Conferences Begin!

Conferences begin today and last through Thursday. Just a reminder that all students will be dismissed at noon on Wed., Thurs., and Friday. I'm looking forward to seeing you at your child's conference.

In science the students are learning about Newton's Laws of Motion. We have been reading and discussing it in our science books and online. The students have chosen to work independently or with a partner to create an amusement park ride. The actual construction of the ride must be done at home. There are 3 parts that they will be graded on. First, the oral presentation. To earn the maximum points possible (3) I will be looking for a presentation that includes an accurate explanation of how the rides demontrate Newton's Laws of Motion. A score of (2) would mean the ride includes the Laws of Motion but the it was not accurately explained. A score of (1) means the presentation indicates a lack of understanding of Newton's Laws of Motion.
Next, students will be graded on their visual presentation of display.(This will include a worksheet to fill out.) A score of (3) means the display accurately incorporates all necessary information-ride specifications, safety issues, and applications of Newton's Laws of Motion. A score of (2) means the display incorporates all necessary information, but does not accurately apply Newton's Laws. A score of (1) means the display is lacking some portion of necessary information, particularly information applying Newton's Laws. Finally, the ride will be graded on the rides function. A score of (3) means the ride works as described. A (2) means the ride works, but may need some adjustment during presentation. A (1) means the ride may or may not work, even with adjustment during the presentation.
I have given the students a copy of this rubric (grading system). If you would like a copy, I will have them available at conferences or email me to let me know. The rides are due on Wednesday, Nov. 18.

In reading, we continue with Number the Stars.
In the reading packet, the students are expected to write in complete sentences, use capitals correctly, and end punctuation. If your child brings this home to work on, please ask to see it. These are very basic skills that many students are forgetting to include in their writing.

I look forward to seeing everyone at conferences this week!

Great Resources for Gifted Students:

This is a list of resources for parents of gifted kids compiled by our Extended Studies teacher, Darla Williams. All of these are found online. Enjoy!

Online reading for parents

A beginners guide on gifted education
http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/gifted_101.htm

NAGC National Association of Gifted Children
Parent link
http://www.nagc.org/index.aspx?id=956

Davidson Institute for Talent Development
http://www.davidsongifted.org/db/browse_articles_233.aspx

Webinars

NAGC National Association of Gifted Children FREE registration through 2009 Broadcast every Wednesday
http://www.nagc.org/WOW.aspx

U C Irvine
http://unex.uci.edu/pressroom/releases/pr.asp?ID=214

SENG (Social & Emotional Needs of Gifted)
http://sengifted.org/webinar_upcoming.shtml


Online conferences regarding gifted education

http://giftedonlineconferences.ning.com/

Reading list for kids
“Suggested age levels are based on the ages of the gifted characters, the complexity of the issues confronting them, and the interest or appeal to gifted readers. However, since gifted learners frequently read and comprehend advanced materials, the appropriate levels of materials can only be determined by adults who know the child.”
http://www.bertiekingore.com/gtchildreninlit.htm