After
studying polygons, creating quilt patterns with pattern
blocks and using graph paper to recreate these patterns, the
fifth grade students explored patterns found in nature, and
the relationship between patterns and Fibonacci’s principle.
Research was conducted to find a structure that would
provide integrity and make the most efficient use of space.
A model of a beehive was built using tagboard, masking tape,
and transparent tape. The students then tested the integrity
of the hive. Activities included use of pattern blocks,
geoboards, graph paper, protractors to measure angles, and
rulers to measure paper and to fold hexagons to make the
cells of the hive. Books were used to gather information; a
video was viewed, and a variety of Internet cites were
visited. The students were fortunate to have a beekeeper
visit their class. He provided the students with an inside
look at a hive and an up-close view of bees and their
products.
The students were surprised and excited when testing the
integrity of the tagboard hive. They calculated the weight
of a penny in grams and completed a data table to find the
weight of up to 500 pennies. They then tested the strength
of the hive. It took 71 pounds of textbooks to completely
collapse the hive. They were amazed at the strength of the
hive.
Saint Mary School 7th
and 8th grade math enrichment students visited the Delaware River
Port Authority in Camden, New Jersey. The students met with bridge
engineer Mike Howard and community publicist, Telete Garrison. The
St. Mary's students were treated to a presentation on the making and
history of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, a question and answer
period, and a guided walking tour of the bridge. The students even
participated in an exercise in making a human suspension bridge!
Through this experience, the students gained understanding and
appreciation for the engineering of this historic bridge.
The sixth grade math
enrichment students planned a trip to Australia!
As part of this
project, they brain-stormed all of the different ways that they
would need to use math such as buying plane tickets, converting
dates, times, and distances into metric equivalents, and preparing a
budget.
The students
researched their trip to Australia from the availability and cost of
airline tickets to the places they wanted to visit and what they
wanted to do while they visited the country. Their itinerary
included everything from the Sydney Opera House to The Great Barrier
Reef and a day spa!! The students even checked out restaurants
with special attention to the menu items and their prices.
On Thursday, April
17th, the students met with Susan Hathcock and Robert Booth, the
owners of Gloucester City Travel. Following a presentation on
traveling to Australia, the students asked questions and discussed
their project.
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