Guest Speaker - Karlene Thomas

Local wildlife affected by construction

I am fortunate to have several community members and parents of Challenger students who want to share what they love most about their career with students.  A Challenger parent, Karlene Thomas, came into my Math Literacy class today to share problems she solves on a regular basis as an Environmental Engineer with Pinyon Environmental, Inc.

Demonstrating erosion mitigation

She included several demonstrations to illustrate how she addresses environmental concerns along the Front Range. She thoroughly explained how communication and collaboration are essential for the environmental engineers, biologists, and civil engineers to minimize the impact of construction on local wildlife, the environment, and water quality.

Checking the pH level of water

Sand vs. silt particles in water

I am so grateful to have parents enthusiastic about sharing their passion with students and encouraging them to pursue a college degree!

Click HERE to view her presentation.

Next week a good friend of mine, Bonnie Birckenstaedt, will be presenting to students.  Bonnie is a Radio Frequency Engineer with United Launch Alliance (ULA).

Math Literacy Vocabulary Assessment #2 - Transformations

In Math Literacy, students had to use and spell two words from their vocabulary list in context of the following visual representing rotational symmetry.

I chose two student exemplars (one boy/one girl) who represented the vocabulary in the most contextually-connected way.

I sent their parents an email to share the amazing work they're doing to describe mathematical concepts.

I also shared a post on Facebook: "Just took some pictures of exemplars from the recent Math Literacy vocabulary quiz about transformations and forwarded them to parents. I hope this will give these amazing kiddos some positive leverage at home."

 

The Regulators - ADA Ramp Codes

Sketch Artists creating a visual of the ramp

Students in my Math Literacy class reviewed ADA ramp codes and assessed the ramp used for the two portable classrooms behind the school.  Students were put into groups of four, each with a team role and ADA ramp code sheet to use as a reference:

• Sketch Artist
• Responsible for creating a side sketch
• Must label appropriate units for each dimension
• Measurement Artist
• Responsible for using a yard stick to measure multiple dimensions of the ramp to the nearest inch
• Code Regulator
• Advises team on the code for "Slope & Rise"
• Advises team on the code for "Clear Width"
• Advises team on the code for "Landings" 
• Report Manager
• Responsible for writing a report to determine if the ramp is up-to-code using measurements as proof
• Shares any additional recommendations from the team

After collecting measurements and sketching multiple dimensions of the ramp, students headed back to class to write up their report.

Example of a report