December 6-10

This week's STEM Challenges were Christmas themed! First, they were challenged to create the fastest sled! After creating, we tested them out on the slide at Free Time. 

Wednesday they were challenged to build a catapult using only a plastic spoon, rubber bands, and popsicle sticks.  The winning catapult shot a marshmallow over 20 feet! 

We finished off our week enjoying a funny Christmas story and working to build the tallest marshmallow snowman.  The Eagles can't wait to watch their parents compete in their favorite STEM Challenge next week at the Exhibition! 

King George's Representative graced us with 15 different taxes and proclamations these last 2 weeks! Eagles were taxed for using the microwave, having lunch, sharpening pencils, and going to Free Time.  They were also required to place their book box contents on the right side of their work area, use computers for Core Skills only, work in absolute silence, ask Mrs. Ashley permission to get up from their table spot, and could no longer wear hats or sunglasses. 

After days of frustratingly following the proclamations, the colonists attempted to make a deal with King George.  They proposed he give them an extra number to roll, in exchange for use of the water dispenser, headphones and civilization mats.  However, King George's representative felt this sacrifice was not worthy of such an exchange.   

 

Friday, King George's representative came in with a chocie from King George himself: choose to be a loyalist and follow the proclamations and taxes, or choose to revolt and risk losing more!  After moments of tough deliberation, every Eagle chose to take the stand as a patriot.  All together, the Eagles rolled the dice to see their fate.

The room burst into screams of excitement when one single dot showed on the top of the dice! No more proclamations, taxes, or surprise appearances from England! The Eagles were FREE! 

At the Exhibition next Friday, visitors will have a chance to ask Eagles questions about their experience in Colonial Acton.  This will be a great opportunity for parents to ask about lessons learned, why the Eagles made various choices, how teamwork effected their experience, and what they would do differently next time. 

Session 3, Nov 29-Dec 3

This session is unlike any our learners have experienced.  Immediately upon returning to Acton, we were thrust into the world of Colonial America in 1776, faced with the harsh taxes and proclamations from King George.  

 

As subjects of Britain, King George's representative graced us with numerous rules to follow.  Eagles were taxed for eating lunch, going to free time and every time a pencil was sharpened.  But it was King George's proclamations that were the worst!  Eagles were forced to work at their table spots, unable to wear hats or sunglasses, could no longer take off their shoes, and had to sing "Hail to the King" when his representative arrived.  King George even made a proclamation stating everyone had to ask the Guide for permission to change activities!  It would be a grave understatement to say the Eagles dislike King George!

 Thursday, we took a look at what the American colonies did when faced with the same problems.  Eagles found that the colonies revolted against King George by refusing to follow his proclamations, drafting and signing a Declaration of Independence, and defeating the British in battle. 

Because of King George's harsh proclamations, the Eagles were unable to talk during Core Skills, so they chose to cast a silent ballot to choose the Declaration of Independence they would all sign. 

    

Friday, when King George's representative arrived, the Eagles chose to revolt! They presented him with their signed Declaration of Independence and took their chance seeing if their attempt was a success.  Sadly, the colonists (needing to roll a 1 or 2 to win) rolled a 4 and lost the Revolution! Due to their choices, King George punished them with 3 days of morning free time at their table spots and lunch inside at the kitchen.  

The colonists can redraft a Declaration of Independence and revolt for a second time on Wednesday! 

In writing, Eagles have been challenged to research about a future pet for our studio!  Their research will be used to write a pitch persuading their fellow Eagles and parents to choose their pet.  Eagles are pitching goldfish, guinea pigs, milk snakes, betta fish, puppies, and the most poisonous snake in the world. 

 

 

With our new Colonial Acton experience, we have been able to incorportate STEM challenges into our normal Quest time.  This week, Eagles were challenged to create a boat that floats and would not sink with weights, the longest paper chain using only one piece of paper, the strongest bridge out of spaghetti, and a set of stairs for the elves using only aluminum foil.