Enrichment Clusters2018 Brochure

St. Columba School7800 Livingston Road

Oxon Hill, MD

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Table of Contents

Introduction..........................................................3Multiple Intelligences …...................................... 4Registration instructions …................................. 6Cluster descriptions .............................................7Contact information …........................................12

Introduction for Parents2

Brain Power Hour, an enrichment opportunity for every student in grades 2 - 5, turns six this year!! Almost fifty clusters have offered the opportunity for our students to grow through discovery, inquiry and investigation.

Within our clusters, we have found that students are creative problem solvers and builders. This year, we are again highlighting the STEAM (Science,Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) aspects of our clusters. Each cluster will identify a problem that will require our students to ask, imagine, plan, create, and improve upon their plans to solve that problem in a positive and engaging manner, while preserving the use of multiple intelligences (see page 4).

The clusters will run eight consecutive weeks during the first semester. Students will have time for an in-depth exploration of one topic while following the STEAM design process. Clusters will meet on Thursday afternoons, alternating between 5th, 6th and 7th periods.

The “Brain Power Hour” program is based on Dr. Joseph Renzulli’s concept of enrichment as presented in his Schoolwide Enrichment Model. The mission of this model is to “apply the pedagogy of gifted education to enrichment opportunities for all students.” Using this format we are better able to meet the needs of our students.

Brain Power Hour will begin on September 27, 2018 and conclude on November 15, 2018. There will be a sharing opportunity for all the clusters and any interested parents on Thursday, November 29, 2018, time to be announced.

Each opportunity or “cluster” will be facilitated by teachers and other qualified professionals. There will be approximately 10-12 students in a cluster. Each cluster will also be multi-aged, drawing students from the grades for

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which the cluster is designed.Each student will pick 3 options from the cluster

offerings. Students will complete a registration form indicating these choices in school on Friday, September 21, 2018. Please be sure that your child will be happy with any of the 3 choices. Once registration is complete, the cluster rosters will be compiled and students will be notified of their Fall cluster on the day of the first session, September 27, 2018.

These clusters have been designed as curriculum enrichment. They are not “clubs” or “just for fun;” however, they are meant to be enjoyable and engaging at the same time as they stretch and enrich your child’s thinking and application skills. As such, this is a required activity, a part of your child’s learning experience, just like any other class.

When considering the cluster choices, please talk with your child about his/her interests and use that as a guiding principle when looking at the cluster content. In making selections, it might be helpful to reflect on past cluster experiences and other activities your child is interested in.

All cluster options may require work beyond what is done during regular meeting time. Please check the “Brain Power Hour” entry under the “Teacher Page” on the St. Columba website to keep informed of these requirements.

Multiple Intelligences*

Harvard psychologist Dr. Howard Gardner developed the theory of Multiple Intelligences (MI). Each person has different intelligences or ways of interacting with the world. For each person, these intelligences are all present, but combined in a unique way. Curriculum ideally involves use of

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multiple intelligences to engage students more thoroughly by capitalizing on differences in abilities, strengths and learning style preferences. The use of multiple intelligences in enrichment is an essential component of Dr. Renzulli’s Schoolwide Enrichment Model. The multiple intelligences are presented here in graphic format.Each cluster will attempt to address a variety, but not necessarily all, of the multiple intelligences. By the nature of the cluster topics, some will more strongly tie to a specific

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set of intelligences. The cluster description will hopefully aid in this discernment. All clusters are intended to be highly interactive, involving students in various processes and projects.

* The graphic representation of the multiple intelligences can be found at http://comicsworkshop.wordpress.com/2011/09/02/poster-multiple-intelligences-in-comics-ed/, accessed 8//10/2013, used with permission.

Registration

In an effort to make registration more student driven, an emphasis of Dr. Renzulli’s model, registration will occur in school only. The brochure will be sent home Tuesday, September 18, 2018. This will provide time for you to review the choices available to your child. Registration will take place on Friday, September 21, 2018. Any students absent that day will be registered upon their return to school.

As this is an opportunity to enrich your child’s interests, we seek your assistance in making this the most positive experience it can be. Please take the time to discuss the cluster choices with your child before September 21, 2017.

“Enjoyment ~ Engagement ~ Enthusiasm”- Dr. Joseph Renzulli

Cluster Descriptions

All clusters will be facilitated by teachers or other qualified 6

professionals. In choosing a cluster, the focus should be the content of the cluster balanced with the interests of your child.

Amazing Animal Detectives

Do you love animals? In this cluster we will explore the five amazing vertebrate animal groups. Can you name them all? We will investigate the characteristics of each different group. Could you create a dream habitat for an animal you choose? Our habitats will be combined to create a plan for a dream zoo! Open to grades 2 and 3.

Problem: How does creating an animal habitat increase our understanding of that animal and its ecosystem?

Multiple Intelligences: Linguistic, Visual/Spatial, Intrapersonal

Delicious Donut Designs

Do you want to be rollin’ in dough? “Dough” you know what to do? Join our team of designers to learn all the ins-and-outs of the donut business. What special design or recipe will make your business the ultimate donut shop? “Donut” delay - join today! America runs on Dunkin, and St. Columba will run on donuts! Open to grades 4 -5

Problem: How can you use problem-solving to create a successful donut business?

Multiple Intelligences: Linguistic, Logical/Math, Visual/Spatial, Interpersonal

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Reader’s Theater: The Fables of Aesop

Lights! Camera! Voices! Drama with a twist - no lines to memorize or staging to worry about - just dramatic voices and lots of fun. Take a part in a few already prepared fable script and then launch your own Aesop Fable variant production. Open to grades 4-5.

Driving Question: How can reading/performing various versions of a traditional fables increase your understanding of how these lessons might apply to all of us today?

Multiple intelligences: Linguistic, Visual/Spatial, Interpersonal

The Auto Bots

These pocket-sized bots are small but mighty! Learn how color codes make the bots move. Design paths for them to follow and program tricks for them to do as they roll along. Play bot bowling or race against the clock to complete a challenge. If you like being creative or solving problems, this is the cluster for you! Open to grades 2 and 3.

Driving question: How do we use code to accomplish tasks with a mini bot?

Multiple Intelligences: Logical/Mathematical, Linguistic, Visual/Spatial

Monument MastersEver want to design a larger than life building?

Create a statue to honor someone you know? What goes in

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to making a monument/memorial? Here we will design and create our own structural masterpieces to showcase some of history's greatest heroes, triumphs, and even events that have shaken the world as we know it. Join a cluster like no other, and we'll see what you can build.Open to grades 4-5.

Problem: How can students design and build a structurally sound monument with historical significance that will stand the test of time?

Multiple Intelligences: Linguistic, Logical/Math, Visual/Spatial, Bodily Kinesthetic, Inter/Intra personal

StoryCraftersOnce upon a time…remix! Recreate the illustrations

of some of your favorite picture book stories. Use your imagination to dream up creative ways to represent characters and settings using various forms of art: collage, paint, pattern block illustration, and more! Art thou ready to join? Open to grades 2 and 3. Problem: How can students utilize different art forms to reimagine various picture book illustrations? Multiple Intelligences: Logical/Math, Visual/Spatial, Bodily Kinesthetic, Interpersonal

GlobetrottersGet your passports ready and let’s jet set to Asia,

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Africa, South America, and Hispanic heritage countries without ever leaving St. Columba School! We will “travel” the globe to visit different places and learn about the unique aspects that make up their cultures through song, dance, food, and traditional dress. Open to grades 2-3. Problem: How can exploring a place’s culture create a better understanding of the world? Multiple Intelligences: Visual/Spatial, Bodily Kinesthetic, Inter/Intra personal

Questions?

Should you have any questions regarding the Brain Power Hour! program, please contact:

Cindy Flores or Cindy Cobleigh, Co-Coordinators301-567-6212 or leave a message with the school office. We will get back to you.

Thank you for your support!!

“ A rising tide lifts all ships.” - Dr. Joseph Renzulli

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