2nd and 3rd grade enrichment cluster

We are already in full swing planning and organizing our 2nd and 3rd grade enrichment clusters. These enrichment clusters will start on Friday, January 13 and go through Friday, March 2, 2012. The enrichment cluster showcase will take place on Friday, March 9, 2012.

This year the 2nd and 3rd grade students will have 16 different enrichment clusters to choose from. A letter went home to our 2nd and 3rd grade parents yesterday explaining the upcoming enrichment clusters. The 2nd and 3rd grade students will be ranking their top four cluster choices in class this week. The students will find out on Friday, January 13 which enrichment cluster they will be a part of.

Here are the descriptions to our 2nd and 3rd grade enrichment clusters.

Space Cadets

Did you know that it takes more than 150 years for a car to drive to the sun? Did you know that summer will last for 21 years on Uranus? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be an astronaut? If you’ve ever been curious about space and want to learn more, join us on our next expedition as we take off to explore the universe. Get ready for an exciting adventure. We will have a blast!!!

Roaring ChefsMmmm… does the smell of hot, sizzling food make your mouth water? Do you crave zesty appetizers and sweet treats? Then, Roaring Chefs is the place for you! Throughout our cluster we will discover some of the tools used by chefs in the kitchen and do some cooking of our own. We may explore different types of restaurants and create a menu for our own restaurant or we could even cook and bake all kinds of foods from many different cultures. When it comes to food, the possibilities are endless!

Friendship Bracelet FanaticsDo you love making jewelry for your friends? Have you ever thought about making friendship bracelets to share with friends old and new? If so, then this enrichment cluster is for you! We will be learning many different ways to make beautiful friendship bracelet creations that we can make and share. Yarn, floss, beads...all these tools and more! If you've got a passion for creating cool jewelry to share, come join in the fun!!

Rainforest HeroesBecome a rainforest hero! Learn all about the rainforest, its animals, its natural resources, and much more! We could do fun activities, crafts, and even recipes to find out more about the rainforest! Best of all, discover all the ways in which you can help to protect our precious rainforest and the animals that live in it! Adventure awaits!

Inventing Minds ClusterAre you an inventor? Is there an idea you have that could change the world? Do you like creating things? If the answer to these questions is yes, then join us for the “Inventing Minds” enrichment cluster. We will explore the characteristics of famous inventors and the process they go through in creating inventions. Then we can try our hand at making some inventions of our own.

Under the SeaIs a dolphin a fish? How about a Moray eel or a Manta Ray? Are you like me? Are you fascinated by the creatures of the sea? If so, come along and we'll find out just what these creatures are all about. Become an underwater commodore and learn all of this and much, much more!

Violent Volcanoes and Quivering QuakesDid you know that the biggest volcano known to man stands over 18 miles high? Do you find it interesting that the largest earthquake we know of was in the United States? If you are interested in learning more, come join our cluster! We will learn why the earth rumbles and hot, liquid magma spews violently from the earth. You may even decide to create your own erupting volcano or quivering seismograph. We’ll have an explosion of fun and an earth shaking time!

LME Animal House!Do you love learning about WILD animals? Do you want to know how they survive in our dangerous world? Come join the “LME Animal House” enrichment cluster and have an adventure! Become an amateur wildlife biologist and delve deep to get the answers!

Clay CreationsDo you like working with your hands? Does the idea of molding squishy earth make you happy? Then, come and discover the art of working with clay. In this cluster we will explore the techniques of working with clay, working on the pottery wheel, and creating original works of art. The possibilities are endless. Bring your imagination and creativity!

Game On!You may have heard of Football, Basketball, and Cricket …but have you heard of Basque Pelota, Joggling, Netball, and Blo-ball? In this cluster we will explore common and unusual sports around the world. We will play different sports and create our own. Do you have game? Yes…then join this cluster!

Dreamy Drawing"Stars sparkling, greenish, yellow, white and in my head a starry night." Vincent Van Gogh (famous Dutch painter).
Do the swirling colors of the sky or bright electric lights spark your imagination making you want to sit down and draw? If so, this is the enrichment cluster for you! Join us as we discover new possibilities in drawing, learn about artists and creative expression. Bring your inspiration and imagination as we will explore the world of drawing. What's in your head?

Card Making Extravaganza!Do you like to cheer people up or make someone’s day? Then the “Card Making Extravaganza” enrichment cluster is for you! We will use stamps, glitter, embossing powder, and ribbons galore! If you want to make homemade birthday cards, thank you notes, and thinking of you cards then this is the cluster for you!

Take TwoDo you enjoy being behind a camera? Do you like capturing events on “tape”? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a videographer? If so, maybe this cluster is for you. Join me behind the “eye” of the camera. We will have hands on experience with flip cameras, digital cameras and computer programs for editing and producing photo stories and movies. Lights, camera, action!

Perfectly Prepared Pies!Love desserts? Love pies? Apple, cherry and pumpkin? Ever dreamed of being a baker, or owning your own bakery? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then this enrichment cluster is for you! Experience the joy of creating yummy pies for friends and family. Maybe you can bake a delicious pie to cheer someone up! Join me in the quest for the perfect pie!

Scalely FriendsWhat animal breathes air, is covered with scales, can lay eggs and is cold blooded? If you guessed a reptile you were right! Experience the wonder of these prehistoric creatures through hands-on experiences, a demonstration by a reptile expert, and opportunity to learn more about these creatures in an outdoor classroom. Make the “Scalely Friends” enrichment cluster your #1 choice!

Performance PaintingIn Performance Painting, you will explore the work of artists from around the globe, from Africa to Australia, from Europe to Asia, from ancient times until today and then create your own original works of art in the style you choose. This enrichment cluster will really give you the chance to be creative. If you want to use your hands and create artwork during every single enrichment cluster session, this is the enrichment cluster for you!

Continuing to develop the whole child...