Bridges Blog Archive for Standards

Third grade students will soon begin Unit 8 and the study of bridges. Bridge building can be serious stuff; so serious that when the Broolyn Bridge opened in 1883, many residents feared to cross. Folks had never seen such a massive structure. Was it safe? Could it hold a significant amount of weight? In order to test the bridge, P.T. Barnum's elephants--all 21 of them--paraded across. Two picture books, Twenty-One Elephants and Still Standing and Twenty-One Elephants, tell the fascinating tale. Students may wish to compare & contrast the two stories of this historic event.

A recent reader contribution features the creative extensions that might result from this unit. Although the arch bridge lessons suggest a paper arch bridge, one third grader decided to make an arch with household items: legos and playdough. His labeled photo is shown at left, complete with alligator. 

Bridges' second graders will soon start Unit 6 and Get Those Marble Rolling. If you're looking for a little marble roll inspiration, watch this fantastic YouTube video, "Mega Marble Mazes", featuring the work of second grade students.

The Lion's Share: A Tale of Halving Cake and Eating It, Too, a 2009 publication by Matthew McElligott, provides an entertaining look at the concepts of fractions and doubling. In the story, an ant is invited to the lion king's dinner party. The other guests demonstrate horrendous table manners. When the king passes the cake, each animal takes half of the cake he is passed.

This is a time of great challenge and transition as we embark on implementing Common Core State Standards with Bridges. Currently, we have Supplements and related Unit Planners and Pacing Guides, Practice Books, Resource & Tech Links, and ASSESSMENTS!

Preparing to use Kindergarten Supplement Set D2 Measurement: Weight? In the lessons students...

Hello all. You’ve probably read the Number Corner entry already. I’m happy to be your long distance consultant, continuing for some of you and new to the rest.