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Winter Snowflakes & Symmetry

1/10/2019

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Toro STEM explored symmetry in nature today! We did a quick review of the wonderful book called "Snowflake Bentley." Our amazing library has several copies if you would like to check the book out to read more in depth about the life and work of Wilson Bentley. Mrs. Walker and Mrs. Special would be happy to help you find the book and many other books related to symmetry, math patterns, snow, weather and more! 

Snowflake Bentley tells the story of Wilson Bentley who was born in February of 1865 in Vermont. First grade and I did four digit subtraction to learn Wilson was born 154 years ago. They were disappointed they would not have an opportunity to meet Mr. Bentley, but we found the importance and joy in "meeting him" through his work and legacy. 

Through the story, we learned about symmetry in nature. We discussed how some animals also create symmetrical structures (nests, spider webs, and the puffer fish and his "crop circle"). Alternately, we also learned about asymmetry and how it creates uniqueness. There was a lot of discussion on math concepts today! You can check out the simple Slides (embedded link to the right) we used to facilitate discussion to see photos and videos. 

Primary grades were challenged to figure out why some of our snowflakes came out as whole snowflakes while others came out as two rectangular shaped snowflakes. Can you figure out why? Submit your response to your classroom teacher! Ask your teacher to send me your response, or you can submit your response using the "contact" tab above.

Upper grades were challenged to use backward design strategies to figure out how I created my Toro themed snowflake (pictured to the right). This type of thinking is required in algebraic problem solving. Where else does "thinking backward" help you solve problems? 

Here are a few questions our groups have come up with! Pick a question and submit your answers with at least 3-5 complete sentences in your best handwriting to your teacher. 
Where else can you find symmetry in nature? Where do we need symmetry in tools we use daily? How does asymmetry and symmetry in artwork make you feel? Would you want to wear a pair of asymmetrical shoe soles? Why or why not? Is there symmetry in our school campus map? Look at your classroom; is there symmetry in the way the desks and tables are placed? If your ears were not symmetrical, how would your hearing be impacted? What happens when a car's tire patterns are not symmetrical? 

Below you can find some links to help you create snowflakes with your favorite fandom theme! Have fun, get help when you need it and make sure to leave your work space better than how you found it! 

I'm always happy to hear from you! Click the contact tab to send me your ideas, questions and submit your challenge responses! 

Happy exploring,
​Mrs. L
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This is a Toro themed snowflake I created for Mrs. Droeg. I also made her an ASU pitchfork one! What else can you create? 

Snowflake Bentley

Snowflake Bentley Mrs. L - STEM

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In STEM class, the kids and I have an ongoing tradition that all my examples involve Mrs. Droeg, our amazing Technology Teacher. Today, we made her into a snowflake pattern! Thanks for the help, Ms. Fisher's Third Graders! I think we got Mrs. Droeg's hair right on our second attempt! it was fun failing and trying again with you! 

Fun Fortnite Christmas Craft

Yes, our house is in full Fortnite mode right now. It sort of drives me crazy which I can allow or I can embrace it and create some fun DIY Fortnite projects like DIY Fortnite llama snowflakes! I created a printable pattern, os you can easily and create your own Fortnite llama snowflakes.

Star Wars Snowflakes - Anthony Herrera Designs

Various snowflake patterns from a Galaxy Far, Far Away...

Anthony Herrera's website also has Frozen, Guardians of the Galaxy and Harry Potter themed snowflake templates!
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Make Your Home a Winter Wonderland With These Mickey Snowflakes

This holiday season, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow with a flurry of paper snowflakes embellished with hidden Mickeys. For more Mickey magic, try these Mickey Gingerbread Cookies: Time: 20 minutes Snowflake template Lightweight paper (8 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ or larger) Pencil Scissors Thin ribbon, twine, or fishing line Print template(s) you want to use.

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CIF T-Shirt Contest: Why do our designs have to be one color?

11/8/2018

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November 8, 2018
This rotation, we explored the textile manufacturing industry - specifically, the t-shirt making business. We watched snippets of videos showing silk screen t-shirts being made on a small scale and large scale manufacturing. After we watched parts of these videos, we used potatoes to create stamps to explore differences between making simple designs and complex designs. We brainstormed what steps we might use to establish an algorithm to consistently make the same pattern with more than one color.
 

Click the link below to access the slides we used in STEM class.  It includes information on the **CHANDLER INNOVATION FAIR T-Shirt Contest**.

The CIF T-shirt contest was the inspiration for this rotation's activity! One of the requirements for entries is that the design must be one color. We brainstormed why CIF has this rule in place before we created stamps. After exploring the stamp making process, students had clearer ideas as to why the one color rule exists for this contest.

Many students created stamps which did not work as expected. We embraced this as a "discovery" moment and created beautiful art work. Third graders were very creative and created stories with their art work. (See photos above for two examples.)


For students who would like to practice creating and using stamps, potatoes do make an easy medium to practice with. You can also ask an adult to help you choose another medium appropriate to your skill level. Sponges, foam, rubber, clay and wood are also some things you can choose. You can also try stamping with things you already have - like LEGOS and other toys with interesting patterns. Can your friends guess what you used?

To make stamp ink pads, you can use upholstery  foam or dish sponges. Mist each with some water and spread a small amount of tempera paint or other water-based paint. 

Be sure to ask an adult first! Stamps can be fun but messy! 
​

 Mrs. L

Making Shirts

Making Shirts Mrs. Limjoco STEM 18/19

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LEGO Sorter Challenge & Marble Runs

9/4/2018

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On Day 1, we built LEGO sorters using only masking tape! It was a challenge! Some classes did not have sorters that sorted out big LEGOs from small LEGOs, but we considered our time together a success because ALL classes demonstrated excellence in practicing the third and fourth steps in the Engineering Design Process! We planned and created with responsibility, respectfulness and team interactions that should make all families and teachers proud! 

On Day 2, Kindergarten and Sixth grade created marble runs! Kindergarten focused on making a plan. Sixth grade had to redesign the Kindergarten marble runs to include a 90 degree angle and an obtuse angle. Sixth grade focused on identifying problems, creating a plan and using trial and error to test solutions. 

Click through the slide show to see some of Sixth grade's redesign efforts! 
Happy learning,
​Mrs. L

Stem 9.4.18.pptx

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Paper Loop Challenge (CLICK THE TITLE)

8/10/2018

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STEM Lab with Mrs. L

8/10/2018

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Tarwater STEM rotations are off to a great start!

Some things to remember: 
  • All Toros use the STEM Lab
  • Toro's visit the STEM Lab with Mrs. L as part of their rotational schedule. Please check with their teacher(s) for specifics.
  • Mrs. L will be using Class Dojo periodically. Please look for a letter with specifics to go out soon.
  • Volunteers and visitors are always welcomed during Mrs. L's rotational STEM classes!



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