Merry Christmas!

On behalf of the staff at the GERD team leaders Linda Lenzi and Patty Ferrell, we would like to extend our warmest wishes for a very Merry Christmas and joyous New Year!

FYI: New & Updated VLA Courses

Consider these when thinking of enrichment for your gifted students:

Updated courses:

* ENG/LA II

* Physical Science

* Integrated Physical Science

* Social Studies Kindergarten

* Social Studies 110

New courses:

* Physics (Full year)

* Games through the Ages

* Study Skills

* Digital Skills

* Game Design Studio

* Modern Storytelling

* AP Physics

* Integrated Eng/LA I

* Integrated Eng/LA II

* Integrated Eng/LA III
* Integrated Eng/LA IV

Coming Soon:

* Social Studies 120 (Updated)

* U.S. History (Updated)

* Game Production & Marketing (New)

* AP World History (New)

PBL Project - Weekly Warm Up

Educators,


     Hello from the PBL Project, and I'm excited to present another Problem-Based "Weekly Warm-up"!  Actually, there are two this week because there were two events last week that I couldn't pass up.  As always, these are completely free (I hope it's a great way to share our PBL Project), and are created each week based on current events.


     The first event is the official announcement by Apple that they are going to soon be releasing their "Smart Watch" (like a Smart Phone, but on your wrist where it can do a lot more... like monitor your heartbeat).  I actually had a great Problem-Based "Weekly Warm-up" in the archives that works great for this event, so I wanted to share that.  Students will become tech investors and decide on the "next big thing" in the world of wearable technology (smart watches, glasses, jewelry, and even clothes).  Here's the link to that exercise:  http://pblproject.com/page.aspx?pageid=PBL-ww-Wearables


     The next exercise is one I promised a week ago because it has to do with the start of the NFL season.  I went a unique direction with this one.  This year, the NFL will be playing several football games in London as part of its longterm effort to help American football catch-on with the rest of the world.  Your students will become advisors to the NFL commissioner and consider all of the issues involved.  Is this a realistic goal, and what strategy should be used to help American football become a worldwide sport?  Here's the link:  http://pblproject.com/page.aspx?pageid=PBL-ww-Football


     As always, the Teacher Instructions, Classroom Discussion sheet, "Stimulus Items" (videos, articles, etc.), note-taking sheets, and grading rubric have been provided.


     Again, these exercises are used to promote PBL strategies, and will pay off when students are asked to put all of their knowledge to good use.  I hope you enjoy!  Please let me know if you have any questions or comments, or if there's anything else I can do.


Thanks,


Ben Bache

The PBL Project, manager

2435 E. North St., #245

Greenville, SC 29615-1442


(864) 877-5123

www.pblproject.com

50 top ed-tech products, straight from educators

SN’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards highlights readers’ favorite ed-tech products and solutions
This past spring, we asked readers to give us their top picks for school hardware, software, websites, and services—and more than 1,300 readers responded online.
In nominating their favorite products, we asked readers to tell us how they’re using these products to improve teaching, learning, or school administration—and to what effect. We then those the 50 best responses, which appear alphabetically by product name.
The results is a list of ed-tech products and services that have proven to be effective, as noted by your colleagues in K-12 schools and districts nationwide.

Check out this link for an article from eSN Staff of eSchool News written on August 1, 2014:

50 top ed-tech products, straight from educators

12 Summer Ideas for Children

1. Plan a Picnic
   You don't have to travel far to have a picnic. In fact, you don't have to travel any farther than your own backyard. The fun isn't only in the picnic alone, but in the planning of it. It is a perfect way to create some cheap summer fun.
2. Plant a Garden
   Gardens offer kids a perfect opportunity for learning about plant life. If you start early enough in the season, you can start the garden from seeds. That is the ideal way to start a garden since the kids can watch the garden grow from the very beginning sprouts. However you start too late in the season to plant seeds, you can buy a few seedlings from just about anywhere, including many grocery stores. The kids can still watch the plants grow. Have them keep a chart of the growth every day or two. They can even draw pictures of the plants as they grow. And be sure that your child waters the plants and gets rid of the weeds. 
3. Visit the Library for Summer Fun
   Libraries are wonderful sources of free fun for gifted kids. For one thing, libraries often have free programs for children. But it's not just the programs that make libraries fun for gifted kids. It's the books the libraries hold that gifted kids will also find fun and exciting. 
4. Plan Some Family Fun Nights
   Families don't need to go on vacations or spend lots of money to enjoy some time together. All they need to do is plan some fun activities to share. Among the possibilities are watching movies or playing games together. Family nights can provide summer fun anytime, but especially on those rainy days when the kids can't play outdoors.
5. Camp in the Backyard
   You don't need to travel any farther than your own backyard to plan a camping trip. Part of the fun is in the planning, so take your time to find the right spot to pitch a tent and decide on activities the whole  family can enjoy. 
6. Create a Backyard Waterpark
   A waterpark in the backyard? Absolutely! If you already have a playset, all you have to do is get a hose (or two) and prop them up to spray water on it. If you don't, this might be the time to get one. You may have to spend money on one, but it will still be cheaper than what you'd pay for a family vacation. If you don't want to go with a playset, get a small backyard pool. Again, all you have to do is set up some hoses to spray either over the pool or around it. You're limited only by your imagination!
7. Plan a Scavenger Hunt
   You can encourage your children to explore nature with a nature scavenger hunt which could include items as simple as different shaped stones and leaves. Or you can hide objects of your own around the yard and give your children clues that will help them find them!
8. Make Music
   You can create music with just about anything that makes a sound. You can buy cheap kazoos or make your own by covering a comb with waxpaper (a clean comb!) Pots can serve as drums and lids can be cymbals. Empty jugs can be used, too, to make "music." It's easy to kids to get carried away with just making noise, so be sure to make this activity a musical one. Help your kids learn about music, while having fun.
9. Have a Yard Sale
   This activity can have several goals. You can get your house cleaned of clutter, give your kids something to do, and make a little money! You can also take the opportunity to teach your children a little about economics!
10. Make a Map of the Neighborhood
    This activity can provide a little exercise, too, since children have to walk around the neighborhood to make notes of what they see and determine what belongs where on a map. You should set boundaries so your children don't go farther than you want them to go. For areas farther from your house than you would like your children to go and for children who are too young to walk around the neighborhood on their own, you can go with them and get a little exercise yourself!
11. Conduct Simple Experiments
    Most of us don't have a handy list of easy experiments to draw from, but libraries have plenty of books with experiments for children. Plan a trip to the library (another great activity) and find a book or two with experiments.
12. Put on a Play
    This activity can be as simple or as complex as your children would like it to be. The simplest way to put on a play is to act out a familiar story (like Little Red Riding Hood), using whatever you can find around the house for costumes. The more complex methods of play production would start with the children making up their own story, writing a script, planning the costumes (that mom and others might help make), rehearsing, creating a flyer, and making tickets.  

From website giftedkids.about.com 

Special Days and Observances in June for gifted kids

The month of June has some really fun and interesting days to celebrate. The days listed here are those that should be of special interest to gifted children and their families. The month has also been set aside to focus on some special interests. You can find information and activities for the month as well as the special days in it. (See holidays and observances for each month.)

Language Arts Needs of Gifted Learners

Byrdseed Website has an article about Language Arts needs of gifted learners.  It's from an article on Hoagies Gifted, Dr. David Levande compiled a list of general guidelines for working with gifted learners in language arts.

Click on the link to read:
Byrdseed

Good Math Resource!

Have you seen this website:

www.mathapalooza.com

...and tried any of the fun math assignments offered there with your students? There is quite a bit of reading-based, extended math problems. They work perfectly as homework, extra credit, remediation, or for testing practice. It's recommended for elementary and middle school.

Give it a try!! The website looks great and very helpful!

Differentiation

Share this with your district!

Grades K-8 Online Summer Enrichment

Don’t let your child fall behind throughout the summer months! Studies suggest, “Most students lose about two months of grade level equivalency in mathematical computation and reading skills over the summer months.” PROGRAM DETAILS: • E-KIDS Program is open to all students entering grades K-8 • Individual student username and password will be issued to access enrichment lessons • Lessons included within the E-KIDS program: Math, English/Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, Spanish and a concluding Summer Enrichment Project • Each student will be assigned a certified, highly qualified teacher to monitor coursework and answer questions • At the conclusion of the E-KIDS program, each student will receive a “Certificate of Completion” • 24/7 access: anytime, anywhere there is Internet available • Students will have access to the E-KIDS lessons from: May 15, 2014 – August 15, 2014 • Student Enrollment Fee: $125 per student • Sibling Discount (-$25): $100 per student

Click here for a printable information flyer.

Click here for a printable registration form.

Grades 9-12 Game Design Bootcamp

PROGRAM DETAILS: 5 six-hour days of hands-on activity 15 minute break—1 snack and beverage provided per day 30 minute lunch break—Bring lunches M-Th Pizza lunch provided by JCESC on Friday Game Design Bootcamp T-shirt provided to all participants Participants take home game from week’s work Certificate provided to all participants upon completion

Click here for a printable flyer.

Click here for a printable enrollment form.

Carolyn Coil - Her Thoughts on Gifted Students

A blog on CNNs School of Thoughts had an interesting blog article written by Carolyn Coil entitled, "My View: Ten Myths about Gifted Students and Programs for Gifted.

To view this article, click here.

We Remember James J. Gallagher

See the following website for a complete article and obituary for James J. Gallagher.

http://www.nagc.org/gallagher.aspx

Wolfram Alpha

Have you ever used Wolfram Alpha? Shown it to your students? Tammy's Tech Tips showed an example of what it can do. See below:

 WolframAlpha is considered a computational knowledge engine. Instead of giving you websites, it gives you facts and answers!

Try it for yourself:
Go to: http://www.wolframalpha.com/
Enter something like: 2x + 15 = 45
And the results will show:

Where was this when I was taking Algebra?
. . . . . . . . . .
If I enter something like: Bogue, Kansas
The results will show:


Note – When I scroll down, I also see a local map, the current time, the current weather, the economic properties, the geographic properties, nearby cities, and the county.

Other searches to try:

• Enter Kansas and Texas and it will build a table to compare the two states.
• Enter your birthdate to find out: what day of the week you were born; how old you are in years, weeks, and days; and famous people who share your birthday.
• Enter a food (apple, donut, Big Mac) to see the number of calories and the nutritional value.
• Enter your height and weight to see your body mass index, fat mass, lean body mass, and ideal body weight.
• Enter any number to see it written as a roman numeral and in binary form (along with lots of other info).
• Enter a person’s name for all sorts of facts.
• Click the “Examples” link on the home page for tons more search options!

10 Practically Fun Math Games and Activities for Your Preteen

Math is the universal language and affects almost every facet of life. Reinforcing your preteen's
math skills with practical exercises and activities enhances proficiency and boosts self-esteem in
a fun and engaging manner.

From fractions to decimals to geometry and measurements, simple games and activities can
incorporate every basic math skill, building a solid platform for life.

Below is a list of 10 games and activities that either inherently use mathematics or can easily be
adapted to stress math applications, sometimes without your child knowing they're learning!
Primarily indoor math activities include:

1. Math folding: Origami
Because it is an exacting activity that entails precise shapes and proportions, origami is a prime
activity that enhances geometry. Triangles, squares, rectangles and more are inherent in the
activity; origami would simply be a crumpled wad of paper without geometry.

2. Math for fashion: Sewing
The primary math application involved in sewing is measuring. Checking length and size of the
material is imperative in this activity. Additional benefits involved in sewing include patience,
small motor coordination, and attention to detail.

3. Building math: Fort Building
Geometry leads the math skills enhanced by fort building for many of the same reasons as
sewing. Measuring length, shape and angle of the wood and other material is absolutely required
as well and involves both whole numbers and fractions. Additional skills include hand-eye
coordination and large motor coordination.

4. Crafty math: BeadingThis arts and crafts activity entails making jewelry, decorating clothing
and accessories as well as creating artwork. Recognizing and creating geometric and other
patterns, counting and measuring lengths are the basic math skills reinforced. Small motor skills
are also reinforced in this popular pastime that can appeal to both boys and girls.

5. Puzzling math: Tangrams
A Chinese puzzle gaining in popularity, tangrams incorporate geometry as its math-oriented
skill. The pieces form a square that involves five triangles, a square and a rhomboid. The pieces
can be rearranged or combined to create a wide variety of other shapes, limited only by a child's
imagination and pieces availability. Allpuzzles in general incorporate both geometry and basic
counting skills.

6. Competitive math: Board Games
Every board game requires at least a rudimentary ability to count, add or subtract. If it's a
purchase game, use of play money enhances counting and possibly multiplication and division in
addition to addition and subtraction.

7. Sharp card math: Card Games
Counting, addition, subtraction and geometry are the top math-related skills utilized and
reinforced in any card game a child likes. Having the right number of cards to recognizing card
suits and card hierarchy use several math skills that children need.

8. Tasty math: Baking
Volume measurement, weights and counting are the primary math skills involved in baking.
Knowing the difference between a liquid ounce and a weight ounce, for instance, is a
supplementary math skill that also plays an important part in baking and cooking in general.
Outdoor math games and activities include:

9. Jumping math: Hopscotch
This game enhances and reinforces a child's geometric acuity. The game sketch includes
squares, triangles and circles or arcs. Proportions and distance judgment are equally utilized as
well. A tremendous non-math benefit of this game is that it's terrific exercise.

10. Hit the goal math: Football
Football utilizes the math skills of distance and length measurements and counting. From
determining yardage and number of players on the field, football cannot be played without using
math. Shapes, sizes, amounts, sequences, and spaces, mathematics is a crucial field to know. Too
few children enjoy learning and especially learning math. Whenever parents can maximize
exposure to and utilization of a child's math skills, the child benefits, and the child's world
expands. Use these and additional games and activities to enhance your child's math skills
whenever possible.

U Class offers an activity

Share the legacies of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela in your classroom

Today we proudly announce our annual “I Have a Dream” lesson in tribute to social equality and civil activism for the MLK Day holiday. This year, we are asking students to create videos, PowerPoints, and essays about their dreams for a better country and a better world. We want to hear how your students are inspired by leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela to change the world for the better. So, open the lesson and get going with your students today! All entries are due by February 7.   To participate, just: Log in to UClass Click into the lesson, here Click "Assign" Yeah, it's really that easy  :) Happy uniting, The UClass Team This activity is not affiliated with the Virtual Learning Academy.

Kids Time in School In the Past

“So in February 1778, the new commissioner [John Adams] and his son [11-year-old John Quincy Adams] boarded the frigate Boston and headed into a stormy ocean. Despite a harrowing crossing, they arrived safely in Bordeaux on April 1. Seven days later they reached Paris, where Benjamin Franklin, already in residence, invited them to stay at his home in Passy, a suburb near the Bois de Boulogne. Johnny entered a private boarding school at Passy run by Monsieur Le Coeur, where he studied French, Latin, and mathematics, along with fencing, dancing, and drawing. Several other American boys attended the school, including William Templeton Franklin and Benjamin Franklin Bache, the grandsons of Benjamin Franklin. Classes began at 6 in the morning and continued for two hours, after which they were given a sixty-minute respite for breakfast and play. Then there were classes from 9 to noon, 2 to 4:30P.M., and 5 to 7:30. In between times the students were allowed recreation and meals. They retired at 9P.M.”   

Robert V. Remini, John Quincy Adams

New York: Times Books, 2002, p. 6

[ten hours of class a day.. WOW!]