Scratch

I'm so excited to share with you the activities of the FX students in the computer lab.  For the past several weeks we have been studying computer programming.  Using a free program called Scratch the students have discovered a  programming language that makes it easy to create their own interactive stories, animations, games, music, and art. I believe that as my students created these projects they were learning important mathematical and computational ideas, while also learning to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively. Plus, having fun! 


We began our studies by going through several Scratch Challenges.  These challenges were designed by Scratch to scaffold students learning of the basic concepts of Scratch.  My original plan included walking them through several other steps of Scratch, however, once my students had the basic concepts down, they soared! 


Take a look at a few samples.  


This is a game designed by Sara Butts and Stephanie Schumacher called "Lemons Adventure" 

Next is an interactive story from Brianna Giles. It is so interactive she had to include a map! 

This is an interactive message from Sara Specht.

Honestly, I wish I had time and space to share with you all 136 of my students creations.  They would amaze you.  I would encourage you to ask your son/daughter to show you their Scratch project soon.  Remind them they have all uploaded them to  their It's Learning page. 


Would you like to learn Scratch?  It's not just for kids!  You can download the free program here.  You will find some great tutorials here. 

It's Interim Time

(All Photos taken by FX Photographer Tera Cooper)

Your favorite FX student should be bringing home their Interim reports today.  We believe that cooperation between home and school is the key to success! This report is to show you the progress of your son/daughter while there is still time for improvement. 

The FX faculty will be available for parent conferences on Thursday evening, February 16. If you would like to schedule an appointment with team of teachers who work with your son or daughter please call 513-867-7425 ext. 2139.

Mr. Holland

Mr. Holland's classes performed monologues on the stage in the auditorium as they prepare to study drama.  The best performances from each class will be voted on by fellow students and awards will be given out next week.  We have very talented students! 

Mrs. Rees

Ratio and proportion are important applications of Geometry.  In Mrs. Rees’ geometry classes, students made the connection between algebraic and geometric uses of these ideas, which included investigating scale models and making scale drawings. 

 

The properties of ratio and proportion will be used to study similarity in the coming weeks.  Students can look forward to learning about similarity in triangles through the use of Online Active Math  and Geometer’s Sketch Pad technologies.  They will also learn about indirect measurement with similar triangles by completing an investigation first with mirrors, then with their own shadow (weather permitting).

Mr. Boyle

Honors Geometry will be creating house plans for specific lots in Trenton, Ohio.  Students will have to follow city planning codes/regulations.  Students will give presentations throughout the project, create informative videos and a project group website along with creating 3-D representations using Google SketchUp.

A final presentation will be made at the end of the project (date TBA).

Trenton's City Manager John Jones and Zoning Director Bill Jones will be "expert" resources throughout the project along with the Quandrel Group, led by Nate Minnich-Weber & Todd Clevinger (currently building the new high school).

Mrs. Phares


Students in Mrs. Phares' class have been working with the program Scratch.  

Scratch is a programming language that makes it easy to create our own interactive stories, animations, games, music, and art. As our FX students create and share Scratch projects, they learn important mathematical and computational ideas, while also learning to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively. Next week we will begin to design our own video games.   It's an exciting time to be a student in the Edgewood FX!