Summer Learning

Every year I love getting questions from parents about what I recommend for student learning over the summer! Below is the list of subjects and links to various resources and websites that I think would be beneficial for my students after 5th grade.


Bible
The Bible Project is a great resource for free, fascinating videos about themes or books of the Bible. I have shown several of these videos in class throughout the year. I am passionate about these videos not only because I love watching them and learning more for myself, but also because my friend, Jon Collins, is one of the co-creators of this Portland-based project!
  Click for more: About The Bible Project | Videos on YouTube | The Bible Project's Website

Math
We have been using Khan Academy all year, and almost all of the students have told me they prefer online learning rather than worksheets. Parents are encouraged to add themselves as their child's coach in the student profile settings to better keep track of their progress, much like I did throughout the school year. Additionally, if you want to mix it up a bit with multiplication practice online or drill worksheets, peruse the following links.
  Click for more: Khan Academy | Mr. Riedl's Arithmetic Practice | Mrs. Larson's Multiplication Practice Links | Math Drills: Worksheets

Science
There are hundreds of science videos that I have listed on Riedlteach.com which I was unable to show my classes this past year! Students can continue learning on their own by watching videos of particular interest to them! I have organized the videos by topic/category, and I am constantly updating it.
  Click for more: Mr. Riedl's List of Educational Video Clips

Social Studies
Hands-on activities and crafts are great ways to learn about cultural traditions and appreciate different peoples and places. There are many creative ideas at Education.com, and you are sure to find a few that pique your child's curiosity about the world around them.
  Click for more: Social Studies Activities - Education.com

Reading
Depending on the size of the book and the student's reading speed, I generally expect my students to finish reading an entire book every 2-3 weeks. If your child needs ideas of books to read, have them browse the list of bookshelfies the other students posted throughout the year. Also, if your child wants to participate in the Summer Reading Challenge, please select "West Hills Christian School" when you sign up on Scholastic's website.
  Click for more: Mr. Riedl's Archived BookShelfies | Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge

Read Aloud
Parents, read to your kids! They loved it when I read to them each day for only 15 minutes! Other ideas include getting audiobooks from your public library to use on your mobile device and/or use Audible.com to purchase some great audiobooks to listen to. I regularly listen to audiobooks from both, so let me know if you have questions about them!
  Click for more: Multnomah County Library Audiobooks | Audible.com

Writing
A great activity to practice each day is to make a Daily Summer Writing Journal. Use the following link to creative writing prompts for hundreds of great ideas for what your child can write about. Sharing the writing during a regular meal time or rest time each day is a great way to spark conversation and get their creative juices flowing!
  Click for more: 365 Creative Writing Prompts - ThinkWritten

Spelling
I recently discovered a fun game that Google created, which is called Spell Up. It is an interactive spelling game that has many options to help support spellers at many different levels. It gets quite challenging too, as I have become quite addicted to it when I play it in my spare time!
  Click for more: Spell Up by Google

Grammar
Khan Academy has added Grammar lessons and exercises! There are videos to watch too! Be sure not to commit any "Word Crimes" over the summer! ;-)
  Click for more: Grammar on Khan Academy | Word Crimes - "Weird Al" Yankovic

Typing
Mrs. Larson has been working with our students throughout the school year at Typing.com and they are encouraged to continue practicing at home. For other resources, check out Mrs. Larson's additional links to typing games and activities on her website.
  Click for more: Typing.com | Typing Club | Mrs. Larson's Other Typing Practice Links

Fun in the Sun
It is extremely important to be safe when playing around in the sun's electromagnetic radiation over the summer! We learned in class this year that the Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun is what can burn you if too much time is spent outside unprotected. I discovered a wonderful website by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, which shows the UV Index forecast by Zip Code! All you need to do is type in your Zip Code, city, and state, and you'll have hourly forecast in your area. It explains what time of day is most harmful, how to best protect yourself, and other helpful tips to stay safe while having fun! I use this often for my own family at home.
  Click for more: UVAwareness.org | EPA UV Index Hourly for 97219

Other?
Have you found great resources that you would like to share with me so I can spread the love? Let me know what has worked well for you and your family!


Make it a great summer, everyone!
--Mr. Riedl

Science Unit Research Assignment

Click to view/print

At the beginning of each new Science unit, I have my students flip through the pages of their textbook, writing down any questions that come to mind that they don't know the answers to. I call them "Curiosity Questions" because all good scientists never stop asking questions and being curious.

Throughout each Science unit, I want my students to become better researchers, and I want them to keep asking more questions. To help them do this in a productive way, I created the Science Unit Research Assignment. Their goal is to use their Curiosity Questions to come up with topics to research. They can research the answer to their question, or they can discover anything else they find interesting.

>> Click to view/print the Research Assignment student sheet

Research Assignment Criteria:

• Pick three different topics.
• Write down one interesting fact about each topic.
• Cite reliable sources (using MLA format; examples below, some adjusted slightly)

Due date: The students may finish it anytime before the end of each unit. The student will present their three interesting facts to the class, and I will collect their form after they present their findings.

How do I know if the source is reliable?

This is something you should ask Mr. Riedl if you are not sure. You may email him or ask him in class. Wikipedia is a good place to start, however, you may not cite Wikipedia as your source (read: my article about Wikipedia). If you find something interesting on Wikipedia, try to find its original source via in-text citations or the reference list at the bottom of the article. If you find the original source, it is typically something reliable.

For example, if I go to the Wikipedia page about "squid", I see that it links to a Scientific American article about squid "flying" out of the water. Because Scientific American is a reliable source, I find an interesting fact in the article, and I choose to cite it as my source.

Other reliable sources students might find interesting:
- National Geographic
- NASA
- How Stuff Works
- BBC Earth
- Discovery Education
- NOVA & PBS
- American Museum of Natural History
- Science Magazine
- Science News & Science News for Students
- Popular Science


How do I cite reliable sources?

Books, Magazines (more info)

Lastname, Firstname. Title of Book/Magazine. Location: Publisher, Year of Publication. Print or E-book.

Websites (more info)

Lastname, Firstname. "Title of Article." Name of Website. Date written. <http://URL>

Interview With An Expert (more info)

If interviewed by a third-party, like TV/Radio program:
Interviewee's Name. Title of Program [Format description]. Credibility of expert. Date of interview.

If you interviewed the expert:
Interviewee's Name. Personal interview. Credibility of expert. Date of interview.

YouTube Videos (more info)

Author's Name or Username. "Title of Video." YouTube. Date posted. <http://URL>


What if there is no author or date listed?

No author:   Replace the author with the title of the article.
No date:   Write n.d. if there is no date listed.

Other Questions?   Feel free to contact Mr. Riedl!

UV Index Awareness

UV Awareness is a very helpful and interesting website I found online. There are daily charts that show hourly UV Index scores for locations all over the world. Here in Portland, Oregon, I can view the chart that shows when I am at risk for greatest ultraviolet radiation from the sun. I have always thought that the hottest time of the day (typically late afternoon) is when I am more likely to get a sunburn. However, according to the UV Index chart, the highest risk is usually when the sun is highest in the sky, around 1pm.

This can help me by giving me an idea when the best time to go jogging outside is, or when I might need to put on sunscreen. I am especially aware of it now, with children of my own who enjoy playing outside.

The site also provides tips about how to protect yourself based on the specific UV Index score, the risks, and other additional information as well.

Stay safe out there in the electromagnetic radiation!

The Chemistry of Fireworks

Tomorrow is Independence Day, and many of us will be looking up into the night sky to see explosions and fire ignited to celebrate! This video was published just last week and it is a great explanation (and demonstration!) of how chemistry is essential for the beauty we see every July 4th. Enjoy!

The Chemistry of Fireworks - Reactions

Inspiring Girls in Science and Technology

This video made me cry this morning. When watching this video, I couldn't help but think of my own little girl, Delaney, and how she will be all grown up in no time. Additionally, because of my love for science, it tugged on my heart for what she might want to be when she grows up.

I hope that I can be a good father and teacher to Delaney as she learns what her passions are. Not only a teacher to her, but also to all of the female students in my classes. My hope is to inspire in them a love for science, learning, and discovering their own passions. I'm not really sure why this is a Verizon commercial, but it's a great motivation to me to never forget that the little comments I say can make a big difference in the long run. Enjoy!

Verizon Commercial 2014 | Inspire Her Mind - Extended | Verizon Wireless

OK Go and Optical Illusions

Let's get this summer started off right... with a brand new music video from OK Go!

This video was released yesterday on OK Go's YouTube channel, and after 24 hours it already has over 1,000,000 views! Crazy! However, it is obviously earned because of all the hard work they put into it.

The video features the band positioning the camera in specific locations that will play tricks on your eyes to see things that don't seem like anything special from one perspective, but from another perspective will look like something totally different. Optical illusions are an amazing way to use our brains and to find things that will trick it into thinking something is real. I look forward to showing this video to my students next year during our unit on the brain and optical illusions. Enjoy!

OK Go - The Writing's On the Wall - Official Video - YouTube

Optical Illusions

We have begun learning about the brain in science class this week. Yesterday I showed the students several optical illusion videos, and one's brain thinks it sees something that isn't really there or isn't really happening. We had a lot of fun trying to figure out how the illusion tricks our brain, so I wanted to share it with everyone else as well. All of the videos are from brusspup, a YouTube channel who regularly uploads amazing illusion and science videos. Enjoy!

Amazing Animated Optical Illusions! #6


Amazing T-Rex Illusion!


Impossible Balls Illusion!


Incredible Shade Illusion!

New Videos: Skeleton Lab and Chicken Wing Dissection

In science lab this unit, we are learning about bones and muscles. In the first video, the students are exploring how to put together a life-sized skeleton. It's not as easy as it looks!

In the second video, the students dive in a little deeper, exploring chicken wings. Their goal is to remove the skin, find muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and anything else they might find interesting! I also mentioned to them that it's possible to simulate the wing "waving" if you can contract the muscle. Enjoy!

Skeleton Lab - Mr. Riedl

Chicken Wing Dissection - Mr. Riedl

My trek to school through the snow and ice

Quite a lot of snow and freezing rain fell in Portland this weekend. Needing to go back to school to pick up a few things and to do some grading, I decided to document my trek through the snow and ice. Enjoy!

My trek to school through the snow and ice - Mr. Riedl

Snow!

I showed this video to my students earlier in the year when we had a bit of snow, but I realized I had never posted it on my website. Today is the perfect day to revisit it for all to see, as we had an early release at 1pm. The snow came in a hurry, and it was blowing in all directions! Enjoy this clip about the science of snowflakes, how they crystallize, and what makes them unique.

The Chemistry of Snowflakes - Bytesize Science

Bill Nye & Ken Ham Debate, Feb. 4, 4:00pm PT

For those of you who haven't heard, there will be a debate taking place tonight from the Creation Museum in Kentucky. There has been an ongoing conversation on YouTube over the past several months between Bill Nye and Ken Ham (among others) about whether or not Creationism ought to be presented to students in schools alongside the theory of Evolution. There is a lot more to it than that, but basically, the comments on the YouTube videos stirred up many questions and debates among viewers.

Many know Bill Nye for being "The Science Guy" with his awesome TV shows from the mid-90s, which I still show my students (who absolutely love his enthusiasm for science and learning). Ken Ham is the founder of the Creation Museum and Answers In Genesis. Both men love science and have a passion for what they believe to be true. They both agreed to hold a debate and discuss science and their positions.

I talked briefly to the students this morning about how the debate originated and encouraged them to watch it with their family, if interested. It begins at 4pm PT (7pm ET) and will be approximately 2.5 hours long. The debate will be broadcast live on YouTube for anyone to watch that has an internet connection! Click here to go to the debate website: http://www.answersingenesis.org/

Many of my students don't yet know the depths of this ongoing debate, so I briefly discussed with them the differences between evolutionists and creationists. Several students were very fascinated, several students couldn't care less, and the rest were somewhere in between. I love discussing these issues, but did not have time to get into the details. Some of my students shared that they heard that you have to believe in evolution in order to be a scientist. I replied by briefly explaining the difference between macroevolution and microevolution and that it is a complicated issue for Christians. I have a biology degree and have many friends who are Christians who believe certain aspects of evolution to be true, while I also have many friends who believe the opposite. I shared my personal beliefs (the short version) and explained that ultimately, this is an issue that God doesn't base our salvation upon, and we want to still be respectful of the opinions of others. It is a very tough subject and one that could turn into a great discussion time at home! :-)

I hope you enjoy it as much as I will!
--Mr. Riedl

P.S. - If you aren't able to view it live at 4pm, then you should be able to rewind the debate after it starts. Since it is on YouTube, you can also watch it later on their YouTube channel. Click here for more Frequently Asked Questions.

Classroom Discussion: Sports Science, Super Bowl, and Richard Sherman

Due to the upcoming Super Bowl game this weekend, the central topic of today's writing assignment was football, of course. However, bringing up current events and issues surrounding this year's "big game" can turn into more than just an assignment about sports. Today we had a great classroom discussion about the depths of Christ's love, how we can use that in every day life (such as sports), and what we see from professional athletes.

My lesson plans included showing three videos to the students. The first two videos, NBC's science of NFL football, integrated math and science into the sport. For the third video, I showed Richard Sherman's infamous interview after his amazing play at the end of the Seahawks-49ers game, which secured Seattle's spot in this year's Super Bowl game. The students have been already talking about this interview on and off over the past two weeks anyway, so I thought I might as well make a writing assignment out of the controversy and hopefully challenge the students to think differently. After the videos, I had them answer several questions in their journals:

• What are your thoughts about American football?
• What did you learn about using science and math with the sport?
• Are you going to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday? Are you a fan?
• Have you heard of any traditions people do for the Super Bowl?
• After watching Richard Sherman's interview, how do you think Jesus would have responded if He was interviewing him?
• Do you think Sherman has a right to talk that way?

Certain boys in my class have a hard time writing in general, and not surprisingly, they wrote more words and more quickly than I have ever seen so far this year! We had a great discussion after the writing portion. The topics ranged from sportsmanship, to thinking before speaking, to how Jesus would play sports, to trash talking, to standing up for our friends, to loving others, and so much more. I am amazed at how the minds of my students are buzzing with all that they are learning and seeing around them. It was great to be able to discuss such a controversial event in a place where we can connect it with Jesus and what He would be pleased with when it comes to competition.

My hope is that watching videos and having discussions like these will inspire these students to do what they know to be right as they grow up. Their character is something that we often neglect as teachers and thankfully at a Christian school we can use this environment to have a safe discussion of what we see around us.

Go Seahawks!!!

New Photo Albums on Google+

For your viewing pleasure, I currently store all classroom photos in two locations: Google+ and Facebook. My preference is Google+ for a variety of reasons, but the main one is that you are able to download an entire album of photos at once (as far as I know, Facebook only allows you to download one photo at a time). So, all of the student work albums listed below will send you to the albums on Google+. Random photos from the school year are located in both locations.

Google+ Photos is relatively new to me, as I have used PicasaWeb up until this point in time. A couple of the albums below have been transferred to G+ from PicasaWeb, so some of you may have already seen them. I absolutely love Google+ Photos and the options available on the mobile app, allowing me to take pictures and easily upload them to G+ and/or Google Drive without even having to sit in front of the computer!

And of course, Google+ creates Auto Awesome photos for fun!

Enjoy the classroom photos below (Random photos of the 2013-2014 school year so far are at the bottom!).
--Mr. Riedl

Hand Drawings 2013-10-18

Island Map Projects 2013-10-24

Mirrored Name Art 2013-11-01

Space Projects 2013-11-14

Painting landscapes (Like Grandma Moses) 2013-12-06

2013-2014 Photos (I regularly add to this album)

Google Sky Assignment 2013-2014

Good morning students,

Please open Google Earth on your computer, select Google Sky in your options, and then complete the assignment below. Be sure to click "Submit" at the end!

Sincerely,

--Mr. Riedl

Wringing Out Washcloth in Space!

We began the Space Unit today in 5th Grade Science! I love starting my units by showing random videos about what we will explore in the weeks to follow, then have them write down questions they have or things they are curious about.

This video was a big hit today, so I embedded it below to share with everyone else. Chris Hadfield from the International Space Station (ISS) responds to an experiment designed by students. They sent him their question about what would happen if a person tried to wring out a washcloth on the ISS without gravity. The experiment worked beautifully, and my students were amazed with the outcome! It sparked some good ideas about what they might try to do if they designed an experiment in space. Enjoy!

http://youtu.be/o8TssbmY-GM

Destroying a Prince Rupert's Drop in Slow Motion = AWESOME

I often show clips from Smarter Every Day to my students and have linked to Destin's other videos on my blog in the past. This recent episode literally caused my jaw to drop to the floor (Okay, not literally... but it is seriously amazing! Keep reading!).

A Prince Rupert's Drop is a glass object created by dripping molten glass into cold water. It looks something like a tadpole with a long squiggly tail. Because of it's amazing physical structure, it can withstand high amounts of pressure on the larger end without breaking, but if the tail is even slightly damaged, it EXPLODES!!!

Destin from Smarter Every Day filmed this in slow motion (130,000 fps!) to show exactly how it breaks. This is such an amazing technological feat to be able to see something like this, you MUST watch this video below! Hopefully you are as in awe of science as I am right now. :-)
--Mr. Riedl

http://youtu.be/xe-f4gokRBs

Happy Independence Day: How Fireworks Work

If you have ever been curious to know how those beautiful displays of color light up the skies each year to celebrate our independence, then check out the video embedded below. In the I Didn't Know That series, National Geographic gives us a glimpse into how fireworks are tested, created, and set off. Very fascinating!

Happy 4th of July everyone!

http://youtu.be/30Qo_l78hdk

Lots of photos!

Here are a bunch of photos from the last few weeks that I finally found time to post on the website.
Enjoy!
--Mr. Riedl
instagram.com/mrriedl

Compound Machine Design Project

I assigned a new project for science today! The goal is to design a compound machine using all six simple machines we have been learning about. Similar to a Rube Goldberg machine, this design should be a ridiculous way to perform a simple task. Unfortunately, we do not have enough time in this unit to actually built an apparatus, but we can still have fun designing them. See below for what I drew on the whiteboard for my students.

Serving Multnomah neighborhood, simple machines, recess, and more

instagram.com/mrriedl