Let
the Games Begin… Second graders at Exeter-Milligan Public Schools prepared for
the Winter Olympics by creating a Mini-Math Olympics. A torch relay delivered
notes about this event, inviting all kindergarten, first and second graders to
participate for team U.S.A. On February 6, students paraded around the
gym wearing patriotic colors and carrying U.S. flags. They watched as the final
torch runner made a lap in the gym and ignited the Olympic torch. The Olympic
oath and Olympic creed were read. Opening ceremonies also included watching a
youtube video about the Olympics. These athletes participated in six events:
cotton ball shot put, paper straw javelin throw, paper plate discus throw,
marble grab, sponge squeeze and big foot. At each of these centers, students
practiced estimating and measuring skills with metric units. High school
students were available to assist the elementary students as they measured and
recorded their results. Students learned facts about ancient and modern day
Olympics, too. Patrons of the district were able to follow events via Twitter,
#emwolves. A medal ceremony concluded the EM Mini- Math Winter Olympics.
