way back to September of 1915. In that year, historian Carter G. Woodson and minister Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History – also known as the ASNLH. This organization was dedicated to researching and promoting the achievements of not only black Americans but all prominent people of African descent.
The month of February was chosen because the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass are in that month. After learning of this week dedicated to the achievements of black Americans, many communities around the country began to organize local celebrations.
Although it didn’t immediately catch on, over the years many different cities all across the country began to recognize Negro History Week. This continued all the way into the late 1960s when Negro History Week was transformed by the Civil Rights Movement into Black History Month. However, it wasn’t until 1976 that Black History Month would be officially recognized by the federal government. Ever since then, every American president has designated the month of February as Black History Month.
National Census Black History Month Facts
Videos:
Black History Month - Black Scientists and Inventors Part 1 (10:47 min)
The ABCs of Black History Month | African-American History (5:22 min)
Martin Luther King Interview- Civil Rights (Merv Griffin Show 1967) (11:37 min)
American Heart Month
February is American Heart Month
Heart disease is the #1 killer of women, killing more women than all forms of cancer combined.
Heart disease doesn’t happen just to older adults. It is happening to younger adults more and more often. This is partly because the conditions that lead to heart disease are happening at younger ages. February is Heart Month, the perfect time to learn about your risk for heart disease and the steps you need to take now to help your heart.
What is heart disease?
According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 610,000 people die of heart disease in America each year, making it the leading cause of death in the United States. Heart disease is an umbrella term for a wide range of medical conditions that affect the heart. These conditions include congenital heart defects as well as coronary artery disease.
The term “heart disease” is often used interchangeably with “cardiovascular disease,” which entails conditions that can lead to chest pains, heart attacks, and strokes.
Behavioral risk factors that contribute to heart disease include unhealthy diet, stress, physical inactivity, and tobacco use. People who have diabetes and/or are obese or have high cholesterol and/or high blood pressure are at a higher risk for heart disease. Some genetic conditions can also increase the risk of heart disease regardless of age or diet.
The good news is that many kinds of heart disease are preventable and/or treatable through healthy lifestyle choices, and National Heart Month is a great time to teach your child some heart-healthy habits.
Raising a heart-healthy kid
- Stop smoking before it starts
Nine out of 10 smokers first try smoking by the time they’re 18 years old, and the rising popularity of e-cigarettes among teens and middle school students means parents should have an age-appropriate conversation with children about the dangers of smoking sooner rather than later.
- Make healthy eating a priority
Try to introduce children to as many healthy foods as possible, because chances are that they’re not going to like all of them. At home, families should stick to set mealtimes, limit snacking, keep junk food out of the house, eat family dinners, and shop and cook with your kids.
- Encourage physical activity
The American Heart Association recommends 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity for children ages 6 to 17 every day.
Physical activity doesn’t have to be structured—running around the playground is great exercise.
- Mindfulness
February 2 - Groundhog's Day
February 2 - Groundhog's Day
The origins of Groundhog Day can be traced to German settlers in Pennsylvania. Groundhog's Day is a tradition in the United States and some places in Canada. It is not a federal holiday and is mostly just for fun and something that weather forecasters like to talk about for entertainment.
It is believed by many people that if the groundhog sees his shadow that there will then be six more weeks of winter. If he sees his shadow, the groundhog retrieves back into his den and goes back to sleep. If he is not able to see his shadow, the groundhog remains outside to play and people celebrate believing that spring is just around the corner.
The largest celebration takes place in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania where the famous groundhog Punxsutawney Phil has predicted the weather each year since 1886. Large crowds of well over 10,000 people gather to see Phil come out of his burrow at around 7:30 am.
Other locations: groundhog General Beauregard Lee in Lilburn, Georgia; Staten Island Chuck in Staten Island, New York; and Buckeye Chuck in Marion, Ohio.
History of Groundhog Day
In 1886 the Punxsutawney newspaper declared February 2nd as Groundhog Day and named the local groundhog as Punxsutawney Phil. Since then the day and tradition have spread throughout the United States.
Fun Facts About Groundhog Day
- This day is the official holiday of the University of Texas at Irving where they have a big celebration each year.
- The 1993 movie Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray took place in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania and made the holiday even more popular.
- In Alaska they use a marmot and have a marmot day instead.
- Another name for the groundhog is the woodchuck. It is part of the squirrel family.
- Punxsutawney Phil normally lives in a nice climate-controlled home in the local library throughout most of the year. He is moved up to Gobbler's Knob on February 2nd, where he makes his annual weather prediction. Phil was named after King Phillip.
CCS Relationship Week
February 10-14 CCS Relationship Week
Book suggestions for relationship week:
Diversity and Inclusiveness
Under My Hijab by Hena Khan
Say Hello by Rachel Isadora
Same, Same But Different by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw
Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt De La Pena
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall
Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev
This is How We Do It by Matt Lamothe
Kindness
Thank You, Omu by Oge Mora
Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed by Emily Pearson
Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson
Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller
Plant a Kiss by Emily Krouse Rosenthal
I Walk with Vanessa: A Story About a Simple Act of Kindness by Kerascoet
I Know a Lady by Charlotte Zolotow
Hannah’s Way by Linda Glaser
Forgiveness
Desmond and the Very Mean Word by Desmond Tutu
I Am Extremely Absolutely Boiling by Lauren Child
The Forgiveness Garden by Lauren Thompson
Under the Lemon Moon by Edith Hope Fine
Engineering Week
February 16-22 Engineering Week
National Engineers Week started in 1951 by the National Society of Professional Engineers.
Engineering Week is a time to celebrate how engineers make a difference in our world, bring engineering to life for kids, and highlight the importance of math, science and technical skills.
What is the difference between a scientist and an engineer?
A scientist seeks to understand how the natural world works and an engineer wants to make something better.
Thinking like a scientist - “What is it? What makes it work?”
Thinking like an engineer - “How do I solve this problem? What could I do to make this better?”
February 17 - President's Day
February 17 - President's Day
Presidents' Day was officially to celebrate George Washington's birthday in the United States.
Now the holiday is the 3rd Monday in February and is understood as a celebration of the birthdays and lives of all U.S. presidents.
President Facts:
- Washington was the only president to be elected unanimously.
- Washington became known as "the father of his country."
- Five states were added to the Union during Washington's presidency - North Carolina (1789), Rhode Island (1790), Vermont (1791), Kentucky (1792), and Tennessee (1796).
- Eisenhower loved golf. He made the game so popular, that many Americans began to play while he was in office. In 2009, Eisenhower was elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame.
- Alaska and Hawaii were added to the Union during Eisenhower's presidency.
- After college, Ronald Reagan became a popular sports announcer in Iowa.
- Obama is the 3rd president to receive the Nobel Peace Prize while in office.
- Roosevelt is the only president to serve more than 2 terms. He was elected 4 times. In 1951, Congress passed the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution limiting presidents to two terms.
- Franklin Roosevelt's profile is found on the U.S. dime.
US Presidents Worksheets and Activities
Children's Book List:
Don't Know Much About the Presidents by Kenneth C Davis
If the Walls Could Talk Family Life at the White House by Jane O'Connor
Presidents' Day by Anne F Rockwell (PreK-K)
Presidents' Day by Rachel A Koestler-Grack (K-3rd)
Presidents' Day by Sheri Dean
The New Big Book of U.S. Presidents by Todd Davis
What Presidents Are Made of by Hanoch Piven
February 25 - Mardi Gras
February 25 - Mardi Gras
History of Mardi Gras
The history of Mardi Gras can be traced back to the Middle Ages. During these times people would eat heartily the night before they had to start fasting on Ash Wednesday. Other traditions sprang up during the Middle Ages including the serving of the king's cake in 12th century France. In early England, this day was a religious day where people confessed their sins in order to get ready for Lent. Traditionally, people were not allowed to eat “rich foods” like butter, meats, and oils during Lent. So, the day before Lent started, many people would indulge in the things that were not allowed during the 40-day Lent period. The date of Mardi Gras is always 41 days before Easter, so the date varies each year.
Mardi Gras was introduced to Louisiana when French-Canadian explorer Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville landed just south of today's New Orleans on March 2, 1699. Since it was the night before Mardi Gras, he named the landing area "Point du Mardi Gras". In 1703 the first Mardi Gras was celebrated at the small settlement of Fort Louis de la Mobile.
In the 1730s Mardi Gras became a popular celebration in New Orleans. Originally it was celebrated with a large dance called a ball. The holiday became more popular over time. Parades began in the 1800s with the first "throwing" of items occurring around 1870. In 1875 the day became an official holiday in the state of Louisiana.
Fun Facts About Mardi Gras
- The term Mardi Gras can often refer to the two weeks leading up to the final day which is called Mardi Gras Day or Fat Tuesday.
- The Monday before is sometimes called Fat Monday or Lundi Gras.
- The celebration goes by different names throughout the world. Other names include Pancake Day, Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, and the Tuesday of Carnival. Pancake Day comes from England where it was common tradition to use up all the eggs, milk, and butter in the kitchen prior to Ash Wednesday. These ingredients were often used to make pancakes.
- The official colors for the holiday are green, gold, and purple. Green stands for faith, gold stands for power, and purple stands for justice.
- In New Orleans, the city chooses a Rex each year. The Rex, or King of the Carnival, is usually a famous resident of the city. The Russian Grand Duke Romanoff was the first Rex of Mardi Gras when he visited New Orleans for the celebration.
Activities
- Scholastic Mardi Gras Activities
- Online Mardi Gras Story
- Practice Your French
Kids will get a kick out of trying to pronounce French words. If you’re unfamiliar with the French pronunciation, don’t worry, that’s part of the fun! Here are some Mardi Gras-related words to get you started:
la reine = queen
le roi = king
un defile = parade
un collier = necklace
le violet = purple (justice)
l'or = gold (power)
le vert = green (faith)