welcome to online learning for 5th grade!
A NOTE FROM MRS. TAYLOR:
Hi families, I've been hearing that many families are having a hard time adjusting to online learning and completing assignments.
My goal is to have as many students as possible engaging in meaningful, enriching discussion about our class concepts, and I would rather have good thinking unfold over the course of a few weeks if that's what we need, than rush kids from assignment to assignment. Please reach out if you're having trouble completing assignments.
Suggested timelines for assignments found here:
Force and Motion/ Rube Goldberg Machines - Try to complete by April 3
Monarch Migration - Try to complete by April 10
Quarantine Time Capsule - Try to complete by April 24
Cardboard Construction Challenge - Try to complete by May 8
Never quite got to one of these activities but now you're looking for something new to do? Go back and complete the ones you skipped. It's never too late to stretch your thinking.
Finished everything and looking for something new to do? Browse these pages for ideas:
Extra Challenges (resources for art, music, coding, science, math, and more)
Ideas for Kids - Cool ideas suggested by kids! Try these out and share your ideas, too!
Wildlife in Your Backyard (learn about the nature found all around you and share what you see in *your* yard)
<3 Love, Mrs. Taylor
Assignment for the first week of online learning: force and motion investigations through rube goldberg machines!
Below are links to several "Rube Goldberg Machines." Check them out and then answer the questions in the Discussion Board by April 3. If you are coming here after that date, that is OKAY! I would love for you to do this activity now! Never too late to stretch your brain!
Want to do more? Post in the flipgrid an respond to the questions in the Google Form below. There is a place in that form to upload your own pictures and files to share cool Rube Goldberg work you did at home, too.
Done with that and want a fun challenge while you're stuck at home? Try making your own and share it with us!
1. Try out as many of the resources here as you'd like. You don't have to explore them all (but you totally can!)
2. Record a response in flipgrid. Here's the code to the grid: https://flipgrid.com/taylorfifth8655
3. Tell me your thoughts in this google poll: https://forms.gle/ybKJf1xqvencvigu9
4. Questions? Problems? Ideas for something cool to do? You can post in the discussion board or email me. I answer all questions as quickly as I can.
Examples to Watch (choose at least one):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBOqfLVCDv8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qybUFnY7Y8w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHrYypDKXTc
Simulations to Try (make your own online):
https://www.rubegoldberg.com/education/rube-works-game/
Use this google form to respond to Mrs. Taylor:
https://forms.gle/ybKJf1xqvencvigu9
CHALLENGE!! Build Your Own!
Resources to Inspire your Building Skills:
https://tinkerlab.com/engineering-kids-rube-goldberg-machine/
https://thatafterschoollife.com/rube_goldberg.html
https://www.bricks4kidz.com/blog/help-your-kids-build-spatial-skills-with-easy-rube-goldberg-machines/
Go to flipgrid to talk to each other about the challenge and share your creations:
https://flipgrid.com/taylorfifth8655
Key Vocabulary for Forces & Motion/ Simple Machines:
https://www.stcharles.k12.la.us/cms/lib010/LA01906411/Centricity/Domain/872/Force%20and%20Motion%20Study%20Guide.pdf
Read more about Rube Goldberg Machines and see more cool examples:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rube_Goldberg_machine
https://coolmaterial.com/roundup/rube-goldberg-machines/
Want to do more? Post in the flipgrid an respond to the questions in the Google Form below. There is a place in that form to upload your own pictures and files to share cool Rube Goldberg work you did at home, too.
Done with that and want a fun challenge while you're stuck at home? Try making your own and share it with us!
1. Try out as many of the resources here as you'd like. You don't have to explore them all (but you totally can!)
2. Record a response in flipgrid. Here's the code to the grid: https://flipgrid.com/taylorfifth8655
3. Tell me your thoughts in this google poll: https://forms.gle/ybKJf1xqvencvigu9
4. Questions? Problems? Ideas for something cool to do? You can post in the discussion board or email me. I answer all questions as quickly as I can.
Examples to Watch (choose at least one):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBOqfLVCDv8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qybUFnY7Y8w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHrYypDKXTc
Simulations to Try (make your own online):
https://www.rubegoldberg.com/education/rube-works-game/
Use this google form to respond to Mrs. Taylor:
https://forms.gle/ybKJf1xqvencvigu9
CHALLENGE!! Build Your Own!
Resources to Inspire your Building Skills:
https://tinkerlab.com/engineering-kids-rube-goldberg-machine/
https://thatafterschoollife.com/rube_goldberg.html
https://www.bricks4kidz.com/blog/help-your-kids-build-spatial-skills-with-easy-rube-goldberg-machines/
Go to flipgrid to talk to each other about the challenge and share your creations:
https://flipgrid.com/taylorfifth8655
Key Vocabulary for Forces & Motion/ Simple Machines:
https://www.stcharles.k12.la.us/cms/lib010/LA01906411/Centricity/Domain/872/Force%20and%20Motion%20Study%20Guide.pdf
Read more about Rube Goldberg Machines and see more cool examples:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rube_Goldberg_machine
https://coolmaterial.com/roundup/rube-goldberg-machines/
assignment for the second week of online learning: monarch migration, climate change, and cultural traditions
Check out the following slideshow, then discuss the discussion prompt questions in the discussion board.
Try to complete this by April 10.
Your questions are listed below and also in the discussion board.
https://journeynorth.org/tm/monarch/sl/5/index.html
Question 1:
How do you think these words are related to the timing of the monarch's departure from Mexico in the Spring and return in the Fall?
Choose at least three words to talk about in your discussion board post.
water
milkweed
temperature
day length (photoperiod)
mating
habitat
changes
lipid levels
equinox
Question Two:
After viewing the slideshow and the video clip, what do you notice about connections between the monarch migration, the changes of seasons, and cultural traditions/ holidays? You can talk about Dia de los Muertos and also about any examples from other cultures that you can think of.
Monarchs and Dia de los MuertosCheck out this clip on Monarchs and Dia de los Muertos in Mexico. What do you notice? Can you think of any other examples of how cycles in nature overlap with cultural traditions and celebrations in other countries?
Video link: https://youtu.be/sMs-lCaTKoE
Try to complete this by April 10.
Your questions are listed below and also in the discussion board.
https://journeynorth.org/tm/monarch/sl/5/index.html
Question 1:
How do you think these words are related to the timing of the monarch's departure from Mexico in the Spring and return in the Fall?
Choose at least three words to talk about in your discussion board post.
water
milkweed
temperature
day length (photoperiod)
mating
habitat
changes
lipid levels
equinox
Question Two:
After viewing the slideshow and the video clip, what do you notice about connections between the monarch migration, the changes of seasons, and cultural traditions/ holidays? You can talk about Dia de los Muertos and also about any examples from other cultures that you can think of.
Monarchs and Dia de los MuertosCheck out this clip on Monarchs and Dia de los Muertos in Mexico. What do you notice? Can you think of any other examples of how cycles in nature overlap with cultural traditions and celebrations in other countries?
Video link: https://youtu.be/sMs-lCaTKoE
quarantine time capsule
try to complete by april 24
For this Enrichment activity, you'll make a "time capsule" showing what your life was like during this time. I *think* the images above can be downloaded and printed at your house, but different computer systems will vary in how they "behave" for tasks like that, so I've typed up the directions below, too.
As you work on this project, you can talk to your classmates about what you chose for the time capsule in the Discussion Board. You can also keep this project private. It's up to you.
Try to complete this by April 24.
Didn't quite get to it? Complete it when you get to it.
As you work on this project, you can talk to your classmates about what you chose for the time capsule in the Discussion Board. You can also keep this project private. It's up to you.
Try to complete this by April 24.
Didn't quite get to it? Complete it when you get to it.
directions
One day, when you are an adult, you will want to look back and remember exactly what you were doing and feeling during this dramatic moment in history. Making a time capsule is a good way to preserve this moment and send your future self the gift of memories.
Materials: Shoebox, wrapping paper writing/ art utensils, tape, computer/ tablet/ device, personal objects
1. Using stationery, plain paper, or typing on your computer, write a letter to your future self, answering as many of the following questions as you or your future family might want to know about:
* What was a typical day like before the COVID-19 pandemic?
* When did you first hear about the virus?
* How did you feel when you heard that school was moving to "distance learning?"
* What was the last "normal" day of school like?
* What was the first day of "distance learning" like?
* What were some of your feelings as you adjusted to the new "normal?"
* What is a typical "distance learning" day like for you?
* How are you staying connected with friends and family during this time?
* What are some new activities or skills you have tried during this time?
* What kinds of music, movies, books, and shows have you been enjoying during this time?
* What are some new activities or skills you have tried during this time?
* What is the hardest thing about social distancing?
* What is the funniest thing that has happened during this time?
* What are your biggest worries and your biggest hopes right now?
* Any other questions you can think of or things you want to share - add them!
Be sure to add your age and the date to your letter. Be honest. Don't censor yourself or "sugar-coat" your feelings.
2. Gather some artifacts. These can be anything that will fit in your shoebox. Try to represent what is important to you right now. Here are some suggestions:
- photos
- letters
- pressed flowers or leaves from your yard right now
- art you created
- small toys
- printouts of news articles
- a hand-drawn map of your home and/ or neighborhood
- anything else that tells about who you are and what you are doing and feeling right now
Place your artifacts in the shoebox along with your letter. Make sure those items are things you won't mind seeing for awhile!
3. Wrap your shoebox up in wrapping paper:
* Tape the lid shut.
* Wrap the box like a birthday gift, with any kind of wrapping paper. You can use a brown paper grocery bag or newspaper or old artworks or schoolwork if you don't have wrapping paper.
* Decorate the outside of the box however you like.
* Tape a label on the box with the date it was made and a date you want to open it. You can make it 10, 20, or even 30 years in the future!
4. Talk to your parents about finding a safe place to put the box where you will be able to find it later. Think of some way to remind yourself to come back and open it later.
This is adapted slightly from an idea created by Sally Meehan at The Montessori School of Winston-Salem. I loved this idea and wanted to share it with all of you! Let me know if there are things we should add to the lists above (email me at [email protected])
ENRICHMENT CARDBOARD CONSTRUCTION CHALLENGE: APRIL 24 - MAY 8
Here's what you need to do:
- Collect cardboard around your house. Old cereal boxes? Toilet paper or paper towel tubes? All those boxes from your parents ordering stuff from Amazon? Put them to good use!!
- Build, build, build! If at first you don't succeed, learn from your mistakes and try again.
- Share with me: Make a short video or take some photos and write a description.
In your description, tell me:
- What you made
- What was challenging about your project
- What was fun about your project
Go to the Cardboard Construction page to share your thoughts and see what other kids have created:
Cardboard Construction
This will be our feature for Tinker Tuesday in a few weeks, and I would LOVE to share what YOU create!
- Need some inspiration or an extra challenge? Check out these resources!!
Caine's Arcade (this kid created a cardboard arcade full of games for the neighborhood to enjoy):
http://cainesarcade.com/
Marble Mazes:
https://edu.workbencheducation.com/cwists/preview/11276-stem-marble-maze-challengex
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3uH0wHRMho&disable_polymer=true
Rube Goldberg Machines from Recycled Materials:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEOB-iL-5VM
Materials: Shoebox, wrapping paper writing/ art utensils, tape, computer/ tablet/ device, personal objects
1. Using stationery, plain paper, or typing on your computer, write a letter to your future self, answering as many of the following questions as you or your future family might want to know about:
* What was a typical day like before the COVID-19 pandemic?
* When did you first hear about the virus?
* How did you feel when you heard that school was moving to "distance learning?"
* What was the last "normal" day of school like?
* What was the first day of "distance learning" like?
* What were some of your feelings as you adjusted to the new "normal?"
* What is a typical "distance learning" day like for you?
* How are you staying connected with friends and family during this time?
* What are some new activities or skills you have tried during this time?
* What kinds of music, movies, books, and shows have you been enjoying during this time?
* What are some new activities or skills you have tried during this time?
* What is the hardest thing about social distancing?
* What is the funniest thing that has happened during this time?
* What are your biggest worries and your biggest hopes right now?
* Any other questions you can think of or things you want to share - add them!
Be sure to add your age and the date to your letter. Be honest. Don't censor yourself or "sugar-coat" your feelings.
2. Gather some artifacts. These can be anything that will fit in your shoebox. Try to represent what is important to you right now. Here are some suggestions:
- photos
- letters
- pressed flowers or leaves from your yard right now
- art you created
- small toys
- printouts of news articles
- a hand-drawn map of your home and/ or neighborhood
- anything else that tells about who you are and what you are doing and feeling right now
Place your artifacts in the shoebox along with your letter. Make sure those items are things you won't mind seeing for awhile!
3. Wrap your shoebox up in wrapping paper:
* Tape the lid shut.
* Wrap the box like a birthday gift, with any kind of wrapping paper. You can use a brown paper grocery bag or newspaper or old artworks or schoolwork if you don't have wrapping paper.
* Decorate the outside of the box however you like.
* Tape a label on the box with the date it was made and a date you want to open it. You can make it 10, 20, or even 30 years in the future!
4. Talk to your parents about finding a safe place to put the box where you will be able to find it later. Think of some way to remind yourself to come back and open it later.
This is adapted slightly from an idea created by Sally Meehan at The Montessori School of Winston-Salem. I loved this idea and wanted to share it with all of you! Let me know if there are things we should add to the lists above (email me at [email protected])
ENRICHMENT CARDBOARD CONSTRUCTION CHALLENGE: APRIL 24 - MAY 8
Here's what you need to do:
- Collect cardboard around your house. Old cereal boxes? Toilet paper or paper towel tubes? All those boxes from your parents ordering stuff from Amazon? Put them to good use!!
- Build, build, build! If at first you don't succeed, learn from your mistakes and try again.
- Share with me: Make a short video or take some photos and write a description.
In your description, tell me:
- What you made
- What was challenging about your project
- What was fun about your project
Go to the Cardboard Construction page to share your thoughts and see what other kids have created:
Cardboard Construction
This will be our feature for Tinker Tuesday in a few weeks, and I would LOVE to share what YOU create!
- Need some inspiration or an extra challenge? Check out these resources!!
Caine's Arcade (this kid created a cardboard arcade full of games for the neighborhood to enjoy):
http://cainesarcade.com/
Marble Mazes:
https://edu.workbencheducation.com/cwists/preview/11276-stem-marble-maze-challengex
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3uH0wHRMho&disable_polymer=true
Rube Goldberg Machines from Recycled Materials:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEOB-iL-5VM