Math Stars

The NOETIC Math Challenge is an opportunity for students to solve some of the hardest problems their grade level faces all year.  Almost 45,000 students from across the United States compete in this challenge.  We had many students finish in the top 50% of the group and Miles achieved National Honor status, being in the top 10% of all students in the country.  Miles, Nolan and Felix were the class champions this time around.  It is always exciting to kids solve problems, especially when they have to think outside the box to do so.   Congratulations to all the kids that took on these tough challenges!

          

Wow...Engineering at its BEST

 This was really cool to see the kids experimenting and trying new things to get their rollercoaster to work properly!

Science, Science and MORE Science

 

Students at West Elementary finished up some Science challenges this month.  Students used the Scientific Method to try and create Wind Powered Cars, Tin-Foil Boats and Wind Powered rockets.  Students recorded their plans, documented data and tested their hypothesis.  After the data was collected a final graph was created to show their progress.  Fun while Learning...YOU BET!

2025 Fall/Winter Noetic Champions

 Students in grades 2nd-6th have ended their math problem solving classes.  Student learn a variety of problem solving skills through the Noetic Math contest.  Kids use different strategies to solve problems up to two years ahead of their current grade.  At the conclusion of these lessons and problem solving strategy sessions students are given a final test.  There are 20 problems that need to be completed in 45 minutes.  This year Lincoln, Nolan, and Miles were the class champions, scoring the most of anyone in their respected grades.  Miles was also awarded the National Honor Medal for getting 18 problems correct, something only 10% of all competitors accomplish throughout the country.  There was a total of over 33,000 students from school teams participated in the Noetic Learning Math Contest this fall from all over the United States.  Great job West Elementary students!!!

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!

Fall Noetic Math Winners

 

The Noetic Math Challenge is a challenge the top students from West Elementary take part in two times a year.  This challenge is open for students all across the country.  This year over 31,000 of the top math students from over 600 schools and 42 states took part in this challenge.  Student have 45 minutes to complete twenty problems at and above their grade level.  West Elementary had 26 students place in the top 50% of all students!!!  Clayton was also given the prestigious award of "National Honor Roll" placing him in the top 10% of all students in the country.  Clayton, Lincoln and Kendall were the West Elementary Class Champions for 4th/5th/6th grades.  Congrats to all the students that accepted this challenge and worked their hardest!

4th Graders "Take-Off" on the Train 3D Print

 Students in the 4th grade were tasked to create a train car using Tinkercad as their 3D modeling tool.  This online program is free for anyone wanting to learn 3D modeling, CAD in the real world.  Their imaginations and research led them to creating some interesting cars, all made under the same specifications to fit together.

Well done students!

www.tinkercad.com

Engineers at Work

 Students have been creating projects using different engineering skills lately.  Pulleys, levers and fulcrum points have all been used to demonstrate these basic engineering concepts.  Students were able to complete tasks individually and in partnerships.

Coding with Robots

A popular unit of coding has been underway for quite some time now.  Fifth grade students have been using kits and block coding to create some spectacular robots and machines.  Each team of students had to design similar projects to get started, but once that was complete the creativity took over.  Students designed many different machines, all controlled by their code using their ChromeBooks.

 

Take a look at this problem

 

Math Problem Solvers

Over 40 students at West Elementary have been studying different techniques to solve math and real live problems.  They have been doing a fantastic job of sharing strategies and conquering problems!

Engineers at Work!

I am always amazed what these thoughtful students can create in such a limited amount of time.  Just look at the detail of these recent "building" projects!