Champions Create Gliders

Today students made and modified gliders while trying to hit a target!
We used the following site for our functional reading of directions:
http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Simple-Glider

First we had a VTS discussion on the following image:

Next we read the following article using our AVID critical reading skills:
http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blearlyflight2.htm

After reading the article, each student was given the following set of materials:
paper, tape, a ruler, two straws, and 4 small paper clips. Following the wikihow directions above using their netbook, they engineered their glider. After several modifications, they were able to hit a target.

Our last step was writing a summary of what we learned and taking a picture of the glider using pixect.com. The summary and picture was uploaded in their Quater 2 Powerpoint.
Well Done Champions!

                                

Pinwheel Windmills!

This month the 6th grade DATA students are participating in a Renewable EnergyPBL in all their classes.
We read this article as a class and then we decided to try some hands on wind projects for the next few weeks.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/11/science/earth/denmark-aims-for-100-percent-renewable-energy.html?_r=0

Today students made their own pinwheel and then tested it against different wind factors to see how fast they could make it spin. First we had a VTS discussion based on the following image:

Next, students made their own "high grade" pinwheel following on-line directions from:
http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Pinwheel

After the class created their pinwheels, we walked around campus in different directions trying to find the spot that created the most wind speed for their pinwheel. Once back in class students reflected on what they learned. Well done Champions! One student noted that the pinwheel was really a "wind detector"!

Well done Champions!

Paper Box Kendamas!

Today students engineered their very own Kendama using a paper box, string, sticks, straws, and paper clips. Their challenge was to design an original Paper Box Kendama with given materials, then create and name a trick to teach to someone else.

Fist, we did a VTS activity looking at various Kendama models.

Next we read an article from the Sacramento Bee about the "Kendama Kraze" using AVID critical reading skills.
http://www.sacbee.com/entertainment/living/family/article2576921.html

Then students were given a set of materials and began building. Once their Paper Box Kendama were created, students made up original tricks to perform to others in the class.

putting it together...

 practicing...

Our last step was reflecting on what we learned today. Students were encouraged to take their Kendama home and share it with a family member and/ or friend.

This was a fun and creative way for students to engineer their own fun!
As one student wrote so well, Nice Job!