Kindergarten-Exploration Stations 2The structure of specific organs relate to the function(s) they perform. The students explored the structure of bone, muscle, the lungs, and the stomach. As the students interacted with models, they recorded their observations and described the structure of each part. 1st Grade-Patterns of the Moon 22nd Grade-Water, Water Everywhere 2After learning about different types of maps, students identified where bodies of water are found in both liquid and solid states using Google Earth on the iPads. We then compared and contrasted utilizing paper maps and electronic maps. 3rd Grade-Inheritance PracticeAs we continue through our PLTW unit about the variation of traits, the students learned that every person inherits two copies of each gene from their mother and father. They used a Google Doc to take notes and describe how a person's genes and environmental influences determine our physical characteristics and abilities. 4th Grade-Information Highway 2During the last cycle the students learned that computers store information in binary code (1s and 0s). Each code represents text. Using the iPads and an editable PDF, the students converted data to and from binary code. This cycle we looked at how computers store images. Students learned about pixels and how each pixel is represented by a 0 and 1. They created their own pixel images and wrote Run Length Encoding that was deciphered by a partner. 5th Grade-Infection FightersUsing the Canvas App on the iPad, the students are able to connect to our PLTW activities. The students accessed a PLTW presentation about our body's defenses against germs. The students learned about skin cilia, lymph nodes, and mucus.
Kindergarten-Exploration StationsThe structure of specific organs relate to the function(s) they perform. The students explored the structure of bone, muscle, the lungs, and the stomach. As the students interacted with models, they recorded their observations and described the structure of each part. 1st Grade-Patterns of the MoonThe students learned about the moon and how we see can see it even though it does not produce its own light. Students observed and documented patterns of the moon, including the apparent movement of the moon through the night sky and phases of the moon. The students were able to explore the moon's phases using an iPad app that focuses on the moon. 2nd Grade-Water, Water EverywhereAfter learning about different types of maps, students identified where bodies of water are found in both liquid and solid states using Google Earth on the iPads. We then compared and contrasted utilizing paper maps and electronic maps. 3rd Grade-All About InheritanceStudents learned that individuals have two copies of each gene, one from their mother and one from their father. They described how a person’s genes determine some aspects of their physical characteristics and abilities and given a specific genotype, determined the associated phenotype. 4th Grade-Information HighwayThe students learned that computers store information in binary code (1s and 0s). Each code represents text. Using the iPads and an editable PDF, the students converted data to and from binary code. 5th Grade-Infection FightersIn this activity student explored the body’s defenses and diagramed how the body fights invasion from germs. Students explored nonspecific defenses, defenses that are not targeted against a specific invader, such as the skin, cilia, and mucus in the nose and respiratory tract.
Kindergarten & 1st Grade-STEAM BinsUsing the STEAM Bins and task cards, the students created structures using the materials found in the bins. Each group of students had a bin that included materials like pipe cleaners, dominoes, Play-Doh, craft sticks, paper cards, base-ten blocks, tangrams, Unifix cubes, and Legos to explore and create. 2nd Grade & 3rd Grade- |
The students learned about inherited traits and took a Google Form survey of their own traits. After the class completed the survey, each student viewed the spreadsheet of responses and created a graph to show the variation in our class of a selected trait. The graph was inserted into a Google Doc after the students wrote a question & prediction for the activity. |
4th Grade-
Input/Output: Computer Systems
Activity 1-Input, Processing, Output
The students identified basic input and output devices in computer systems. With a team, students identified similarities between a computer system and a human body (input, processing, and output) by watching a short video about the anatomy of a computer and participating in a game called Pass the Input. The students recorded their observations in their Launch Logs (a scientific journal).
5th Grade-
Infection Detection
Activity 1-Germs, Germs Everywhere
Because germs are not visible, we don't always consider how germs can be passed from one person to another. Using a UV glow powder, the students played a version of Heads-Up 7-Up. One student began spreading the "glow germ" to other classmates without their knowledge by shaking hands with them. After the game was over, the students were told that a "glow germ" was spreading and the only way to detect it was with a UV flashlight. Once the "infected" students were identified, we used a graphic organizer to determine Patient Zero (the student who began the spread). |
Kindergarten-Zoom Into the Body
Students continued to explore structure and function as they applied previous knowledge of these terms to the human body. They investigated major structures of the body and identified organs and body parts that perform different functions. Key terms covered: structure, function, identity, movement, protection, and communication. |
1st Grade-Design a Paintbrush
The students were introduced to and utilized the design process as they solved a problem presented by fictional characters Angelina, Suzi, and Mylo. The students designed a paintbrush using straws, feathers, and pom poms. After building the new paintbrush, students had the opportunity to paint with it and test their designs. |
2nd Grade-Dear Santa 2
The students created a video letter using Photo Booth to tell Santa (or someone who may purchase a gift for them) what they want, need, would wear, would read, and a wish for someone else. Completed videos were uploaded to Google Classroom.
3rd Grade-Inventory of Traits
We began a new unit about the variation of traits. The students learned about inherited traits and took a Google Form survey of their own traits. After the class completed the survey, each student viewed the spreadsheet of responses and created a graph to show the variation in our class of a selected trait.
4th Grade-Catch Up on Code
The students were given time to work through the stages and lessons in Code.org that were started in previous lessons.
5th Grade-Minecraft Hour of Code
Students made the connection between our Minecraft engineering unit and the coding learned in the last unit by working through Minecraft Hour of Code. They also completed a Google Form survey about the Minecraft engineering experience. They were overwhelmingly in favor of the Minecraft Animal Pen activity.
Jamestown Elementary
Welcome to the STEAM Studio Blog for Jamestown Upper & Lower Elementary Schools in Hudsonville, MI. Here you will find the latest projects and concepts we've been working on in class.
Ms. Baker
comes to Hudsonville with 17 years of teaching information and technology skills to elementary students. After earning a BA in Elementary Education at the University of Northern Iowa and a Master’s degree from the University of Iowa in 2000, she drew a circle on the map and chose Southwest Michigan.
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