During the 2007/08 school year, students in grades 3 - 5 will have the opportunity to select and participate in three of the following  eight week modules which will be taught in the Gifted Resource Room.  New course options will be listed for the winter and spring modules.  Students may be given permission to engage in an independent mod which promotes specific goals and  experiences tailored to areas of high interest for the student.

SCIENCE

Aquatic Investigations -- Students will examine aquatic ecology through an investigation of streams and ponds, along with various other hands-on laboratory activities. Participants will study the characteristics of healthy streams, identify key indicator organisms, and conduct research to evaluate different aquatic settings. The students will also use field testing kits and laboratory equipment to collect and analyze water samples for pH, dissolved oxygen, hardness, etc., while obtaining data for use in additional follow-up lab research projects .  Assessment is based upon lab and field accomplishments, the collection, analysis, and evaluation of data, and the respective individual GIEP goals and objectives. Critical thinking skills, field data gathering procedures, research techniques, teamwork, leadership, responsibility, and organizational skills will be emphasized. Field research is conducted on Indian Run and the Stroud Preserve.

Technological World -- Students will assume the role of International Science Consultants, within a physics oriented subject integrated lab, to plan, design, construct, test, and evaluate the effectiveness of their solutions for specific technological oriented problems. Lab participants will conduct experiments, test maglev vehicles, construct model skyscrapers, build water irrigation models, review unique world locations and foreign cultures, and complete a variety of other lab activities as they solve science oriented problems in different parts of the world. A hands-on approach to robotics will be explored using Robolab and LEGO pneumatics systems. Students will design, build, operate and program these components as they create unique robotic machines. Teamwork and strong applications, analysis, and synthesis skills are a necessary part of this class. Assessment includes progress toward individual GIEP goals and objectives, rubric-based discussion performance, and the successful design, construction, testing, and evaluation of the lab projects. Critical thinking skills, planning ahead, a systematic approach to problem solving, understanding cause and effect relationships, designing and testing model solutions, lab organization, and time management will be stressed. Visit projects on the Tech World page.

Why Did I Buy That?- Students will explore the field of advertising. They will investigate marketing strategies and factors which influence ad design.  Students will gain insight into the power of advertising in our lives while construct video commercials for products and participate in projects that promote public speaking skills.  Students also construct advertisements for a catalogue which will be viewed by Penn Wood students who will have a spending account to purchase products of specific interest with play dollars. Ad teams conduct focus groups and research before constructing their ads, hoping to be successful with Penn Wood consumers. Students will demonstrate and strengthen analysis, synthesis, elaboration, creativity, public speaking, and organization skills.  Check out the Shopping Catalog for advertisements students designed for futuristic products.

Rocketry--  Students create corporations which produce rockets for exploration for the United States.  They must work with a budget and learn to manage their assets and a checkbook.  Students explore simple chemical reactions and build their own bottle rocket which will be tested and evaluated.  The testing cycle helps students to think critically regarding design issues. Later, students launch small solid fuel rockets and continue their investigation of variables and factors which influence rocket design.  Large classroom models will be constructed to reflect applied skills.  Critical thinking skills, planning ahead, a systematic approach to problem solving, understanding cause and effect relationships, designing and testing model solutions, lab organization, and time management will be stressed. Check out our launch photo. Rocket Launch

Earth's Treasures-   Students build a working understanding of rocks and minerals through collecting, testing and learning about the impact of these treasures on every day life. Assessment is based upon lab and field accomplishments, the collection, analysis, and evaluation of data, and the respective individual GIEP goals  and objectives. Critical thinking skills, field data gathering procedures, research techniques, teamwork, leadership, responsibility, and organizational skills will be emphasized.

MATH

Math Links -- Students will explore the history of math around the world. Instruction will focus on increasing student awareness of math used in our daily lives. Students will enhance their math skills while participating in challenging individual contests and team competitions. Class lessons involve creating architectural designs, calculator activities, computer programs, visiting popular math websites, examining pentominoes, tangrams, ciphers and secret codes. An introduction to Mancala (an African stone game) and exploring challenging mazes and puzzles that students will learn during class time. Students will work in small groups and independently. Students will be assessed daily by teacher observation, written evaluation, and a class rubric. All students will be required to complete and present a research report on a famous mathematician. Thinking skills, problem solving and mental math ability have a key role in this class. Students will be encouraged to use skills in communication, technology, critical thinking, leadership, creativity and personal development.

Math Above and Beyond -- This class is designed to expose students to the many geometric art forms that incorporate important mathematical concepts. Students will participate in individual and group projects that are lessons in basic geometry. They will examine the branch of mathematics that deals with the measurement and relationships of points, lines, line segments, angles, surfaces and solids. These activities will include math in nature, bubble-ology, polyhedron models, geo-rings, toothpick bridge structures, tessellations, mathematical curiosities, line designs and more. The art of M.C.Escher will be explored through posters, books and computer technology. Hands-on activities will reinforce classroom learning. Students will be encouraged to display skills in creativity, critical thinking, communication, leadership and personal development.

LANGUAGE ARTS

Mythology -- Students will develop a closer and more meaningful understanding of stories and how they connect nature, human behavior, and the past to the present. They will read, interpret, and investigate primarily Greek and Roman myths as they study characters such as gods and goddesses, heroes, and mythical creatures. Students will participate in a variety of activities such as researching, role playing, writing myths, designing masks, creating costumes and props, and participating in a Paideia seminar.  Evaluation criteria will include completing creative writing samples, participating in classroom discussions, and public speaking opportunities. Rubrics and student/teacher evaluations will be completed throughout the class. Students will demonstrate and strengthen analysis, synthesis, elaboration, creativity, communication, and organization skills. Visit the Mythology page for more details.

Roman Times -- Students will connect the past to the present as they go back to the days of the Roman Empire. They will learn about the culture of ancient Rome as they explore the architecture, aqueducts, bath houses, gladiator fights, chariot races, costumes and clothing, gods and goddesses, Mt. Vesuvius, art, and many other areas. The students will research interest areas, plan projects, design costumes, and learn the language in preparation for final presentations. The culminating activities include participation in student presentations. Rubrics, contracts, and student/teacher evaluations will be used to assess student progress. Roman Times addresses critical thinking, leadership, communication, creativity, research.

Knights and Castles-- Students investigate the development of castles around the world.  They learn to make connections between social and political conditions as well as factors which influenced the cultures embedded with castle life in the medieval ages.  The game of chess was developed during this period of time and students have the opportunity to sharpen their skill or to receive an introduction to this game of strategy. Project options are focused on individual student goals. Students create coats of arms, castle models, and skits while researching specific areas of interest. Students will demonstrate and strengthen analysis, synthesis, elaboration, creativity, communication, and organization skills.

INDEPENDENT MODULES

Students are encouraged to pursue a specific area of interest which can be developed into a module that supports their GIEP goals and promotes higher order thinking skills and ownership of the learning process. Independent modules must be developed and approved with Sandy Maxwell,  Gifted Resource Teacher.  Students in grades 3-5 may develop one independent module during the school year. The following are examples of themes students developed during the past year:

Astronomy-- Student created a learning experience which involved a presentation and connection with a university professor.  The student learned how planetarium technology works and assisted in a planetarium show for Penn Wood Elementary School at the West Chester University Planetarium.

Structures and Design-- Students spent time building models which reflected design issues and problem solving. A second project allowed exploration into solar designs and applications for the future.

Interior Design and Fashions-- Student studied the impact color has on interior design.  Sessions focused on analysis of color  and techniques for achieving desired atmosphere, mood, and overall  visual impact on the home environment.

Ornithology--  Student designs elements for inquiry.  Adaptations and survival issues are explored through a variety of experiences. Identification of Pennsylvania birds leads to evaluation of issues impacting habitat.  Our student will monitor and direct the feeding stations at Penn Wood during the winter months.