DNA Study

 High School ELP is off and running this year.  Ty is trying to soak in as much information as he can about DNA and how it links to Cancer.  Ty has conducted some experiments to extract DNA and learn from his findings.  Up next is researching the connections to Cancer and DNA.  

Spring ENGINEERS

 

As the school year comes to an end and I look back, it is always amazing to see what the spring ENGINEERING projects turn into.  We have such creative minds here at West Elementary, keep learning and always keep questioning to make yourselves better.   

HAVE A WONDERFUL SUMMER STUDENTS!!!

Spring Noetic Math Challenge

 Over 40,000 of the countries top math students participated in the final NOETIC Math challenge for the school year in April.  Students only have 45 minutes to complete 20 math problems at and above their current grade level.  Congratulations goes out to Miles in 4th grade, Nolan in 5th grade and Miles in 6th grade for becoming their class winners by getting the most problems correct.  West Elementary also had a National Honor awardee as well.  Miles in 6th Grade placed in the top 10% of all 6th graders in the country.  Congratulations to all the kids that took the test and learned many new problem solving skills along the way.

Miles- 6th Grade

Nolan- 5th Grade

Miles- 4th Grade

Robot Battle

 This was FUN!!!

3-D Bug designs

 Students in 5th grade were challenged with a BUG project recently.  They had to design their own insect that included moveable parts.  They worked with the CAD program called TinkerCad to achieve this feat.  The bugs turned our great with moveable legs, antennae, wings and heads.

MARCH Math Challenge

 Check out this problem, let me know your answer!

Robotics Engineering

 The fourth graders at West Elementary have really enjoyed learning about the complexities of robotics.  Students started off with general/basic movements and have worked up to using sensors to control the robots.  Unique designs and unique programs make each project something students can be proud of.  LEGO Spike was the platform for this learning.

5th Graders Engineer Wind-Powered Cars

Sketches of the first prototype

 In this unique challenge, students try to harness the wind from a fan to power their cars down a runway.  The goal is 15 feet, or 180 inches.  Students can use straws, paper and tape for their construction.  Students collect data on their trial runs and make improvements for the next trial.  Aerodynamics, symmetry along with a sturdy design are the key elements to this challenge. 

JH Challenge Day

These young minds were tasked an engineering challenge.  They all reached the goal of 36 inches, which was shocking.  It is amazing to see their minds work...and how quickly they can work on a task.  Keep it up kids!