The Knights’ Roundtable at MMS

1. The Knights’ Roundtableat MMS Begins Fall 2010 Monday—Friday Daily

2. What is The Knights’ Roundtable? • 30 minutes Monday—Thursday for tutoring and Knights’ Quest groups or other special activities • 30 minutes on Friday for lessons and activities with your Roundtable group

3. When is The Knights’ Roundtable? • During period 9 (2:30-3:00) on FULL days of school • Roundtable is not held on early dismissal days, late arrival days, parent conference days, etc.

4. What Can I Do During The Knights’ Roundtable? • If your name is on the tutoring list, you must report to tutoring. • If you are not being tutored, you must report to your assigned Knights’ Quest. • On Fridays, you report to your assigned Roundtable.

5. Tutoring 3 ways to be signed up for tutoring • Teachers add students to their tutoring list • Possible reasons: Low grades or test scores • Students can request to be added to a teacher’s tutoring list • If you’ve missed instruction, if you need help with homework, need help with a project, would like something re-explained, etc. • Parents can request that their child be added to a teacher’s tutoring list

6. Tutoring Schedule • Tutoring can occur on any day, but priority is given to certain content areas on certain days: • Mondays—Specials/PE/Health • Tuesdays—Math • Wednesdays—Language Arts • Thursdays—Science/Social Studies • Tutoring always takes priority over all other activities

7. The slides that follow describe the Knights’ Quest groups available this year. You will view the slides and discuss the groups with your Roundtable teacher. Then you will use an online form to indicate the groups in which you are interested. Your Roundtable teacher will receive and share your group assignments soon. New groups will be assigned each term. What Knights’ Quest Groups Are Available? How Do I Sign Up ?

8. STEM Quests(Science , Technology, Engineering, and Math)

9. Blogging Buddies Description: Students in this group will learn all about blogs, one of the fastest growing web 2.0 tools available today. In this group, you’ll be able to connect with others and practice responsible digital citizenship while exploring innovative Internet technology. Teacher: Ms. Foley

10. The Chesapeake Bay Description: Students will learn about aquatic life by participating in labs and activities related to the ecosystems and organisms of the Chesapeake Bay. Students will also discuss ways to help and protect the waterways around Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay. Teacher: Ms. Martz

11. Lego Robot Description: Students will work on a variety of STEM-related activities using Lego Robots. These activities include programming the robot to complete a moon course, drag racing, and a tug-of-war competition. Teacher: Mr. Seiler

12. Math and Logic Games Description: Students will have the opportunity to play math and logic games such as Othello, Mancala, Yahtzee, Mastermind, Battleship, and Connect Four. Some aspects of game theory and probability will be explored during the sessions Teacher: Mrs. Stuart

13. Murder Mystery Description: Students will solve a crime using CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) and police techniques. Teacher: Ms. Provenza

14. Rubik’s Cube Description: Students will gain information on the history and excitement surrounding the Rubik's Cube. Students will learn how to solve and work together in groups to complete this challenging logic puzzle. Teacher: Mr. Beet

15. Schoolyard Habitat Description: This group of students will analyze, evaluate, and suggest improvements for environmental issues at our school and will also survey our school grounds for possible natural habitat development projects. Teacher: Ms. Brandenburg

16. Science Olympiad Description: Students in this year-long group will work cooperatively to problem solve using many STEM skills and 21st century skills.  Students will research, design, build, and demonstrate their knowledge at a culminating event in the spring (a county competition) and may advance to the state competition. Teacher: Ms. Brandenburg

17. The Science of Toys Description: Come and explore levers, pulleys, elasticity and energy using various toys. Be a kid and a scientist too!  Teacher: Mr. Davis

18. Space Exploration Description: Students will learn about the engineering and design challenges necessary for space exploration. Teacher: Mr. Adlon

19. Sudoku & KenKen Description: Students will enjoy solving Suduko and KenKen Puzzles. Teacher: Mrs. Foster

20. Physical Education andHealth Quests

21. Badminton Description: Students will focus on the skills and history involved with badminton. They will play team and individual tournaments as well as participate in skills challenges. Teacher: Mr. Phillips

22. Basketball/Hoops for Heart Description: Students will participate in a variety of basketball competitions including a 3 on 3 tournament, compute and analyze individual and team statistics, and have an opportunity to earn Student Service Learning hours if they participate in fundraising for the American Heart Association.  Teacher: Mrs. Phillips

23. Cooperative Games Description: Come enjoy building relationships with your classmates through problem solving activities.  This is a fun way to learn communication and sportsmanship skills. Teacher: Ms. McNemar

24. Cross-Country Description: Students will improve cardiovascular fitness through walking and running. This group will meet outdoors (weather permitting). Teacher: Ms. Byrd

25. Orienteering Description: Students will participate in a sport that involves cross-country running and land navigation using a topographical map and compass. Teacher: Mr. Grove

26. Pedometer/Walking Description: While walking, students will have the opportunity to use a pedometer to track data and individual performance. Teacher: Mrs. Pond

27. Soccer Description: Students will participate in small sided soccer games.  The students will have the opportunity to learn the game of soccer, improve soccer skills, play a variety of positions, and increase physical fitness. Teacher: Mr. Powell

28. Sports Challenge Description: Students will participate in a variety of sports and challenge activities testing their abilities and skills for that sport as well as participate in tournaments. Teacher: Mr. Daw

29. Humanities Quests (Art, History, Language, Literature)

30. Black-Eyed Susan Books Description: If you would like to read one or more of the Black-Eyed Susan Books, this Quest is for you!  We will meet to read and discuss the books.  We will also identify examples of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) in the books. Teacher: Mrs. Stevens

31. Fantasy Film Study Description: Amazing creatures, enchanted objects, mysterious journeys…many people think of these things when they hear the word fantasy. In this group, students will define fantasy, identify the characteristics of a great fantasy film, and compare fantasy films to those of other genres. Teacher: Mrs. Busz

32. Fun with French Description: Explore fun and fascinating aspects of French culture with Madame Crowell.  Experience the sights, sounds, and TASTES of France while learning about French daily life. We will sample one French food item each week, so students will sign up and volunteer to bring in an approved French food item for a specific date. Teacher: Madame Crowell

33. Greek Mythology Description: Students will conduct research and complete activities to gain knowledge of ancient Greek mythology. Teacher: Mrs. Caron

34. Knowledge Masters Description: Are you a fan of game shows & trivia contests? Do you have lots of knowledge in a particular area? If you answered “yes” to these questions, this semester-long group may be right for you. The Knowledge Masters work as a team to answer timed questions in 14 academic areas during fall and spring competitions. Teacher: Ms. Weese

35. Literature in Film Description: In this group students will watch movies and identify elements of literature used in today's films. Teacher: Ms. Burnside

36. Origami Description: Students will create a variety of origami projects.  Beginners will learn the basics while more advanced origami enthusiasts can try their hand at complicated projects. Teacher: Ms. McErlean Fee: $1.00

37. Poetry Slam Description: You will learn about several forms of poetry, including haiku, cinquain, bio-poem, acrostic poems and sonnets.  Our session will conclude with a poetry slam where students get to read their favorite creations aloud.  Students will leave the session with a collection of their own poetry. Teacher: Mrs. Casey

38. Philosopher’s Corner Description: Each week we will review opinions or pieces of writing by great thinkers or discuss puzzling questions.  We will occasionally play philosophers’ games requiring logic and reasoning to win.  We will solve mysteries.  This club is for thinkers, those who want to improve their thinking and analytical skills, and those who are willing to learn.  You may leave with a headache but your mind will be opened. Teacher: Mrs. Cowan

39. Psychology Description: Psychology is the study of human thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Join this group to unlock the mysteries of the human mind and learn to interpret dreams, analyze handwriting, decode body language, and more. Teacher: Mrs. Schmidt

40. School Newspaper Description: Be the first to report the happenings at MMS! The Knight Times is a student-created quarterly newspaper dedicated to the news and views of MMS. Reporters, editors, cartoonists, columnists, & graphic artists needed! Teacher: Ms. Weese

41. Sit-coms and Screenwriting Description: Students will view situation comedies (sit-coms) from the 1950’s to the present day and write a sit-com script. Teacher: Mrs. Donald

42. Sketch It! Description: Like to draw? Bring your own dedicated sketch pad and draw anything from comics, manga, fantasy, real life subjects etc... Learn cartooning, and improve skills and shading techniques. Challenge drawing competitions! Teacher: Mrs. Wright

43. String Art Description: In this group you will create fascinating geometric line designs stitched on card stock. Teacher: Mrs. Severn

44. Writing Contests Description: Do you like writing essays, poetry, short stories, etc.? Do you like to respond to things you’ve read? Are you interested in entering the FCPS Literacy Fair and other writing competitions? If so, the Writing Contests Quest is for you! Teacher: Mrs. Krajewski

45. Women’s Studies Description: Come explore the lives of prominent women throughout history. Hear about the lives of Joan d’Arc, Queen Elizabeth, and other women who have made an impact on history. The activity will end with a symposium of guest speakers. Teacher: Mrs. Early

46. Word Fun Description: Time will be spent doing fun things with words.  We will study idioms, colloquialisms, Tom Swifties, etc.  We will also play Buzz Word, a whole group game that forces you to look at words in different ways. Teacher: Mrs. Hoover

47. Young Historians Description: Are you interested in history, museums, and the world around you? Young Historian’s quest is a place where you can develop your interest in history and heritage by creating an entry for the the yearly History Day competition. Teacher: Ms. Weese

48. Miscellaneous Quests(exciting activities requiring critical and creative thinking)

49. All-American Snacks Description: Students will create a variety of healthy snacks that are easy to make and delicious to eat! Teacher: Mrs. Routzahn Fee: $10.00

50. Agriculture Description: Learn about agriculture, farming, and gardening in this group.  Students will plant a garden, create a mini compost bin, make a water filter, and much more. Teacher: Mr. Lipscomb