· web view2017-11-09 · gisd g/t 5th grade students will take their 2nd annual field trip to...
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5th Grade Gifted and Talented ProgramPurl Elementary
2017-2018
G/T Extension: G/T Extension is an interdisciplinary, project-based class designed specifically for gifted learners. The lessons and projects consist of all academic areas: English/Language Arts, Social Studies & STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math.) Below are some of the exciting projects and lessons we are working on in 5th grade. STEM & Computer Programming: Coding: Students are learning to computer program (aka “Code”) using robotics and code.org. This site is an amazing program and opportunity for students to learn how to code in elementary school using “Blockly.” Some students may even progress to learn the beginning concepts of JavaScript and Python while still in elementary school. Dash & Dot Robotics: Students have been working hard on mastering beginning programming concepts including loops, conditionals and variables. We are having so much fun programming complex
algorithms while using Dash & Dot that students forget this is educational. Not only are we learning programming concepts and complex algorithms, but we are also learning how to debug these algorithms when we make one of our many mistakes. Developing a growth mindset is a requirement for coding!
Ozobots: Ozobots are tiny robots students program using various methods. You can check them out at http://ozobot.com/stem-education.
Robotics Olympics:We will be researching and designing our very own Olympics using a variety of robots while programming these robots to compete in student-designed Olympic events. I’m anticipating needing lots of parental help for this event, so please look for more information coming out for our Robotics Olympics in February, the same time as the 2018 Winter Olympics.
All Things Google: There is so much more to Google than Google Search! We are utilizing Google Classroom for many of our lessons and projects. GISD students are training to use Google Drive (file storage), Google Docs (similar to Microsoft Word), Google Slides (similar to Power Point), Google Sheets (similar to Excel), Google Drawings, Google Forms (quiz) and Google Sites (website creations) to aid our curriculum and design processes. The benefit to going all thigs Google is not only that it is FREE, but Google also allows us to collaborate on each of these. As a class, we have worked on the same document at the same time! We can’t wait to see all we can do with Google!
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GISD Math Challenge Day: In the Spring, GISD G/T students will have the opportunity to participate in our annual Math Challenge Day competition held after school. Students will compete while playing a variety of challenging Math board games designed for gifted students. We will be learning these games in the next few months. Look for information to come home next semester.
UIL Number Sense: Students are learning lots of cool Math tricks they can quickly solve mentally. Ask them to solve: 11 x 43, 29 x 21, 78 x 11, 37 x 33 … and much more!
Lego Engineering with Renewable Energy: Our LEGO Engineering Project uses the LEGO Simple Machines kits developed by LEGO EDUCATION. Last year we focused on building designs using simple machines, and this year we will be adding renewable energy to these designs.
“Culture Shock”: Students will be researching a country of choice and planning a detailed trip while creating a budget & detailed itinerary. We will end this unit with the creation of a video blog using green screen video technology.
Lego Mindstorms using the newest EV3 Robotics: We will continue our robotics programming using the Mindstorm robots. I am hoping these cool robots make an appearance at our Robotics Olympics.
iFly Field Trip: GISD G/T 5th grade students will take their 2nd Annual Field trip to iFly in Austin. We will combine this experience with lessons in physics & aerodynamics. The cost last year was $31, and we will soon determine if it will be the same this year. We will likely require a $7 deposit in early January to hold our date. More details later, but I wanted to inform you of what is to come. Please let me know if money will be a problem. I want all students to be able to go. Parents are welcome too!
As always, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Jeanna JonesPurl G/T Teacher512-943-5080 Ext [email protected]
To access links to the sites, you can find the newsletter on my school website.
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