GT Explorer

Our first term began with the inspiring story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition from 1804-1806. Using Brain Pop Junior, students learned that after the Louisiana Purchase, President Jefferson challenged "The Corp of Discovery" to set out into uncharted territory in hopes of finding a way to the Pacific Ocean. The Native American, Sacagawea, joined the explorers and they were able to do so and set the course for future pioneers.

In the book, A Prairie Dog for the President by S.R. Redmond, students also learned that throughout the expedition; over 140 maps were made, new species of plants and animals were discovered, and some collected to share with the president. This inspired a STEM project: a prairie dog cage prototype. These original creations are on display in each school library.

GT students of all grade levels were given the opportunity to explore: atlases, maps, globes, charts and Global Positioning Systems to discover their unique location in the universe. After reading, Me on the Map by Joan Sweeney, students were challenged to become mapmakers and create their own book with illustrations. Starting from the Milky Way Galaxy, students found their way to their solar system, planet, continent, country, state, town, street, house, and their own bedroom. By the way, have you been hearing your child singing, The Continents song?

As a guide to discovery, students created a wheel or tool to learn the 5 Themes of Geography. Knowing these 5 themes: location, place, region, movement, and interaction will help students make connections on a global scale and help drive their passion.

In one activity, place is defined by unique qualities or structures as being natural or man-made, for example, Niagara Falls vs. The Great Wall of China. Students were given a STEAM challenge: discover the 7 Ancient and 7 Modern Wonders of the World then choose one to recreate using Lego bricks. Students collaborated with partners or worked on their own to complete the structures. So many factors of physics came into play! Everyone gave it their best effort and the results were Wonderful!

Bom dia! Bon giorno! Konichiwa!

We start many of our GT classes with greetings from around the world as we learn about different countries and cultures. Our East Side 4th graders were able to create interview questions and meet with six foreign exchange students from JHS. Three students were from Thailand and one each from Italy, Sweden and Denmark. This was a very exciting and informative exchange between learners. Questions about: location, weather, animals, pets, food, fun, games, hopes and dreams are just a few included. One 4th grader commented, "getting to interview someone from another country made me feel really connected!"

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