It's Been a STEAMy November!

Wow- it's already December and it has been another busy month in our library.

STEAM Challenges 
STEAM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. STEAM activities provide students with opportunities to take risks, experiment, problem solve, and to collaborate with others. During the past month many of our primary students used this approach to learning as they solved problems and tackled presented challenges. 
The grade one and two students designed and created Roller Racers that included wheels and axles that could move without the use of their hands. Although all of the students had access to the same materials, many of the projects that were created were original and inventive. 
Mrs. Young and Mr. Grano’s students were challenged to create an invention to rescue pumpkins from a flooded pumpkin patch using only the following materials: Q-tips, stir sticks, popsicle sticks, straws, pipe cleaners, and clothes pins. 
Tech at School 
Each week a group of intermediate students writes scripts, films, edits and produces the Panther News and then on Friday shares it with the staff and students at Portage View. The news includes a recap of events that have taken place during the week, sports updates, interviews with staff and students as well as promoting upcoming events. These students use a variety of technology to create this weekly newscast including an iographer kit, mic, and a variety of apps such as Do Ink for Green Screen and iMovie. 
The computer carts, Chromebooks and iPads continue to be in high demand and used throughout the school in a variety of learning situations. 
Hour of Code 
Many of our students will participate in the Hour of Code that takes place during Computer Science Education Week from December 4-10. This worldwide event provides our students with the opportunity to become creators as well as consumers and to gain a better understanding of the programs and apps that they use daily. The Hour of Code is a global movement reaching tens of millions of students in 180+ countries. Currently there are over 2,646 registered events in Canada. The following are a few apps that provide students with the opportunity to code and learn more about computer science: Kodable, Scratch Jr. and Tynker. Click on this link to learn more about the Hour of Code 
Scholastic Book Fair 
Our book fair was a great success. Thank you to the parents, grandparents, students and staff for your support. Over 100 new books will be added to our library! 
Simcoe County Read Aloud 
It has been six awesome weeks of reading one of two books together with many other schools in our board. Seventy-five classes followed Sophie on her “90 Days of Different” adventures and 175 classes decided to #ChooseKind and read the book “Wonder”. As a culminating activity to the book Wonder, all students in the junior division will have the opportunity to view the movie at the Galaxy Theatre in Barrie on Friday, December 8th. To watch the trailer for the movie click on this link: WONDER trailer. The movie is based on the book written by R.J. Palacio and emphasizes choosing kindness.