Month of February 2020

February is finally here!  All enrichment groups have begun working on new projects, the 2^nd Annual NSE Math 24 Tournament was held on January 30^th, and our classroom was selected by Hess Toy Trucks to receive a 2019 Hess Toy Truck Classroom STEM Kit!!!

The 2^nd Grade Team will begin working on a Science, Writing and Literacy unit to investigate landforms, continents and oceans.

The 3^rd Grade Team has been learning how to build with K’Nex Creative Building Toys.  They have been designing vehicles and discussing how the diameter of the wheel effects the speed of the vehicle.

The 4^th Grade Team is exploring a curriculum called Word Generation.  It focuses on building academic vocabulary and building reading, writing, and speaking skills.

The 5^th Grade Team is currently researching goals that they have during all phases of their lives (Bucket Lists).  They are working on creating a podcast to share with the other members of the team detailing how they will accomplish some of their dreams.

They 6^th Grade Team is currently researching different world cultures.  They will be presenting information that is unique to certain parts of the world.  They will then use what they have learned to create a brand-new and original “realm,” including such information as language, customs/traditions, food, arts/literature, architecture, religion, history, government, geography, sports, education, fashion, climate and wildlife.

All grade level teams are excited to open the Hess Trucks and learn more about the STEM activities that accompanied them.

The Fourth Grade K’Nex Competition Team is currently working on two different designs for a Ferris Wheel.  They will determine the best parts of each to incorporate into their final design.  They are also designing additional aspects to meet the goals of this year’s challenge.  Don’t forget the team will be competing against other local schools on March 17, 2020 for a chance to compete at the state tournament in Harrisburg in May.

Students in grades 4 through 6 participated in the 2^nd Annual North Schuylkill Elementary Math 24 Challenge Tournament on January 30^th.  The top ten finishers will be practicing weekly until they travel to the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit in Pottsville on May 19^th to compete against students from other local school districts.

As always, please contact me with any questions or concerns at nnestor@northschuylkill.net or at 570-874-3661 Ext. 3332.