Seventh graders at Randolph Central School were given a unique opportunity to participate in a year end activity that combined the activity of geocaching with the mind puzzles of a BreakoutEDU!  Geocaching requires participants to use a hand-held GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) device to follow specific coordinates to an exact location.  A BreakoutEDU activity has participants solve a number of clues to unlock several different types of locks as they work to open a box.  Seventh grade teacher Erin McLure used combinations of these two different activities to prepare an afternoon of fun to close the year out.
 
Students were brought to Weeden Park where they were divided into groups of four different colors, and then separated again into smaller groups of five students.  Each group was given a hand-held GPS, a writing utensil, and a clue sheet.  They were given a set of coordinates and then worked together to enter them into the GPS and work their way to the destination.  Once they found the cache, then needed to solve a riddle and figure out their next clue.  Various thought provoking prompts were collected by Mrs. McClure from her other seventh grade colleagues to be given to the students.  The grade level team also assisted in supervision and carrying out the activity. 
 
Once all the clues and riddles had been solved, and a final Mathematical problem completed, the answer enabled the students to receive a ‘cool’ prize that was a welcome relief from the war summer day.   This unique experience was a tremendous way to combine elements of different activities that students had experienced throughout the year in a memorable activity that was enjoyed by all.  

By: Rob Griffith, CA BOCES Professional Development

This month’s spotlight as we dig a little deeper into the resources we have available to our component school districts in our warehouse is…..our Leveled Reader Kits!
 
Bring science to life with these engaging, colorful science readers! Elementary students will be able to understand new scientific content with the help of easy-to-read informational text, vibrant images, and examples of scientific practices. Each reader in this kit includes instructions for a fun science activity and related practice problems to provide additional support and a hands-on learning experience. Support STEM education with these 5E lessons that are aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards and incorporate writing to increase overall comprehension and concept development.

Science Reader Kits include:

• Leveled books to support differentiation strategies (16 - 24 titles, 6 copies of each, 24 pages per book)
• A Big Book
• Teacher's Guide with before-, during-, and after-reading strategies, introductory and lab activities to develop academic vocabulary, and strategies to authentically assess student learning formatively and summatively
• Posters, reproducible student activity pages, and audio recordings

​So what are you waiting for? Take a look at our warehouse and give Leveled Readers a try!

By:  Alexandra Freer, CA BOCES Learning Resources