March and April Book of the Month

This is a true story about a humble man who made a difference. No one loved New Orleans more than Cornelius. His pride in himself, his job, and his city was contagious! When his beautiful city was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina he didn't let it get him down for long. His hard work to clean up after this historic flood continues to inspire us to this day.

Record heat. Record storms. Record drought, snow, rain, and ocean levels. What's going on? In a world of crazy weather, knowing about tornadoes, hurricanes, droughts, blizzards, and storms is more important than ever. This book, based on cutting-edge science and first-hand accounts, not only helps kids learn about what's going on but also gives them ideas of what to do about it.

Participate in the 2018 7th Annual Global Spark! Lab Invent It Challenge by coming up with a new and innovative way for people to prepare BEFORE a natural disaster, stay safe DURING a natural disaster, or recover AFTER a natural disaster.

Listen to the books in your classroom. Brainstorm with your class. Here are some things to consider:

• What natural disasters are you interested in?
• What needs exist before the disaster to prevent it or help people prepare?
• What needs exist during the disaster to keep people safer?
• What needs exist after the disaster to help people clean up and recover?

For ideas and more information check out the official contest website:

https://inventit2018.challenges.epals.com/challenge-overview/

1. Decide what natural disaster you want to work on.
   
2. Work on Part 1 of your plan: Think It, Explore It, Sketch It
3. Show your plan to Mrs. Wagner by Friday, March 23rd

1. Work on Part 2 of your plan

• Create It- build a prototype
• Try It- test your invention
• Tweak It- make an improvement
• Share It- Who would benefit from your invention? Would you "sell" it to your neighborhood, your community, the fire department, or someone else?

Make a Powerpoint presentation or make a video that explains all the steps of your process.

Here is a link to a Powerpoint template if you would like to use it:

https://inventit2018.challenges.epals.com/student-resources/

TURN IN YOUR POWERPOINT PRESENTATION OR VIDEO TO MRS. WAGNER BY APRIL 6TH

Ages 5-7

1. A behind the scenes guided tour of the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C. including airfare, hotel, and meals.
2. DK Children's Illustrated Animal Atlas
3. Creativity for Kids kit: Grow Light
4. Creativity for Kids kid: Grow n' Glow Terrarium

Ages 8-10

• A behind the scenes guided tour of the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C. including airfare, hotel, and meals.
• DK Children's Illustrated Atlas
• Creativity for Kids kit: Spark Lab Inventor's Studio
  
• Creativity for Kids kit: Spark Lab Invent Cool Cash