3rd Grade Gifted and Talented Program
Purl Elementary
2017-2018

G/T Extension: G/T Extension is an interdisciplinary, project-based class designed specifically for gifted learners. The lessons and projects consist of all academic areas: English/Language Arts, Social Studies & STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math.) Below are some of the exciting projects and lessons we are working on in 3rd grade.
STEM & Computer Programming:
Coding: Students are learning to computer program (aka “Code”) using robotics andcode.org. This site is an amazing program and opportunity for students to learn how to code in elementary school using “Blockly.” Some students may even progress to learn the beginning concepts of JavaScript and Python while still in elementary school.
Dash & Dot Robotics: Students have been working hard on mastering beginning programming concepts including loops, conditionals and variables. We are having so much fun programming complex algorithms while using Dash & Dotthat students forget this is educational.
Not only are we learning programming concepts and complex algorithms, but we are also learning how to debug these algorithms when we make one of our many mistakes. Developing a growth mindset is a requirement for coding!
Ozobots: Ozobots are tiny robots students program using various methods. You can check them out at
Robotics Olympics:
We will be researching and designing our very own Olympics using a variety of robots while programming these robots to compete in student-designed Olympic events. I’m anticipating needing lots of parental help for this event, so please look for more information coming out for our Robotics Olympics in February, the same time as the 2018 Winter Olympics.

All Things Google:
There is so much more to Google than Google Search! We are utilizing Google Classroom for many of our lessons and projects. GISD students are training to use Google Drive (file storage), Google Docs (similar to Microsoft Word), Google Slides (similar to Power Point), Google Sheets (similar to Excel), Google Drawings, Google Forms (quiz) and Google Sites (website creations) to aid our curriculum and design processes. The benefit to going all thigs Google is not only that it is FREE, but Google also allows us to collaborate on each of these. As a class, we have worked on the same document at the same time! We can’t wait to see all we can do with Google!
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GISD Math Challenge Day: In the Spring, GISD G/T students will have the opportunity to participate in our annual Math Challenge Day competition held after school. Students will compete while playing a variety of challenging Math board games designed for gifted students. We will be learning these games in the next few months. Look for information to come home next semester.

UIL Number Sense: Students are learning lots of cool Math tricks they can quickly solve mentally.
Ask them to solve: 11 x 43, 29 x 21, 78 x 11, 37 x 33 … and much more!

Lego Engineering:Our LEGO Engineering Project uses the LEGO Simple Machineskits developed by LEGO EDUCATION. We will begin the unit by studying world changing inventions that began as mistakes. Students will create many inventions with Legos that are used every day; such as a windmill, clock, a car and much more. They’ll even get to build a robotic dog! It’s incredible how much the students can learn while having fun withLegos!

LOOKING FORWARD:
Here is a peak at a few projects in the 4th & 5th grade G/T program at the new Purl Elementary!!!
4th Grade:
TPSP: “Innovation Celebration” where students will design their own invention, perhaps using our new 3D printer.
Lego Engineeringwith Renewable Energy
5th Grade:
TPSP: “Culture Shock”
Lego Robotics featuring Lego Mindstorm Robots
Physics Unit with an iFLY Field Trip

As always, please feel free to
contact me if you have any
questions or concerns.

Jeanna Jones
Purl G/T Teacher
512-943-5080 Ext 6836

To access links to the sites, you can find the newsletter on my school website.