Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year! We are off to a GREAT start!

We have just begun a PBL about the Native Americans. Here is the problem/project we have posed to our students:

Over the next several weeks students will be exploring the ways in which the Native Americans lived and how the Earth around them affected the way they lived. They will be designing a museum for the Chattanooga History Center as they explore.

In my specific academy students will be learning about weathering and erosion. What's the difference? We have explored the different types  (wind, water, chemical, glacier) and looked for examples around our community. Here are some pictures of the fun we have been having!

Inventions

We have been discussing and researching different types of inventions that have been created over the years. We have each chosen an invention that peaked our interest and created a short presentation for it. Here are some of our presentations!

https://www.haikudeck.com/forks--science-and-technology-presentation-B9BnS099Ul
http://www.haikudeck.com/p/9J1qOoeJOM
http://www.haikudeck.com/p/28LEHpJfcm
http://www.haikudeck.com/p/j97TSXvvI8
http://www.haikudeck.com/p/XIErtit8bM
http://www.haikudeck.com/p/2wsdolVTua
http://www.haikudeck.com/p/bGMNVAo5aD
http://www.haikudeck.com/p/yWfapFnLFn

Fresh Start

Welcome 2015! I can think of no better time for a fresh start to this school year than today. For the rest of this school year it is my hope to create a a classroom culture of love, respect, and perseverance. It's my goal for students to meet all of our objectives, love what we are learning, respect each other, and to never give up in anything we do. This semester we are going to try and work harder at keeping a growth mindset. If you have never heard of a growth mindset it means students understand that intelligence can be developed. Students ( and teachers) focus on improvement instead of worrying about how smart they are. I'll admit and be honest- it's hard at times. But when we all obtain and keep this growth mindset, I see nothing but positivity and success flowing from us. Throughout the first few weeks back to school we are going to intentionally work at our growth mindsets. We are going to see our mistakes as ways to start new learning and challenge ourselves when we seem to be grasping ideas. I can't wait to get back and hit our feet running.

Watch the following video for a little growth mindset inspiration!

amous_Failures