Laker Innovators

Students have been using the PicCollage app on their school iPads in Mrs. Robinson’s middle school math classes. The students are asked to create their own math problem that involves rational numbers (decimals, integers, fractions). After they complete the problem, they are then asked to solve the problem and then share their problem with their classmates. The PicCollage app helps students get in the mindset of writing the problems and not just solving them. The students realize how this relates to real life and how they may use this skill set in the future!

Today our 2nd graders learned all about black bear habitats in Sleeping Bear Dunes through a virtual field trip. They video conferenced with a park ranger for a fun and interactive program!

Our elementary "Laker Spotlight" students are learning about 3D printing! They will get to choose their design, add their name and print their award. We will post a picture of what they printed when they are done!

How do we inform the general public about how to prevent spreading the invasion of nonnative species? This was the driving question that guided Mrs. Vann and her 8th grade English students through a challenging and relevant project this spring. To answer this question, the students first did in-depth research on their chosen invasive species in collaboration with our librarian Mrs. Besselsen. They used this research to write a formal research paper highlighting their chosen species including how to prevent the spread of this species in our local region. In addition to their own research, the class hosted three park rangers from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park to learn more about the park service and the invasive species that threaten our natural areas. The students also spent a day at the park learning through hands-on experiences. Mrs. Vann explained, "Students adventured to Glen Haven to complete dune restoration along the shoreline as well a s beach and trail clean-u...