Paragon Science Academy...
Posted by admin in Tucson Schools on September 26, 2011 | No Comments
Paragon Science Academy Introductory Video (2011)
Paragon Science Academy Introductory Video (2011)
In this segment, Sonoran Science Academy sophomore and science fair award winner Stan Palasek shares his research on how cells metabolize sugar.
To coincide with the Southern Arizona Regional Science and Engineering Fair, AZPM has presented a series of profiles that highlight original research students conduct every day. In this segment, high schooler and already accomplished conservationist Augustus Woodrow-Tomizuka discusses his research on flatworms.
The SPARK (School Program for Actualizing Responsible Kids) classrooms at Aguilar Elementary School have developed an organic, self-sustaining garden. In conjunction with the Brain-Based Learning theory, the SPARK classrooms have used the garden to demonstrate to the students the integrated connection of people and their environment. This project offers students an opportunity to expend energy in a positive manner while gaining a sense of pride, ownership, and accomplishment. The garden began as both a positive reinforcement for acceptable behavior and as an outdoor stress relieving activity. It then became apparent that the garden was an integrated academic learning opportunity. The garden is now an integral part of the curriculum.
The Citizenship in Action Program gives unique employment opportunities to fifth graders who apply for, interview, and work in various jobs around the school. Students become aware of their professional career interests and apply their knowledge of appropriate life skills, such as responsibility and pride. Citizenship in Action helps students to be able to earn an income and learn money management through personal banking. The comprehensive learning program showed immediate results in student achievement and behavior referrals. Study habits and homework scores increased.
WEBSITE: www.teachertube.com An interview with Mrs. Platts
WEBSITE: www.teachertube.com Carol Harper and Pat Burdette of Bustoz Elementary School with Stretching Harcourt The Art of Literacy for Third Grade Extensions that Engage Students Stretching Harcourt is a group of activities that extend each story in the Harcourt reading series. These activities took the stories read in class a step further and gave thirdgraders necessary resources to connect what they read to other areas of study such as science math and social studies. The use of worksheets charts and graphs allowed the students to see how areas of study can parallel each other.
A different type of afterschool club, the Fitness Club incorporated aspects of math and physical education to create an innovative curriculum for fourth graders. As the children performed various physical activities, their math and reading skills were put to the test through measuring the basketball court and estimating and weighing their partner. They used their map reading skills to complete a fitness "Scavenger Hunt." The students then participated in several sessions about health and nutrition.
WEBSITE: www.teachertube.com Anna McWhirter of Evans Elementary School with Finding the Main Idea with Mac and PC This project uses sources of popular entertainment such as songs movies commercials and web pages to teach fifthgraders how to find the main idea within a text. As a result of the project many students improved their standardized test scores and their confidence. Prior to the project many students had difficulty restating information from what they heard viewed or read.
Third, fourth and fifth graders donned West African story hats as they began their year-long adventure in lessons of cultural diversity, universal morality, mathematical activities and folk art. The students studied the art of storytelling and its oral tradition. Students created "story hats" that represented a West African tradition and even learned five regional stories from around the world. Special emphasis was comparing and contrasting how different cultures express universal morals. Students learned several mathematical games from different cultures. Studying folk art, students gained awareness of art techniques from all over the world.