Independent Projects

Readers are welcome to make independent projects anytime! Independent projects can be drawn, built, baked, sewn, painted, quilted, or created online. We've had scrapbooks, games, posters, cookies, settings created using Lego or Minecraft, and much more. Here are two to get us started:

Come to the LC to see how this rendition of the Berlin Wall is made up entirely of tiny words summarizing A Night Divided.

Come to the LC to see this 3D depiction of Moon Base Alpha, the setting of Space Case.

"Sketchbook of Impossible Things" Drawing Contest

This contest was inspired by the sketchbook that Ally keeps in the book Fish in a Tree. The contest was designed and run by Luc, and will be judged by SES art teacher, Sarah. Here are some of the drawing entries. Which do you think is the best drawing? Which image seems the most impossible?

Wall Jumping Contest

This contest was inspired by the brave souls who attempted to climb over or tunnel under the Berlin Wall, as described in the book, A Night Divided. Here are two action shots of our winners. Can you tell who they are?

Photo credit: Abby in 6G

Cookie Contest

This delicious contest was inspired by Emily Dickinson's love of baking cookies (as described in Another Day as Emily). Don't you wish you got to be the judge?

Let the Games Begin!

Team MCBA has planned a bunch of activities, games, and contests for readers in grades 4-6. Check out the word cloud below for some hints of what's to come, and check this blog again soon for photos from the first three events!

Remember: you earn participation points for your class every time you play (or draw or bake or…).

Participation Points so far…

Search Quotes

So many books read! So many wacky, fun, and challenging activities brought to you by Team MCBA! Here are the participation point totals with one week remaining:

4th grade: 193
5th grade: 371
6th grade: 300

These totals have been adjusted for class size. (Ask Ms. L. if you're not sure what this means.)
These totals do not yet include books read by teachers.

Stuffed Animal Scavenger Hunt

Thanks to Gianna and Sage for organizing this event, inspired by the book Poached. No stuffed animals were hurt in the making of this scavenger hunt--and all were successfully found (even the large shark)!

Escape the Fire Obstacle Course

Thanks to Annabel and Levi for organizing this fun and challenging event! Here are a few action shots of SES students (and teacher!) escaping the fire:

MCBA Author Visit!

On February 3rd, SES hosted Molly B. Burnham, author of MCBA Mashup title, Teddy Mars: Almost a Record Breaker. She encouraged us to wonder throughout our lives, and shared some CRAZY photos of world record holders to inspire us--like this one:

Image from Nicades

We wondered how this woman feeds herself, gets dressed, writes, and lots more, and then Molly got us laughing as we suggested and envisioned what it might look like if this woman decided to cut her nails with a nail trimmer, or a saw, or a chainsaw…

Science Project Contest

Volcanos, inventions, circuits, dyes, bendable vegetables, oobleck, and more! Thanks to Forrest, our Team MCBA member who created, promoted, and introduced this fun and enlightening activity.

Judges Ms. Cannon and Ms. Lee awarded winners in two categories. The first went to Arin for his scientific test of how acid and alkaline substances affect the color of cabbage water. The second went to Annabel for engineering a solution to a problem she identified.

Congratulations to all of our entrants--it was great to see everyone's effort and creativity!

Rollerskate/Rollerblade Obstacle Course

Team MCBA brought us 30 minutes of fun on wheels/blades! Thanks to all of our volunteers and participants for helping with set up, sharing rollerblades, and generally joining in the fun!