Instructional Seminars are open to all students in grades 1-5. These are interest-based seminars that run between 8 – 12 weeks in length. Seminars take place either before school, from 8:00-8:45 AM, or during the grade level recess time. Most seminars will begin the week of October 1 and end the last week of December.  Students who are interested in participating need to fill out an interest form. Interest Forms can be found in folders attached to the bulletin board display outside of the Cafeteria (near the Computer Lab).  Space is limited, so get your Interest Forms in early. Completed Interest Forms are due by Friday, September 28.
 
Please see Mrs. Kastner or Mrs. Lepore if you have any questions.
 
Grade 1
“Space, Planets and Stars” - Thursdays at recess (11:00 – 11:30 am)
Do you ever wonder about the night sky? In this seminar, you will learn all about the planets in our solar system. Use what you know to create a small display sharing what we learn.
 
Grade 2
“Dice, Cards and Dominoes” -  Thursdays at recess (11:00 - 11:30 am)  
Do you like to use different manipulatives like dice, cards and dominoes? In this seminar, you will learn new ways in which math is connected those resources, while playing games and solving puzzles.
 
“Tangrams” - Mondays at recess (11:00 - 11:30 am)
Do you like to solve puzzles? In this seminar, you will learn how to solve and create different tangram puzzles. You will then use those puzzles to write creative stories.
 
“Mystery Festival”- Tuesdays before school (8:00 – 8:45 am)
Have you ever wondered how scientists solve mysteries? In this seminar, you will learn about what forensic scientists do to solve a mystery, including how to analyze fingerprints and shoe prints.
 
Grade 3
“Mystery Festival” Tuesdays before school (8:00 – 8:45 am)
Have you ever wondered how scientists solve mysteries? In this seminar, you will learn about what forensic scientists do to solve a mystery, including how to analyze fingerprints and shoe prints.
 
“Origami and Creative Writing” Mondays at recess (12:35 - 1:05)
Would you like to learn how to turn a square piece of paper into a bird? Or a cat? Do you like to write poetry? Then come to this seminar to learn the art of paper folding and learn some different forms of poetry too!
 
“Unheard Perspectives” (UP) -  Fridays before school (8:00 – 8:45 am)
Do you like to learn about new people? In this seminar, you will research African American innovators who had a significant impact on our lives.
 
Grade 4
“Fiber Arts” - Tuesdays before school (8:00 – 8:45 am)
Do you like to work with your hands? In this seminar, you will learn all about how things are made with yarn. You will even learn several methods to make your own useful items!
 
“Simple Machines” - Wednesdays before school (8:00 – 8:45 am)
Do you like to build and explore ideas related to engineering? In this seminar, you will learn about the different types of simple machines and use K’Nex pieces to create pulleys, wheels, axles, levers, just to name a few.
 
“Unheard Perspectives” (UP) - Fridays before school (8:00 – 8:45 am)
Do you like to learn about new people? In this seminar, you will research African American innovators who had a significant impact on our lives.
 
“Rubik’s Cube” -Thursdays at recess (12:00-12:30)
Do you like puzzles? In this seminar, you will learn strategies to help you “do the cube”!
 
Grade 5
“Fiber Arts” - Tuesdays before school (8:00 – 8:45 am)
Do you like to work with your hands? In this seminar, you will learn all about how things are made with yarn. You will even learn several methods to make your own useful items!
 
“Simple Machines” - Wednesdays before school (8:00 – 8:45 am)
Do you like to build and explore ideas related to engineering? In this seminar, you will learn about the different types of simple machines and use K’Nex pieces to create pulleys, wheels, axles, levers, just to name a few.
 
“Battle of the Books” on Mondays at recess (2:00 - 2:30 pm) December - April
Do you love to read? Do you like competition? If so, this is the seminar for you! Students read 15 novels, ask and answer questions and form teams to showcase their knowledge of the books read. Then they compete against other teams from schools throughout the county in the Battle of the Books.
 
“Unheard Perspectives” (UP) - Fridays before school (8:00 – 8:45 am)
Do you like to learn about new people? In this seminar, you will research African American innovators who had a significant impact on our lives.
 
“Rubik’s Cube” -Mondays at recess (12:00-12:30)
Do you like puzzles? In this seminar, you will learn strategies to help you “do the cube”!