Think Tank

Kindies will finish working on compromise and collaboration in Centers and will then move on to learning basic coding on an app called Scratch Jr. A Gingerbread Man theme will make it extra fun!!

First graders will finish working in Centers and will move on to learning about the tradition of the Rockefeller Tree in New York City. They will use 30 Legos to create a tree and then use those same 30 Legos to create a house. They will finish the week using the Engineering Design Process to design and build an obstacle course for a reindeer!

Second graders will finish their study of electricity and will move on to using the Engineering Design Process to design and create a sled for 10 "animals" to go down a hill on. They will only use the materials given to their teams in their "kits" and will plan and design accordingly. Perseverance, constraints, and improving on a plan will be stressed. Working as a team will also be important!

Third graders will finish using our VEX GO kits to build a magnet car and will make their car move down a track using only magnetism! Students will then review the basics of using a Dash Bot and end the week learning how to Block Code their robot. With a parter, they'll pick a festive challenge card and block code their Bot to achieve their challenge. Examples of festive Challenges-Gingerbread Maze, Dance Party, Snow Plow, Holiday parade, etc. I can't wait to see what they create!!

Fourth graders will finish discussing information transfer and will complete a pixelated picture using 0's and 1's. We'll then talk about the basic principles of waves and how energy can travels through waves! High frequency and low frequency will also be discussed.

Students will then move on to planning and creating a sleigh using the Engineering Design Process. They will be working in teams and will have the challenge of designing their sleigh to make it down a zip line without losing any of its cargo in the back!!

Fifth graders will finish learning the basics of AI and how to use it responsibly. We'll discuss what to look for in photographs to know whether they might be real or AI and discuss the pros and cons of using AI. On November 16, students will begin their first round of electives!! The first Think Tank elective is sewing!

Do you work in the Science/STEM field and would be interested/willing to host a booth at our Fair? If so, we would love to have you share your expertise of your career with our students!!

If you're interested in hosting a booth and/or have any questions, please contact Mrs. Julie Sigmund (Think Tank teacher) at jsigmund@dcsdk12.org. Our Fair will take place on Thursday, February 4, 2027.

If you're like me, you're already starting to think about holiday gift giving. Here are some ideas for you if you have someone on your list that is "STEM-Y" and you would like to encourage creative play without a device!

https://share.google/bCNdLXmmlbq7cTpoN

https://share.google/MI73AKoI751zIenlc

https://share.google/12LaeOetFGmONTs7k

https://share.google/OPIY7DMMgXsLYOFTq

https://share.google/dJ01NGABJjs6PpOTo

https://share.google/NRqwv0YoqB5G5q0ff

https://a.co/d/0hzWZRCM

https://a.co/d/0deGYIyQ

I want to thank our PTO and all who support the many wonderful activities/fundraisers they sponsor!!! Because of that support, the Think Tank classroom was able to submit a Grant for materials that will make learning in think Tank so fun and exciting while learning the Engineering Design Process!! Also included in that Grant was the purchase of more expensive batteries for our VEX IQ Robotics Kits. Without those batteries, we wouldn't be able to use those kits!!!

If you would like to support the Think Tank through donations, the following items are always graciously accepted!!

• pom poms
• Dixie cups
• popsicle sticks
• green pipe cleaners
• colored duct tape

Thank you in advance for any items you may be able to donate!!