Vocabulary Challenge, Tynker, Code.org, Geospatial Projects, & Invention Convention

Grades 6 – 8 worked on their vocabulary challenge and geospatial technology using ArcGIS. Sixth graders worked on an Agriculture geoinquiry that evaluated bioclimatic regions and assessed viability for agricultural production. Seventh graders worked on an American Revolution geoinquiry that focused on the circumstances surrounding battles of Lexington & Concord. Eighth graders worked on a Remote Sensing geoinquiry that focused on assessing housing choices based on natural hazard risks!

Grades 3 – 5 started their computer science vocabulary challenge and were able to login to Code.org to continue their structured code.

Grades K-2 started the computer science vocabulary challenge this week! Students also were able to login to Tynker for structured coding tracking.

Students have received credit for the Invention Convention questionnaire. The next step is for students to decide which invention they would like to create and to begin obtaining supplies to develop their prototypes.

All students: grades K-2 may choose to create an invention for competition, but it is not required for their class grade. For students (grades K-2) that wish to compete, then we will have parents fill out a form for this commitment. Grades 3-8 are to create an invention as part of their class grade, even if they choose not to compete. Students will be given class time during the week of October 24th to work on creating their inventions. Students will need to bring in materials that week if they are choosing to work on their projects in class. If students wish to begin creating their prototypes before that time, or wish to create their project at home, then that is acceptable as well. The Invention Convention questionnaire was returned to students. They should keep them at home or in a folder. That questionnaire is helpful for completing the journal used at regional competition.

The finished inventions are due in January 2017. If students wish to compete in our in-class District Invention Convention competition, then that will also take place in January. Students that are selected to compete further will go to the Regional Invention Convention in April. If there are students selected from regionals to further compete, then grades K-3 students would compete in the national competition on-line, and students in grades 4-8 will compete in Washington, D.C.!

*If students do not want to create a traditional invention prototype, then they can create a Scratch project to help someone! For example, they could create a Scratch project to help someone learn how to recycle!