Home Stretch

In our first week back from spring break, the ASPIRE 5 scholars picked up right where they left off.  In 6th grade math, Mr. Boykin's class continued their data and statistics unit by exploring stem and leaf plots as they related to Owl City songs. (Fireflies!)  They also interpreted histograms that reflected Harry Potter data, and collected categorical data from surveys of our friends in 1st and 2nd grade ASPIRE.  Over in Mrs. Fullhart's 5th grade math class, scholars continued their STAAR review by learning financial literacy terms from their peers, and playing games such as Bazinga.  Good luck to the 5th grade math students as they take the STAAR test on Tuesday!

In language arts, students completed a reading STAAR practice activity each day, and competed for prizes such as cupcakes and Peeps!  We also started to put the finishing touches on our fantasy book club, as they discussed and analyzed chunks of reading, blogged about their reactions, and created a final product to summarize their experience.  Feedback on the book clubs was very positive, as many students are already looking forward to the next one.

Over in social studies, the scholars began the Causes of the Civil War unit.  After exploring and writing cause and effect relationships in their own lives, students joined a group to research and present a pre-Civil War system in the United States.  (Groups included social systems of the North and South, economic systems of the North and South, and political systems of the United States.)  Scholars were given many choices for their presentation, and the teachers helped them design a Statement of Purpose with the help of Ian Byrd's Differentiator to define their research and product.  We are looking forward to watching the presentations next week!

In science, the scholars completed two force labs.  The second one required them to design their own experiment, and collect data to show a relationship between force and an object.  Several groups had to make adjustments to their experiments to make them successful, but that is part of being a scientist, and it was a good learning experience for everyone involved.  In addition, the scholars began their Newton's Laws in sports presentations, and we are also looking forward to watching them next week.

Overall, this was an amazing week to spend with the ASPIRE 5 scholars.  They came back from the break ready to work, and they produced quality work samples to demonstrate their learning in all subjects.  We can't believe the last nine-weeks has begun, but we still have a lot to accomplish, and we are looking forward to many exciting learning experiences before the end of the year.

Manifest Destiny

Last week the ASPIRE 5 scholars created a Manifest Destiny cause and effect model to learn about westward expansion of the United States.  First, the students were allowed to choose which region they wanted to explore.  Choices included Oregon Country, Mexican Cession, Louisiana Purchase, Texas Annexation, Gadsden Purchase, and Florida Acquisition.  All scholars were required to make a multi-flow map to show cause and effect, and answer 2-4 depth and complexity cards, which include high-level questions that you can taylor to fit almost any topic.  Scholars were also allowed to choose 2 more elements to present from a list that included before and after pictures and drawings, positive and negative effects of their land acquisition, "what if" scenarios that required them make implications, and a William and Mary reasoning web.  For their presentations, students were required to use at least 3 different types of media.

We were very impressed with the student products.  The aspect we were the most proud of was their ability to take a large amount of information and synthesize it in a way that it is easy for their audience to understand.  Every group captured the essence of their topic, and presented it clearly and effectively.  As a group, the ASPIRE 5 scholars have shown tremendous progress in this area throughout the year.  I frequently say that ASPIRE is at it best when the students are learning from each other, and this was a prime example of how it can be be successful.

Another area the scholars have shown growth in is the sophistication of their products.  The quality of the content and visual aesthetics of their presentations showed evidence of thought, effort, and creativity.  The multi-media approach to this project allowed them to showcase a variety of skills such as app mastery and artistic layout and design.  In addition, the students demonstrated their learning with a variety of high-level thinking strategies, including black, yellow, and green hats, inferencing skills, and depth and complexity icons.

Overall, I believe this was a very successful project.  The scholars explored a complex topic, and contributed to the learning of the entire class.  In the weeks ahead, students will have more opportunities to synthesize information and to learn from each other through the design of sophisticated products.  We are very excited about how far they have progressed in this style of learning, and we are looking forward to even greater examples as we continue to grow together.