Spring ELP Walk-In Conferences

Math Challenge Group

The Math Challenge Group did competition problems related to the Pythagorean theorem and areas of similar shapes today.  The homework assignment is to write an explanation for the solution of the Pepperoni Pizza Problem (AMC8 #10) and to do at least one other problem on the handout.  Quantities should be labeled on the explanation.  For example, the explanation might include "The radius of the pizza is 6"."  Homework should be turned in to Mrs. Smith or Mrs. Craig by next Friday.

The Purple Comet Math Competition is coming up at the beginning of April.  Students interested in being on a competition team should contact me within the next week or two.

Mrs. Dixon

Math Challenge Group meets tomorrow (Friday, 2/25)

The Math Challenge Group will meet during math classes tomorrow to continue working on selected problems from this year's AMC 8 and Continental Math League competitions.  This is a continuation of the January 24 Math Challenge Group activity.  Most of the selected problems relate to the recently completed Connected Math unit, "Stretching and Shrinking".  The group will also learn the Pythagorean theorem, which is needed to solve many of the problems. 

Calling all Students! America's Top Student Scientist Could Be You!

    Discovery Education and 3M are looking for America's next top student scientist. The 2011 Challenge, for students in grades 5-8, and asks students to create a short video about a scientific problem in the community and to suggest possible solutions. More information about the video contest is available at the 3M Young Scientst Challenge website .

WordMasters Valentines

Students created Valentine greetings using WordMaster words as one of the activities to encourage using challenging vocabulary in sentences.

Science Fair Update!

Science Fair deadlines:  Research plans and all paperwork must be turned in to Mrs. Dixon by homeroom on Monday, February 14.  The Science Fair takes place on Friday, April 1, and Saturday, April 2.  Researchers should complete data collection by March 21, data analysis by March 25, and have a poster prepared by March 28.  Earlier is better. 

Video Contest!

ACLU of Iowa Announcing $500 Mannheimer Prize
for Student Video Highlighting Civil Liberties
The American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa is sponsoring a video contest
for students in the 7th through12th grades and awarding the winner a $500
prize.
The video must be about a civil liberty the student particularly prizes,
such as freedom of speech and expression, racial justice, student rights,
immigrant rights, the right to privacy, and fair treatment regardless of
gender, religion, or sexual orientation. The video should be between 3 to 10
minutes. The deadline is Monday, April 4, 2011.
The Mannheimer Award was established by the family of the late
Robert Mannheimer, a Des Moines attorney who supported the ACLU of
Iowa for more than 50 years as a cooperating attorney, board member, and
donor.
For details or questions, and to see past winners, visit the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa web site athttp://aclu-ia.org or contact veronica.fowler@aclu-ia.org.

AMC-10

The AMC 10 will be offered on Wednesday, February 23 at 8 AM (before school) in the Ames Middle School 7-8 ELP room.  All students who scored 15 and above on the AMC- 8 are invited to take this contest.  Please contact Mrs. Dixon if transportation to school at 8 AM  is a problem. 

Iowa Governor's Summer Institute- Leadership

Iowa Govenor's Summer Institute (IGI)

Grades 7-8, June 19-24

"LEADERSHIP FOR STUDENTS WHO WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE."

The Iowa Governor’s Institute for the Gifted and Talented (IGI) is a one-week residential program at The University of Iowa for 36 of Iowa’s students who are currently in grades 7 and 8. The Institute provides exceptionally talented students with an intensive and advanced educational experience designed to enhance their intellectual and social growth as leaders. Each student selected will receive a $300 Governor’s Scholarship to cover a portion of the cost of the Institute.

The Governor's Institute is offering the course, "LEADERSHIP FOR STUDENTS WHO WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE."
The issue of leadership takes on many forms and starts affecting our lives at a young age. This course will allow young people to learn how to lead themselves and then how to lead others. We will examine a variety of leadership styles and skills and will work to take knowledge from "theory" to "practice." The Institute will be made up of four sections with 18 students in each. All students are expected to remain with the program for the entire week as a condition of their acceptance to the Institute. If a student will not be available for the duration of the program, he or she should not nominate him/herself. Neither grades nor academic credit will be given for participation in the Iowa Governor's Institute. However, participants will be expected to show a high level of motivation and achievement. A certificate for successful completion of the Institute will be awarded at the Closing Ceremony.

Eligibility:

All students enrolled in Iowa's public or approved private schools who are currently in grades 7 or 8 are eligible for participation. Because this is a self-nomination program, all qualified students should apply. Paper forms are available through the Belin-Blank Center. Students do not have to be identified by, or enrolled in a talented and gifted program to nominate themselves.

Selection Process

Completed nominations will be reviewed by a selection committee composed of faculty and staff from The University of Iowa, educators from the area, and community leaders. The selection committee will evaluate applications based on the following criteria, ranked in priority order:

• Content of student essay

• Letters of recommendation

• Evidence of commitment and motivation

• Programs or activities involved in at school and in the community

• Maturity to live in a residential setting

Applications available at the Belin-Blank website;

http://www.education.uiowa.edu/belinblank/old/summer/programs/6-8/igi/how_to_apply.asp

 Applications due: March 17, 2011

What are you doing this summer?

Registration Open for 2011 Civic Center Summer Camps!
The Civic Center of Greater Des Moines is pleased to announce that registration is now open for two youth summer camp opportunities. These camp opportunities are designed to provide participants with unique and lasting theater experiences facilitated by professional artists.

Theater Camp: PINOCCHIO • July 11-159-4 (M-Th) & 9-7 (Fri) • Ages 6-18

This weeklong day camp invites young artists to explore their talents and skills as musical theater actors in a full-scale, professionally supported production. Morning workshops are devoted to developing acting skills, building understanding of theater and participating in related artistic experiences. Afternoon sessions are dedicated to rehearsals of PINOCCHIO with Missoula Children's Theatre directors. Each camp participant is guaranteed a role—assigned on the first day through an audition process—and the week culminates with the performance on the Civic Center's Main Stage. No previous experience necessary.

Theater Camp: The Tortoise Versus the Hare • July 25-29  9-4 (M-Th) & 9-7 (Fri) • Ages 6-18

This weeklong day camp invites young artists to explore their talents and skills as musical theater actors in a full-scale, professionally supported production. Morning workshops are devoted to developing acting skills, building understanding of theater and participating in related artistic experiences. Afternoon sessions are dedicated to rehearsals of THE TORTOISE VERSUS THE HARE with Missoula Children's Theatre directors. Each camp participant is guaranteed a role—assigned on the first day through an audition process—and the week culminates with the performance on the Civic Center's Main Stage. No previous experience necessary.

February ELP Lunches

Wordles for WordMasters

Study Tip #2

Try making cards for the words that are most challenging for you out of the Wordle website. Type the word and then add as many synonyms as you can find. Wordle will create a mosaic of words that can help you learn the definition. Try it out and see for yourself!

Website: http://www.wordle.net/create

8th WordMaster Words for Lists 1 and 2

                                         

7th WordMaster Words for List 1 and List 2