5 Star Curriculum

2005-2006 Five Star Curriculum C.L.U.B.S.

(Children at Langston Use the Best Strategies)

Students participate in an advanced curriculum to promote higher level thinking skills. These activities are scheduled through out the school year for student participation.

A. Sea Camp

Fourth grade students conduct environmental experiments in an ocean habitat in Biloxi, Mississippi at the University of Southern Mississippi.

B. Space Camp

Fifth grade students participate in aerospace activities at Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama during mock missions.

C. Mid America Museum Night

Third grade students participate in hands-on activities prepared by Mid-America Museum. The students spend the night at the facility and participate in environmental experiments.

D. Science Lab

Using the national science standards pre kindergarten-fifth grade students attend the lab once a week for forty-five minutes to explore and learn with a certified staff member. ACTAAP writing strategies are used to document the student’s effort.

E. Star Lab

Pre kindergarten-fifth grade students visit the Star Lab to explore the universe. The modules provide activities in science, social studies and aerospace.

F. Earth Lab

Pre kindergarten-fifth grade students visit the Earth Lab to explore the parts of Earth. The modules provide activities in science, math and geography.

G. Columbia Courtyard

Pre Kindergarten-fifth grade students visit the outdoor classroom for various uses. The students read books, perform hands-on experiments and observe urban wildlife.

H. Lego Adventure Lab

The children will attend the lab to study engineering skills and strategies. Each grade level has a planned curriculum which will culminate with robotics.

I. IMAX

All students attend the IMAX in Little Rock for aerospace and/or environmental purposes.

J. Rocket Readers: AREP

All kindergarten-third grade students participate in research based language arts strategies in the classroom during an uninterrupted three- hour literacy block daily. Fourth and fifth grade classes also have uninterrupted blocks of time scheduled for language arts. Students in first grade have the opportunity to read books and become a "Rocket Reader" while 2nd-5th students have the opportunity to earn point while reading for the Accelerated Reader Program. The points are used to purchase materials.

K. Honor’s Club

These students work in cooperative groups to develop theme related projects using math, science, reading and technology skills.

Top Guns: Students who score at least two grades above their grade level on the NWEA with satisfactory citizenship.

Commanders: Students who make all A’s on report card with satisfactory citizenship.

Pilots: Students who make all A’s & B’s on report card with satisfactory citizenship.

L. Careers

All C.L.U.B.S. incorporate career education into activities. In the spring Langston has a “Career Day” with professionals visiting the students.

M. Mission Control

Students will engage in mock simulations using science, technology, engineering and mathematical strategies. The students will use a script developed by staff and students with NASA assistance.

N. Shuttle

Students will engage in mock simulations using science, technology, engineering and mathematical strategies. The students will use a script developed by students and staff with NASA assistance.

O. “Cool Kids With Character”

Students at Langston are “Cool Kids With Character”. The character education program at Langston Magnet School features character assemblies that focus on specific character words each month. The assemblies are educational as well as entertaining. Each week students at Langston break into small groups and travel around the building to their “Character Club”. The clubs focus on the character word of the month and feature activities that are enjoyable and that teach students to have exemplary character traits.

These “Five Star” C.L.U.B.S. are designed to meet the special needs of our advanced students:

“Alpha Algebra Club”

(NPO 1.3 NPO 1.4 PAF 1.1 )

The Hands on Equations Learning System is the basis for learning activities in Algebra Club. Students solve equations by manipulating playing pieces on a scale and numbered dice. Critical thinking skills are expanded through reasoning and following a few basic rules. Problem analysis, mental arithmetic and basic facts are learned in a fun and enjoyable way. This club provides a foundation for math related careers.

“Young Astronauts”

( ES 2.8 ES 3.7 )

Students participate in a variety of space-related activities with various opportunities. They study all aspects of the International Space Station as they plan and build a scale model. Club members study the properties of aerodynamics and physics, then build and launch rockets. Langston’s Young Astronauts research life in space, as well as career possibilities. NASA resources are the foundation for these activities.

“G.E.A.R.S”

Generating Engineering Activities and Research for Students

(PS 2.7 NPO 1.1 GS 1.2 GS 2.1 GS 2.2)

A team of students utilizes engineering and design concepts while building a variety of structures using gears. They also explore the use of gears in machinery by examining the concepts of how gears work. Students use building materials such as Legos, Gears, art sticks, interlocking blocks and unifix cubes to design and build structures. Students investigate careers in the field of engineering.

“Globe Trotters”

(LSV 1.7 LSV 1.8)

Students in the “Globe Trotters” Club learn geography as they “walk” across the United States. Students chart a course from Hot Springs that takes them across the country. Each step that they walk is equal to a certain distance on a scale. As students travel across the country they research cities, land types, climates and sports specific to geographical regions of the United States. Students in the “Globe Trotters” Club also learn about the importance of physical fitness and it’s effects on the body.

“Literacy Laboratory”

(W 1.13 W 2.3 LSV 1.9)

This 5-star club is offered to students who show an aptitude or interest in writing. It offers various styles and techniques of writing opportunities and encourages students to be creative. C.L.U.B.S. allow the students to showcase their final products to other students, parents and community, as individuals and as groups. A study of careers is integrated into the activities.

“Mad Scientists”

(PS 1.1 PS 1.2 PS 3.4)

Utilizing the scientific method the members of the Mad Scientists Club explore the world of science through experiments and explorations in physical, earth and space science. Students use scientific tools and technology to study the natural world. Professionals are invited to share their expertise in science related jobs. Students are responsible for maintaining the G.L.O.B.E. (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) weather station and reporting weather measurements using computers. As a culminating activity students generate a project for competition in the Langston Science Fair.

“SEEDS OF SPANISH”

(R 1.10 R 1.1 W 1.7)

Students learn beginning conversational Spanish as members of this 5-star Club. English Language Learners peer tutor English speaking students in the basic rudiments of Conversational Spanish. Students work and learn together as the Spanish seeds “sprout” into knowledge of the Hispanic culture and language.

“MILKY WAY MUSICIANS”

(LSV 1.7 LSV 1.8)

This 5-star club is offered to students who show an aptitude or interest in musical activities. It offers challenging and rewarding musical opportunities. Learning musical skills, perfecting abilities and performing are all integral parts of this unique and exciting enrichment club. Members of each of the components perform together as a complete musical ensemble.

“GEO Club”

Geometry Experiences Through Art and Technology

(GS 1.1 GS 1.2 GS 1.3))

Students who love puzzles, geometric art designs, technology and creative problem solving take pleasure in and benefit from participating in GEO Club. Students use geometry vocabulary to develop a comprehensive understanding of geometry concepts. Students design thematic puzzles. They develop an understanding what is involved in an architectural career. Technology enhances their creative problem solving skills. Students work in cooperative groups to produce a final project.

Galaxy Star Makers

Students who enjoy taking pictures and writing will participate in creating a Langston yearbook to gather memories of the 2004-2005 school year. The students will use cutting edge technology to develop the final product.