MAGLEV TRIALS 2012



Today our 2nd graders were able to test their Maglev trains with 10 and 20 passangers.  Enjoy the pictures below of their trials and their diligent work to complete their submission sheets for the consideration of their designs.

Also, click the link to veiw a real maglev train in action.

MATER IN MOTION

Today we kicked of our Transportation, Force, and Mation Unit 3 via a design challenge of trying to get Mater off of a cliff in Radiater Springs safely to his friend Lighning McQueen on the other side.  They had to design a transportation structure that could get Mater across the line safely.  Ask you student about what he/she did.  Be sure to ask them about the following vocabulary words:

transportation

force

motion

friction

We will test their structures by attaching them to the line and applying force (by way of letting the air out of a balloon) to put them in motion.

COMMERCIAL SHOWCASE

           
Our first 2nd Grade Conservation Commercial Showcase was a success.  We heard some great slogans, learned a lot, and were showed off some wonderful creativity.  Thank you to all parents who were able to attend.  Your support is greatly appreciated.  Below is a list of the awards given.  Thank you to our judges, Dr. Dan Hoffman (Asst. Superintendent) and Sonia Postema (Director of Human Resources).

*Best overall 3R Commercial- Think before you throw it in! (Dominic, Mason, Abby, & Austin)

*Best overall Composting Commercial- Don’t make it trash make it soil. (Caitlyn, Addison, Olivia, Connor, & Sydney)

*Most Creative Costumes- Composting

*Super Slogan- Tackle Trash

*Most Informational-  Be fair to the air (Camryn, Maddy, Tyler, & Brooke)

*Best communication- Recycling group in Patterson’s room (James Knorr’s group)

*Best use of Props- Vermicomposting

*Funniest- Recycling is good and fun for everyone (Abby, Payton, Fergus, Braeden)

*Best Ending Question- Go Green

Below are our five Conservation Commercials.

COMMERCIAL SHOWCASE

You are invited to attend the 2nd Grade Conservation Commercial Showcase!

Who:  Our 2nd graders and you!
What: Commercial Showcase - We will view all of the 2nd grade Conservation Commercials from this quarter.
When: Tuesday, Nov. 22 @ 2:15 (arrive a few minutes early to get your seat)
Where: Summit STEM Elementary in the cafeteria

Hope to see you there!

EVERYBODY NEEDS ONE!

                                                                         

As we move into our weather unit we will take on the wind and rain by creating water bottle shelters.  Each student needs to bring in an item that he/she would like to put inside the shelter.  The item should be no bigger than 1 or 2 inches tall or wide.  It should be small enough to fit in a cut open water bottle.  It should not be something valuable, because it may get wet.  An example could be a small Batman or Strawberry Shortcake figure from McDonald's.  My daughter has what seems like millions of these lying around the house in every nook and cranny that mysteriously turn up missing every once in a while when we're cleaning!  We will need these this week, so please send them as soon as possible.  Let me know if you have questions.

COMMERCIAL FILMING

This week we started filming our conservation commercials.  Hopefully we will be completely finished by the beginning of next week.  Below are some "behind the scenes" photos of the filming.

DESIGN CHALLENGE

Below are pictures of our students during the infamous "easel tray" design challenge.  The students had to create a "sheltering" protective accessory to save our wall from the tray of our easel.  We learned about the importance of durability and aesthetics.  Many of them were quite durable, but not all that aesthetically pleasing!  We will finish sharing and improving on Monday.