What's Happening at LTSA?

The Middle School and High School Integrated ELA classes studied the Lincoln Douglas Debates and debate format.  Many of the students had to flip their arguments from what they really believed in - they learned that they need to understand both sides of the argument to truly be a good debater.  The value of learning debate is far reaching in that students learn to thoroughly research their topic, critically think and speak confidently and eloquently in public, analyze arguments and generally become a much better communicator.  The Resolves that were debated:  The Middle School Class Resolve: "Animals should be kept in Zoos" - Results - Tied debate.  Debate Video coming soon Tie Breaker Resolve: (Magical Heroes and Mythical Monsters) "Wizards should be treated equal regardless of parentage."    Results: Close debate!  Affirmative Team scored a bit higher in their contentions.  Great Job everyone - time to edit our video! Coming soon!  J...

 It's been fun to be on campus for some in-person lab sessions! In Biology, we used materials from the Maker's Space to help us model the process of cellular division.  In Chemistry, we designed an experiment to test for the presence of various organic compounds.  And in 6th/7th, we're making more discoveries about physical and chemical changes during our "Potions" classes.

It's been so fun having many of our students back on campus this week! After discussing heroes and hearing the story of "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind"  and learning about the energy needs of different countries, we wrapped up the week with a windmill building challenge during our 2-7 HUB. It was so great to listen to students give each other helpful feedback and support as they worked on their engineering challenges. 

  The Campaign:  (Reflections from the 8/9 Grade Class) Our goal was to form a campaign for a new political party that included a candidate for the presidential election of 2020. This entire project was a learning experience: we have learned more about how our presidential election works, how the electoral college works, and how the branches of the government work together.  We also learned about video editing, and how to make a website on google sites.  During this project, we made a logo, some party policies, a storyboard relating to our commercial, and decided on a name that was the 𝓕𝓻𝓮𝓮 party with the slogan “Vote for a better future.”   Check out our website and our campaign ad.

In the 2/3 math class, we recently wrapped up a unit on multiplication and division. To showcase their multiplication and division skills, each student designed a Valentine's Day cake and used their new knowledge to calculate amounts of different ingredients that would be needed to make cakes for multiple customers, as well as the amounts of packages they would need to purchase of these ingredients. Check out our cakes in the slides below!

 In the 4/5 math class, we have been learning about equivalent fractions, comparing fractions, improper fractions, and adding/subtracting fractions. To showcase our learning on this topic, each student designed a zoo animal puzzle with pattern blocks. They solved each other's puzzles and used their knowledge of fractions to describe and compare the area of their animals in terms of a hexagon representing one whole. Check out our puzzles below!

As one of our special events this week to conclude our first Spring PBL which revolved around the book "The One and Only Ivan," students were able to go on a virtual field trip to the San Diego Zoo! Students had a blast and BONUS - we didn't even have to fly anywhere! Check it out with them when you get a chance. They would love to tell you all about their favorite exhibits!