McElroy, Mr. - 5th Grade / STEM activities

Welcome 5th Graders!

STEM (Science Technology Engineering & Math)

"What is STEM?" and other related information

"What about STEAM?" - adding Arts (Fractal trees)

  - Incorporation of gaming features to motivate students. (Sumdog.com)

*Check out this TED Talk by Jane McGonigal "Gaming can make a better world"



Fire! - The probability that a tree will burn is set, and the fire is started (by lightning of course). For each tree the same probability "die" is thrown to see if that tree will burn or not, given that its neighbor is on fire.

Science - Some trees need fire to reproduce!

Printable worksheet - use dice to determine probability that a tree will burn.

Absurd Math - "Pre-algebra from another dimension"

Khan Academy - Independently, you can gain more background knowledge, strengthen your calculation skills, use class time more effectively, and enhance your communication skills for a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.

- If you sign up for an account, you can assign me as your coach. I'll be able to monitor the activities and talk about your progress.

"The Hardest Easy Math Problem in the World" - (click for article)

   - A bat and a ball cost a dollar and ten cents. The ball costs a dollar

more than the ball. What is the cost of the ball?

Fibonacci Puzzles

Vi Hart video through Kahn Academy