Wade Whitehead's Blog

Welcome to Mr. Whitehead’s official blog!

Wade Whitehead — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:35:55 +0000

Welcome, thinkers! You have found Mr. Whitehead’s official classroom blog. This site is designed for my current, former, and future students, their friends, and their families.

If you intend to post a comment, please follow these simple rules: (1) Do not use your name or nickname. Use your initials instead. (2) Do not post using an email address. Leave the email address box blank. Only comments that follow these rules will be published.

Check back often for updates, and don’t be afraid to submit a request or idea anytime you have one!

Thanks for stopping by. I hope to see you here often.

Mr. W.

2008 Egg Drop

Wade Whitehead — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:31:49 +0000

On Friday, November 12, the fifth graders held the 12th annual Crystal Spring Egg Drop. NBC, NPR, and The Roanoke Times all turned out to cover our event, which turned out to be one of the most exciting ever.

Fifth graders, what did you think? What devices did you enjoy watching? What ideas will stick with you? And what would you do differently if you could build an Egg Drop contraption again?

Ice Cream and Cake

Wade Whitehead — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 18:57:12 +0000

On Thursday, March 19, the Crystal Spring Fifth Grade will perform the Ice Cream & Cake Dance at the Third Annual Faculty-Student Basketball Game

Here’s the Crystal Spring Class of 2008 practicing:

Download

Please remember that, as with all embedded videos on my blog, I prefer that you not exit to YouTube. Thanks, in advance, for abiding by this simple rule.

Learn the Song

Geometry & Sound

Wade Whitehead — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 14:34:06 +0000

When high frequencies are passed through sand spread in a thin layer over glass, strange things happen. As the frequency changes, geometric forms appear and change. This phenomenon has been the subject of curiosity for many teachers and students. Fifth graders, what do you think causes this strange happenstance?

America Rocks!

Wade Whitehead — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 18:40:42 +0000

In 1972, Tom Yohe conceived Schoolhouse Rock, a series of 52 educational cartoons that aired on ABC television for 25 years. Three Schoolhouse Rock titles are directly connected to what we’re currently studying. These are “No More Kings,” “The Shot Heard ‘Round the World,” and “Fireworks.”

Fifth graders, after you check these out, post the dates, people, events, and quotes you notice. Let us hear what you think, and why you believe these episodes are important!

No More Kings

The Shot Heard ‘Round the World

Fireworks

The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Wade Whitehead — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:31:23 +0000

Recently, we’ve been discussing the incredible contributions made by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to the United States and the world.

Fifth graders, what particular idea or concept resonates with you, or has caused you to realize something new? What influence has Dr. King had on your thinking? What can we do to continue the work he was unable to finish?

Share your thoughts, ideas, and challenges here…