Studies show that when students have choice in what and how they learn, they are more invested in their education and therefore, more successful overall.  

In 7th grade, we are working on our independent research projects.  This unit allows students to take  a deep dive into a personal topic that is of keen interest to them.  Some topics include:

• Should horseback riding be considered a high-school sport?
• Is soda healthier than water?
• Is the Boeing 747 better than the Airbus A380?
• Can video games be good for you?
• Are Nike shoes better than Adidas shoes?
• Snow skiing versus water skiing

This wide-array of interests will be researched using reliable internet sources, a professional on the topic, and research PDFs.  Stay tuned on the progress these students make for the rest of the unit!

Our 6th graders have been researching different types of governments and their flags.  Once they identified their country, they recreated the flag of the country.  They also learned about the symbols on the flags as well as the meaning of the colors used on the flag.  This knowledge will help them as they think about what symbols have meaning to them and will be represented on their own created country's flag.  I have seen a lot of stars, stripes, suns and flowers on their personal flags.

Happy Friday the 13th!  In 6th grade, we are at the beginning of our "Create-A-Country" unit.  This week, our 6th graders were introduced to different kinds of government.  Though many wanted to create a dictatorship and become the supreme leader, it was soon realized that most dictators lives did not end well...

A lot of students liked the idea of a monarchy or democracy.  Some students sided with socialism.  Here is a picture of Wyatt who stuck to his guns and decided to create a communist regime despite the poor leader outcomes.

For today's Challenge Friday adventure, students are building the tallest tower using only toothpicks and pool noodle rings.  So far, the record tower is held by 6th-graders, Tae Han and Andrew with a tower measuring 49-inches in height.  This challenge promotes collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking - our 21st Century Learning Standards.  Throw in a little friendly competition and you have a great day in SPECTRA!!!