Hi there! Take a look! Our plants are growing! A special thanks to Mrs. Buggs and CAES custodial staff for continuing to nurture your plants while you are away. CAES is more alive than ever! :)
Dear CAES Students & Families:
Since March 13, 2020 when our circumstances suddenly changed without our control, I've thought of you nonstop. I've come to my computer keyboard multiple times to tap out words of encouragement and words about how much I miss you. (and boy do I!) I've been stunned with our surreal situation. No words seemed to fit this occasion of a forced closure without closure with each other. I've been working to adapt to our new circumstances. The truth is that some days, it's wonderful. There are always engineering opportunities all around us and much in which to be grateful.
And some days, it's hard because I miss you. I bet you can relate. I know you miss your friends. I bet you love being home in your pajamas, though. Here is what I know about you: you will rise. You all are resilient! You've learned it and proved it multiple times in engineering class when you test and improve designs that don't work. You keep trying. You solve problems and you always make me proud.
Down below are some activities that I've curated just for you. These are not intended to be busy work nor are they random. I've selected each and every one with you in mind. For those that can do them, have a blast and remember to follow the engineering design process. For those that have enough on your plate, it's okay. Just do what you can when you can. Remember to have fun in the process and that mistakes are for learning.
The site below is filled with lots of fun, relevant and quick science investigations. Even if they aren't all engineering lessons, they are packed with finding answers to questions and that's what engineers do: ask questions and solve problems. Also engineering is centered around science and math. So dive into these relevant lessons and experience total engagement. The following lessons are presented by Mystery Science. The kids love these lessons. (We've done a few in class so they are familiar with the format.) Normally, these are accessed by paying a steep price. Now, they are free. You can create an account here.(You can find lessons by topic and grade level.)
Here is a F & Q page about how to get started with a home account.
I'd love to see you! Please post pictures of activities you do on social media. #isleLEARN #SimplyST3M #seeusSOAR
The following links are available without an account until June 30, 2020:
This is a 5 minute mini-lesson with a video: Why do we celebrate April Fool's Day?
Relevant lessons connected to our circumstances- quarantine:
Spring
Can We Make It Rain? (This is a good one for right now. It's been raining a lot. "April Showers Bring May Flowers".
These lessons go perfectly with what many students had been working on before the school closure.
Energizing Everything
Energy, Motion, & Electricity
This introductory energy unit will encourage students to think about the energy that things need to move. I highly recommend this!
The following are pictures of students the week of the school closure exploring kinetic energy and motion. :)
What could be more fun than combining literature with engineering? Below is an excellent resource for kids that say they don't like to read, and it's an excellent resource for all readers that love engineering. Kids love humor and engineering which makes this a perfect choice.
“A boisterous balance of potty humor and geek pride in this rollicking young engineer’s adventure.” — Kirkus Reviews
Try this: Design a robot of your very own! Describe it in detail and/or draw a picture. What would it be used for? Who would use it? List the pros and cons of having it in one’s life and the world at large. Would there be any downsides or potential dangers of having the robot around? Gather objects from around your house (rubber bands, rulers, pieces of paper or cardboard, toothpicks, chopsticks, etc.). Write down each item and its usual, common purpose. Now think like an EngiNerd and make a list of other, less-common, less-usual uses for each item. Use those items to create your robot and/or create something totally new. Click here for discussion questions.
Connect your engineering to literature. I just love these free comic frames. Finish a comic or create your own. Create a comic about your robot. Click here to find the comic frames that fit you best.
And finally...
not to overwhelm you, but this, too, is a wonderful resource: Daily STEM
It is a weekly one page newsletter packed with at-home science, math, and engineering opportunities. I've done some of them and they're great. They are simple and doable in minutes.
I love you! Stay curious. Keep asking questions and looking for solutions, and remember engineering is everywhere you look.
Mrs. Pamela Hall
Coming soon...
Videos of me saying hi to you. :)