Lotspeich
January 15, 2021
Fifth-graders Analyze Population, Legislature Demographics in U.S.
Fifth-graders in Jennifer Steller’s class recently analyzed population and legislature demographics across the United States. Each student chose a state and, using population and legislature demographic totals for the state, calculated, analyzed, and compared population and legislative percentages for five sub-group categories for their state. “Students noticed that the population percentages did not always reflect the legislature percentages for those demographics,” Steller said. “Students then researched and proposed solutions for the state to help rethink the legislative percentages to reflect the population living in the state.” Students had a range of ideas, including voter registration campaigns and creating boards at companies to support diversity. “We then discussed that all people within the same demographics do not have the same opinions about whom to vote for, but it is important to have equal representation to ensure that all people of the state have a voice in the legislature. My favorite phrase is: ‘if you see them, you can be them.’ When everyone has access to opportunities, more people believe they can achieve their goals and dreams.”
Fourth-graders Study the Effects of Climate Change
Fourth-graders in Laura OGrady’s Project Math class are studying the effects of climate change and learning the answers to the questions, “how does climate change affect Ohio, and how are communities preparing for these changes?” Students have met with several local leaders to understand the issues that arise from climate change. Via Zoom, students spoke to Tom Schultz ’07, Cincinnati 2030 District Building data analyst; Leo Almeida, The Nature Conservancy senior policy associate; and Oliver Kroner, City of Cincinnati sustainability coordinator. “Now that students have a deeper understanding of climate change, they are going to pick a particular aspect of this issue about which they are passionate and will work in small groups to develop a way to make a positive impact,” OGrady said.
Third-graders Design Play Structure in Project Math
Project Math teacher Laura OGrady has asked her third-graders to design the ultimate play structure. Before the winter break, students collected data on the types of activities third-graders enjoy. “As part of their data collection, they worked with partners via Zoom breakout rooms and used a time-lapse video taken during a nice, sunny recess to record what parts of our play structure are being used by Lotspeich students during recess.” Now that they are back from break, students will use their data and understanding of force and motion to design their play structures.
Pollination Study Culminates with Project
Third- and fourth-graders in Kate LaBare’s science class completed an extensive unit on pollination and the interdependent relationships between plants and animals. As a culminating project, students designed and engineered a pollinator, a plant to attract it, and a seed dispersal method for their plants. “The creativity, understanding, and problem-solving woven into these projects were quite inspiring!” LaBare said.
First-graders Begin Global Read Aloud Unit
During their library lessons, first- and second-graders will participate in the Global Read Aloud. “Global Read Aloud is a project designed to connect students and authors to literature and each other,” said Lotspeich librarian Lori Suffield. “Schools around the world participate.” This year, students are studying the work of Peruvian-American author and illustrator Juana Martinez-Neal. The classes will read and discuss the following books, “Alma and How She Got Her Name,” “Fry Bread,” “La Princesa and the Pea,” “Swashby and the Sea,” and “La Madre Goose.”
at Seven Hills?
Five Stingers Sign to Play in College
Five Stingers from the Class of 2024 signed their letters of intent to continue their athletic careers in college.
Click Here