Hour of Code, Mashup Math and Build with Chrome

We had an awesome day today!  Andrew O'Hara, a software designer, joined us for the Hour of Code. Some students coded Minecraft, others tried Star Wars and a few tried out Moana.  It is definitely a great activity to introduce students to coding and further developing a growth mindset.  On Friday, during math stations, we will continue coding with Scratch on the ipads and code.org on the chromebooks!

We are also participating in the 12 Days of Christmas Mashup Math.  They can be quite challenging but we are getting better at figuring out strategies to solve the problems. Working with a partner sometimes helps!

Some students were able to solve the mashup very quickly,  I showed them an online Lego building site called Build with Chrome and guess what?  They took to it like ducks to water!  Check out some of their creations...

In Science, we consolidated our learning about buoyancy from yesterday,  Buoyancy is a pushing force that allows things to float.  Ask us how many gems floated in our boats!  One group was able to float 24 gems.  Way to go! We capped it off by watching our favourite scientist, Bill Nye, explain all about the concept of buoyancy.  Great day everyone!

Don't forget to practice our song for the Christmas Concert.  We are learning the dance moves to go along with them too:)
Thanks to the students who have brought in canned goods for our food drive.  I will double the amount we collect...I really want to wrap Mr. Rodgers and trim Mrs. Trent!

Hour of Code Info

On Wednesday, our class will be taking part in Hour of Code (#HourofCode).  Hour of Code can occur anytime this week (Dec. 7-11). Below you will find all the information you will need if you decide to take part in this awesome opportunity to learn coding.  It is a great opportunity for students to continue to develop their collaboration skills, character development, GRIT and learning about perseverance.  Hour of Code can be linked to the 6Cs of Education as well.

If you don't want to use devices, students can still learn coding with lesson plans found here. Students can work alone or with a partner.  You can use ipads or chrome books using these cheat sheets. It's up to you!  Enjoy!

Hour of Code, Badly Drawn Dog and Elvis is Here!

Today we teamed up with the grade fours for Hour of Code.  We learned how to create simple games and stories using the language of code.  The classes were very engaged and were eager to use these 21st century skills in the classroom.  Elvis, our class elf, finally showed up today! (He was hiding in our food hamper).  He left us a note and asked us to perform acts of kindness.  Last week, we listened to the story 'Badly Drawn Dog' and created our own versions of badly drawn dogs!  Take a look at the video below.  In math, we are learning about sorting objects by two attributes.