As consumers we expect computers to process information as quickly as possible so that programs run faster, websites load faster, and we don’t have to spend a long time watching progress bars and the spinning wheel that appears when computers are thinking about something! One way to increase the speed of a computer is to write programs that use fewer computational steps (as shown in the lessons on sorting and searching algorithms). Another way to solve problems faster is to have several computers work on different parts of the same task at the same time, which is what this unit explores.

Do the vegetables grow up, or down or around? In this lessons students find out about the directional property of plants, specifically vegetables and how diffferent vegetables grow above the ground, below the ground and around a trellis or a stake. 

Objective: Identify supportive evidence that supports their analysis of a text, including the theme, plot and character development.  Make inferences based drawn from the text and graphics.

Students can use the ADDIE Model Template to plan their project-based learning assignment.

This is a set of three, one-page problems about calculating the volume of objects. Learners may calculate the volume of an asteroid, Vesta, or the stacking of satellites inside an atlas V rocket nose cone. Options are presented so that students may learn about the Dawn mission to asteroid Vesta through a NASA press release or about NASA's investigation of comets by viewing a NASA eClips video [5 min.]. This activity is part of the Space Math multi-media modules that integrate NASA press releases, NASA archival video, and mathematics problems targeted at specific math standards commonly encountered in middle school.

Weather ForecastingExplain some about weather forecasting to the students.  Have them watch a weather forecast on a SmartBoard or on their devices.  Share how meteorologists predict what the weather will be like later today, tomorrow, or even next week.  Share how they use previous weather to create computer models for weather predictions.  They use observations.  They can predict up to 7 days in the future with pretty good accuracy.

In first grade, students will start learning basic keyboarding and word processing skills. Students should be able to take their weekly spelling words and create two-three sentences as well as add provided images

 Wordless books are great for supporting students as they develop their literacy skills. Using pictures instead of words helps students organize their ideas, build comprehension, and learn how to sequence events.

Students will play a game to review pronouns. Then they will learn how to write a friendly letter. With their knowledge of the kinds of pronouns, they will write a friendly letter to an author or favorite book character using pronouns from every pronoun category.