Writing Letters gets you a Harley!!

6th Grade Language Arts Teacher Janelle Hurkett works with her students writing letters to companies, athletes, athletic teams, authors, celebrities, etc.  With each letter sent, the student eagerly awaits a response.  Sometimes they get a letter, better yet a letter and some Swag, but after Brody wrote his letter to Hawkeye Harley Davidson in Coralville, Iowa, Cord Slaymaker a Sales Associate came to Excelsior to surprise him and Mrs. Hurkett's 3rd Mod Class.  Mr. Slaymaker shared his experience at Hawkeye, some background about himself, and his love for Harley Davidson.  The class then went outside to check out the bikes and hear the power of Harley Davidson.  As a special surprise, Brody's parents were also here with a heritage Harley that was once his Grandfather's and will eventually be passed down to Brody.
What a great way to get a response from his letter!!!  Keep writing, who knows who or what will show up next?

 

Let's Review for a Test With Quizlet Live!!!

Next week is the test in Mr. Gasper's 7B Science Classes at Excelsior.  Today, Mr. Gasper reviewed with the students using Quizlet Live.  Students brought their own devices, used iPads, or computers in the classroom to play.  Mr. Gasper created questions on Quizlet which then were used for the review.  Once each student logged in using the game code, they went LIVE!  Quizlet made groupings for the students and once everyone was settled the game began.  Each student in the group had 4 possible answers to the questions being asked with each device having a different set.  Once the question appeared, the group of students had to work together to see which device had the correct answer.  Select the correct one and gain a point for your group, choose wrong and your group goes back to zero.  First group to answer all the questions correctly wins.  Tons of engagement, multiple rounds of Quizlet Live and a lot of collaboration.  Bring on the Test!!!

Using iCivics with Mrs. Bucklin's class!

Check out this new book we got from our book fair!!

Can't wait to try some of these ideas!

The FBI Comes to Oak Ridge!

On Tuesday, October 18th the students in Mrs. Gapstur's computer classes had the opportunity to meet and hear from two special agents from the FBI.
 
The students completed a unit about internet safety using the FBI's Safe Online Surfing website. At the end of the unit, the students completed a quiz and competed with other students from around the country for the top score for September. Mrs. Gapstur's classes ended up with the fifth highest score for our school size!

Mrs. Gapstur and Mrs. Redington were so impressed with the students' hard work and dedication that they worked with our volunteer coordinator for the district to arrange a visit from the FBI.

The agents spoke to the students about the importance of staying safe online and they answered questions about what it is like to be an FBI agent.

FYI- Event at CR Barnes and Noble

Special Event 
Saturday November 05, 2016 11:00 AM 
(Other) 
Event Description 
Experience the latest in virtual reality, augmented reality, 3D printing, pen-invent technology, robotics, coding and programming with demonstrations from Bloxels, sphero SPRK, Air Hogs Connect, VEX Robotics, XYZprinting and more. Session will last 1 hour.

From 3D to Barely Moving....A Lot Happening in Industrial Tech.

It is hard not to notice the 3 large machines in the back of Mr. Ortiz's and Mr. Stamp's rooms, but what are they?  Turns out, they are brand new 3D printers!  What was once a concept designed by 7th grade students, is now reality as they design and print their objects.  The 3D printers are allowing students to see how their design on the computer translates into real life application.

It is easy to get lost watching the printers create, but that isn't all that is happening.  Eighth Grade students are creating motorized vehicles to accomplish different challenges.  Fastest, Slowest, Best Climber, are just some of the obstacles that each build team will face.  Now with the 3D printers, you can add vehicle parts design to the other many things students are accomplishing in Industrial Tech.

Sphero

Students have loved coming to the library to play with robots.  This month, we checked one out from GWAEA and students have been able to try out some basic coding skills!

Easy there.........Mimio Bars NOT Just for Math!

Mimio Teach Interactive Whiteboards aren't just being used in Math classes at Excelsior.  Take a look at Mrs. Henricksen's 6th Grade Language Arts Class using the Mimio Bar to identify and correct address labels for the letters they are writing to companies.  What a great way to practice for everyone in the class.