January Happenings

It seems like we haven't had school this month between snowdays and the days I was out. Here is what we've accomplished:
Third Grade
We have discussed how inventors come up with ideas. Using Creative Problem Solving, we came up with an innovative way to reduce the noise in a school cafeteria. Last week we learned how inventors turned mistakes into inventions such as chocolate chip cookies, and Post-It notes. Next month we will work on our own Inventions. We have been invited to participate in
North Alabama Mensa Kids Trek Inventors Day on February 12th from 2 pm to 4 pm at Huntsville Public Library.
Fourth Grade
Fourth graders have decided and planned their project for presenting their Images of Greatness research. We will have lots of Lapbooks, video biographies and presentations. Students who are including claymation in their project can use the clay left over from other projects or get clay from the dollar store.
Fifth Grade
Fifth graders are working on finishing our "What are Your Chances" unit, and will create a game using probability to ensure their chances of winning. We have begun our "Autobiographies" unit and will analyze autobiographical short stories and novels. We will be writing our own autobiography as well.

Duke Talent Search

I am sending home information regarding Duke 4th/5th grade Talent Search. Students qualify for this program in one of three ways. The first way to qualify is to have a score in reading, math or composite of 95 or better on the SAT X testing that was done last spring. The second way to qualify is to be enrolled in a gifted and talented program (SPACE) and score a IV on the ARMT reading or math given last spring. The final way to qualify is to score in the top 5% on an aptitude test which is the IQ test given to qualify for SPACE.
The program does have a cost associated with it. The benefits of the program are outlined in the brochure and your family can determine if they would like to participate based on the services given. Students who sign up will be recognized at either our K-4 awards day or the 5th grade awards ceremony with a ribbon from Duke.
Feel free to email me with specific questions at claymon@hsv.k12.al.us . Congratulations to all those students who qualify!

Living with Intensity

"Because they can be so greatly stimulated, and because they perceive and process things differently, gifted children are often misunderstood. Their excitement is viewed as excessive, their high energy as hyperactivitiy, their persistence as nagging, their questioning as undermining authority, their imagination as not paying attention, their passion as being disruptive, their strong emotions and sensitivity as immaturity, their creativity and self-directedness as oppositional." excerpt from Living with Intensity by Susan Daniels and Michael Piechowski
It doesn't always make it easier to deal with gifted children's intensity to understand the theory mentioned (Dabrowski's Overexcitabilities), but it helps to recognize that what makes gifted children difficult to parent or teach is actually an asset and strength. It just needs growth and direction. Without that great drive, nothing great will be achieved.

Happy Holidays

Third Grade
Third Grade has been working on simple machines. We completed a science experiment on friction and have gotten to use the Lego Simple Machines kit. Each student has completed one rotation on either wheels and axles, levers, gears, pulleys, inclined plane, or screw and wedge. We have also made a concept map using Kidspiration software and listed two things learned in the station.
Fourth Grade
Students have completed their Independent Investigative Method research on an eminent person. They have identified achievements, obstacles, above average ability, task commitment, courage, creativity and caring for the person they chose to study. As soon as we get back from the holidays, we will begin creating a project to share what was learned.
Many of the students are getting close to finishing their ABC Book of Me so we will work on the cover art in January(fractals, marbling, paste paper, etc.)
Fifth Grade
Fifth grade competed in the Alabama FIRST Lego League competition. They pulled together fine presentations on a booster to a prosthetic leg and a comfort room for cancer patients. They handled the robot competition with gracious professionalism making modification at the tournament, and doing their best. Way to go.
We wrote thank you notes to all the sponsors and helpers. It takes a community to put on a project of this magnitude.
Next semester, we will finish What are Your Chances? - a probability unit and begin Record Breakers, a unit looking at World records, a favorite. We will also begin a unit on Autobiographies. In this unit we look at how talent is developed in children's authors and then in ourselves.
Happy Holidays,
Colleen

Third Grade

Third Graders have begun our unit on inventions. They are very excited to get to work in the Lego kits on simple machines. We have talked about systems and will go over safe lab proceedures and the Wheel of Scientific Investigation and Reasoning. Our first experiment will be on friction and our first simple machines will be the screw and the wedge.

Fourth Grade

The 4th graders will finish up their research on an emminent person this week or next and we should soon begin creating a project to present their individual. The students completed their first Math Olympiad and although we didn't get a lot of points everyone had a strategy and attempted most of the problems. I was proud of their persistance.

Dream Rocket

Students last year were sponsored by the Huntsville Fiber Guild to participate in the Dream Rocket (www.dreamrocket.com ). Our panel was displayed in Alabama Constitution Hall (www.thedreamrocket.com/in-the-schools/item/447-chaffee-elementary-school?tmpl+component&print=1 ). We have now been awarded another panel sponsored by Lowe Mill. The panel is only 2 feet by 2 feet so I can't have that many students work on it. I need to decide which group will participate and which theme to address. If any parents would like to help out, I am happy to have help. The students really want to stitch, but they are unskilled and it is time consumming to rethread for them. I also will need some supplies since I have no budget for this.