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

Second quarter project: Mars Miniature Golf Design Challenge

This was one of the original ideas for first quarter, but didn't quite fit.  After obsessively playing miniature golf online on www.mini-putt.org, I decided to research ways to incorporate designing a miniature golf course into a project.  I found a gem online with exactly what I was looking for: it included the common core standards, mathematical practices standards, and an exemplary detailed possible solution for reference. A hole in one!  See the link below to view the drafted details of the project or click HERE.

Project Planning Form - Mars Miniature Golf Design Challenge
Mars Miniature Golf Challenge

First quarter project: NASA Rover Challenge

Over the past several weeks I've been brainstorming ideas for the 1st quarter project involving integers and the coordinate plane with an aerospace flavor.  I partially filled out project planning forms for a few initial ideas: "Mars Urban Planning Challenge" and "Mars Mini-Putt Design Challenge."  After continued research and brainstorming, I encountered a rover game on NASA's website and decided to turn it into an extended project.  I borrowed some ideas from the GTT teacher for the project sheet.  I'm still finalizing the project planning form.  Click on the "NASA Rover Challenge" link below to view the project record sheet or click HERE.

Here are the drafted forms for the project:
NASA Rover Challenge
Command Sequence Record Sheet
Terrain Budget Record Sheet
Collaboration Rubric
Sojourner Rover Model
10 x 10 Coordinate Grids (for possible solutions)
10 x 10 Grid - Final Terrain Design

Circle mosaics finished!

Most students finished their final drafts of the circle mosaics.  Students helped me cut, arrange, and tape each circle - it was definitely a collaborative effort!  They'll be posted in the 7th grade locker area next year as a reminder of their creativity, effort, and perseverance.











Circle Mosaic Project Rubric

Rover races at the Space Foundation

Students had the opportunity to apply their knowledge of diameter and circumference to calculate the number of rotations needed to stop their rover at a precise distance.  Students kept asking "Do we get to do this again tomorrow?"

Activity Worksheet