For summer 2023 this years GATE students will have the opportunity to connect while engaging in activities that will keep their learning going throughout the summer. These challenges are optional. However, for those that participate in all challenges they will receive something for their efforts in the fall.
Students will be given a schedule to take home to help keep them on track but they do not have to follow it exactly. Do what works for you and your family. A checkoff schedule is the best way to keep students engaged in learning throughout the summer. If the calendar provide does not work for your timeline I suggest making your own then picking a designated time every day/week to accomplish the tasks. If a student is engaged and wants to keep learning even though the schedule says to wait till the next day do not hold them back let them keep going. They always have the option to participate in more than one activity.
These activities do require the assistance of an adult. For the reading challenge they will need help getting a library card and signing up for the challenge on the Clinton-Macomb Public Library website under Summer Reading (at the bottom of the page). The contest runs from June 16-August 18, 2023. If you are a member of another library I encourage you to see if they have a summer reading challenge for kids. If they do, you are welcome to sign up for that one and it also counts as credit.
Lastly, the STEM Challenge calls for materials and a safe place to conduct the experiment so they will need your help in getting started and their thinking is always challenged when they have someone to run ideas with while designing.
Students will receive credit by posting their thoughts or final projects to our class padlet pages. You will find each of them linked below in the directions. Upon coming back to school take a picture of their reading challenge and print or email it to Mrs. Nill for credit towards participation.
As always if you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to reach out this summer. We look forward to seeing their learning continue and regathering in the fall. Have a great summer!
Now is your time to connect with your GATE classmates this summer. Write what you are working on or doing. Then read what others are doing and comment on their post.
Mrs. Nill will also keep track of what you are doing on this padlet by adding comments when she sees you have completed one of the below.
Reading Challenge
(Optional) Get out your library card or sign up for one through the Clinton Macomb Public Library. Visit the following website and scroll to the bottom and choose Summer Reading to sign up for this challenge. Option to find your local library's reading challenges and sign up for one of them if you do not live in Macomb.
Once you have selected your challenge log onto our class padlet https://padlet.com/StPeterGATE/summer-reading-qdl2ypsqnqvuzje5and share it with your classmates. Every time you complete a book you will add it to the class page. This way others can see what you are reading and maybe choose to read it as well.
(Required) One-Pager Project (Novel from Mrs. Nill)
You will create a one-page visual of the novel you choose from Mrs. Nill on an 8 1/2 x 11 (does not have to be exact but close) piece of paper. Your page will be a visual representation of key elements and significant details related to the literary elements listed on the pdf given to you (and include at the bottom of this page).
Interest Challenge - Field Trip 2023 - Persuasive Writing Contest
This is your summer to research and persuade the class on the best place for our GATE class 4th-6th grade to go for the 2023-2024 school year.
Add a post to this page with your name and where you think we should go on our class field trip for the 2023-2024 school year.
Remember to use your reasoning model to include: -goal/ purpose -points of view -research/data points
The hamburger model and your persuasive writing checklist will also help make your writing better.
Your classmates, teachers, and school administrators will vote on the most persuasive paper!
STEM Challenge
The following activities/projects build on Math and Science learned this year.
This year you must do the Paper Roller Coaster challenge for credit, but you are welcome to do as many as you like. While you complete the activity, take notes, pictures, or video to upload to the class page https://padlet.com/StPeterGATE/ajxw5gykh77zpccy to share it with others.
Marble Run (Engineering)! Use paper plates, cardboard tube (TP or paper towel), and masking tape to construct a marble roller coaster.
Paper Airplane Challenge (Measurement & Design)! Design a paper airplane that can hold the most cargo (coins taped to the plane). Your challenge is to build a plane that can travel at least 5 feet with at least 4 pennies.
Geodesic Dome Challenge! (Geometry) Create a geodesic dome using straws and pipe cleaners. Click on the video to learn what a geodesic dome is along with possible designs.
Paper cup challenge (Geometry)! Research designs to create a cup using ONE sheet of blank paper. Your challenge is to create a cup that can hold water for 30 seconds.