Units we will be studying this year:
Nobel Minds
This unit--integrating social studies, language arts and science curriculum--
is intended to provide a “big picture” about the Nobel Prize and the contributions of Nobel Prize winners.
The unit explores the background of Alfred Nobel along with some of the greatest scientist, writers, economists
and peacemakers in the world. Students research and create PowerPoint presentations and self-selected
independent study projects based upon their unique intelligence styles.
Young Inventors
Students will be challenged to exercise creative problem solving and critical thinking skills through teamwork, design, building, and testing of model structures. Readings of “Stories for Young Inventors” are interactive elements of the lessons that tie in with individual activities emphasizing the notion that inventors are people of both genders and all races who overcome adversity to solve problems and that they take advantage of mistakes and opportunities.
Nasa & Solar Investigations
Four hundred years ago, Galileo kicked off a new age of astronomy when he first used his rudimentary telescope to
study the Moon and the planets of our solar system. During this center-oriented unit--using self-selected research,
experiments, simulations and hands-on design and building activities--students carry Galileo's spirit of exploration into
the 21st Century as they investigate solar science and NASA space exploration. The unit culminates with a field trip to
NASA Space Center Houston.
Robotics
During this unit, students will become terraformers through the use of LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Robotics
and travel to the edge of the universe in a robotic adventure that reveals a future when humankind will transform
distant planets into livable habitats.