Units we will be studying this year:
Nobel Minds
This unit--integrating social studies, language arts and science curriculum--
is intended to provide a “big picture” about the Nobel Prize and the
contributions of Nobel Prize winners. Students will explore the background of
Alfred Nobel and the work of some of the greatest scientists, writers,
economists and peacemakers in the world. Learning activities include student
research, discussion, the creation of PowerPoint presentations, and self-
selected independent study projects based upon students’ unique intelligence
styles.
Note: This unit culminates with the Nobel Minds Product Fair to be held at
DIS on Tuesday, November 17, at 4:00 PM.
Young Inventors
Students will be challenged to exercise creative problem solving and critical
thinking skills through teamwork, design, building, and testing of model
structures in this unit. Readings of “Stories for Young Inventors” that tie
in with individual activities emphasize the notion that inventors are people
of both genders and all races who overcome adversity to solve problems, and
that they take advantage of mistakes and opportunities.
NASA: Solar & Space Explorations
Four hundred years ago, Galileo kicked off a new age of astronomy when he
first used his rudimentary telescope to study the Moon and the planets of our
solar system. During this center-oriented unit--using self-selected research,
experiments, simulations and hands-on design and building activities--
students carry Galileo's spirit of exploration into the 21st Century as they
investigate solar science and NASA space exploration.
Note: This unit culminates with a field trip to NASA Space Center
Houston on Friday, March 5.
Robotics
During this unit, using LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Robotics kits, students will
become terraformers. Student teams will virtually travel to the edge of the
universe in a robotic adventure that reveals a future when humankind will
transform distant planets into livable habitats. Student teams will build and
program their own robots to accomplish various missions.
