Bridge made of... Paper???

 A group of 3rd graders were amazed when they were introduced to their challenge.  They all knew that bridges were made of wood, steel, concrete and logs but when they were told they only have paper and the to use, many thought it could never be done.  Their teamwork and dedication paid off as all groups were able to construct a bridge using the unusual materials.  The structure not only had to look like a bridge, it had to function as one too.  It had to past a weight test (5 pound book), a car traveling over the bridge and a boat going under the bridge.  It took several tries for some students, but in the end they all learned a few things about construction and the Scientific Method.

Wind Powered Cars

Fifth Graders were recently greeted with a challenge of creating a wind powered car.  The goal was to create a vehicle using only paper, straws and tape to travel 15 feet.  The wind came from a box fan which allowed them to have a controlled testing area.  

They all did a great job of creating a unique project using the Scientific Method. 

 

Winter NOETIC Winners

The NOETIC MATH LEARNING CHALLENGE is a nation-wide program that provides challenging problems to over 750 schools throughout 47 states.  

The problems are not your ordinary math problems, they focus more on real life situations, logic, and general problem solving.  With these problems intertwined in the Iowa Core, it provides students things they are learning in the classroom while adding higher order thinking skills.  

It is very challenging for students, many mistakes are made and with that comes learning from each other and themselves for future problems.  Pictured are the 3rd-6th Grade Class Champions; Landon, Elizabeth, Angela, Lauren and Aiden.  Landon also earned National Honor Roll status, meaning that his score was in the top 10% of all the 36,000+ students who took the Noetic tests this fall throughout the country.

  

6th Grade Engineers

 A couple of sixth grade students have had the opportunity to engineer some machines lately.  A working elevator and steering column were their choices.  The projects turned out great and even though each had difficulties getting all the pieces to fit properly, they worked the very first time they used them.  

SHOCKED!

 

What do you do when you have mastered the days math...you learn about electricity!  These 3rd graders were amazed when they were able to hook up a circuit to light a lightbulb.  The kit is 'kid safe' and allows students to make mistakes while learning the rules of electrical circuits.  A little bonus learning on a busy Thursday is always good in the ELP room at West Elementary.

Math Challenge

 

Wind Powered Cars

 The 5th Graders are back and are trying to complete a major challenge; build a wind powered car with limited supplies that can travel 20 feet.  They sure have learned a lot about constructing the cars and each of them came up with different types during their engineering process.  Great progress kids!

Welcome Back, 2021-22 School Year

 I hope everyone has been able to enjoy the things they love this summer, here's to a great school year!

Get those brains ready...solve this: