Order in the Court!

We created some similes as our spontaneous problem.  Students made comparisons of themselves when managing and not managing their impulsivity.  They came up with some cute ones!

• When I manage my impulsivity I am like an ice burg because I am cool and quiet.
• When I don't manage my impulsivity I am like a volcano shouting out words.
• When I manage my impulsivity I am like an eagle hunting its prey.
• When I don't manage my impulsivity I am like a lion in a zebra herd.

Student pairs researched and created presentations on selected aspects of trials.  They then presented their findings to the class to give us a well rounded look at what happens in the courtroom. They were also able to compete as the plaintiff vs. the defendant in a mock case at this website.
Student Presentations:
Prosecutor
Defendant
Court Helpers
Witness
Jury
Judge

Courtroom helpers presentation

The plaintiff's team making opening statements.

Math Bingo

Today students focused on math as they had some choice activities to review median, mode and range.  Following some good work and discussion they took a wrap up assessment to show off their learning.

Here are just a few of their awesome products!

Hailey's Range How To

Mean Mary Ann :)

Here are some online games for further practice:
http://www.kidsmathgamesonline.com/numbers/meanmedianmode.html

http://pbskids.org/cyberchase/math-games/send-trolls/

http://www.turtlediary.com/game/mean-median-mode-range.html

We also got to take a virtual tour of a courthouse at this site: virtual field trip.

The Case of the Teachernapping

I had a bit of a scare today as I was whisked off unexpectedly.  My twin sister, Mrs. Donaldson, took over for me and helped the students put their CSI knowledge, Habits of Mind, and math data skills into action to find me.  They processed the crime scene for evidence, used deductive reasoning, interviewed a witness, and found my location based on the median of the information I was able to provide.  It turns out that I was taken to a surprise party where our class was named ALERT class of 2015!  I am so proud.  I was able to make it back in time to celebrate with students.  I am looking forward to our awesomeness continuing in 2016.

Teachernapping Video 1

Teachernapping Video 2

Teachnapping Video 3

Teachernapping Video 4

We also managed to squeeze in some research on trials.  We have looked at crime scenes, forensics labs, and now will follow the evidence to court.  Students used Nearpod to read an article covering the basics of a trial and watched a BrainPop video sharing the difference between criminal and civil cases.  Next week we will take a virtual field trip through a courthouse and look closer at the parts of the courtroom system to prepare for our real field study there later in the semester.

Forensics Lab

This week we transformed our classroom into a forensics lab to test some evidence fresh in from the crime scene.  Our analysts learned about chromatography and matched ink band samples from different pens to find the culprit who wrote the ransom note in The Case of the Dognapping.  They also compared physical properties of three different mystery powders confiscated from suspects in The Case of the Crummy Cake.  Students then looked at the chemical properties of the substances as they tested their reactions to water and vinegar.

For math, we worked on more median, mode, and range as they sorted data from our heart rate project.  We also used this video to jog our memories after the break: Mean, Median, and Mode Toads.

We also learned how to play Mastermind and had great conversations about code breaking strategy!