“Everything is so linear, but this makes me think diagonally!” ~ a student describing Byrdseed.TV

TEKS ELA Standard: 7.5.H

synthesize information to create new understanding

hot coffee as ice cubes are added
human slinkies
Gears that form a cube
optical-illusion sculptures
100,000-Photo Composite of the Moon
Pineapple Disintegration
How Chemistry Creates Really Big Bubbles
Surgical Robot Sews a Grape
Recursive Island
Recursive Island
Vulcan Point Island is an island in a lake on an island in a lake on an island
Chaos Makes Sense (Later)
Chaos Makes Sense (Later)
In the moment, a chaotic event makes no sense. But later, that same event can feel like it was part of a larger story.
Gr 2-8
Optical Illusion: Two Tables
Optical Illusion: Two Tables
These two tables are the same size. But how!?
A System Similar to a Cell
A System Similar to a Cell
Which parts of a cell serve a similar job to the parts of a cruise ship, human body, computer, or other system?
Gr 1-8
Geosynth (Greek and Latin)
Geosynth (Greek and Latin)
What on earth is a Geosynth? Break apart the Greek and Latin roots, figure out what it should mean, then invent what it describes.
Gr 3-8
Generalization: Problems Lead to New Rules, Which Lead to New Problems
Generalization: Problems Lead to New Rules, Which Lead to New Problems
Problems create rules. Rules create new problems. Can you trace the cycle in history, stories, and your own life?
Gr 1-8
Generalization: Systems Are Made up of Other Systems
Generalization: Systems Are Made up of Other Systems
A clock is a system. So is a rainforest. So is your school. Once you see systems inside systems, you can’t unsee it.
Gr 1-8
Building Creative Analogies
Building Creative Analogies
We’ll take two seemingly unrelated pieces of content (say volcanoes and the human body) and then build analogies to connect the two ideas. In the end, students can create a skit, comic, or story relating the two concepts.
Gr 2-8
Content Imperatives: Convergence
Content Imperatives: Convergence
Add complexity by considering how multiple factors 🔄 Converge within one topic.
Gr 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Disneyland Parking Tram Math Project
Disneyland Parking Tram Math Project
A full parking structure. Thousands of people. Trams that hold a few dozen. How many trips? Real math with a place kids actually care about.
Gr 1-8