—On Campus—
*Offered 2004-06
Although GATE students are especially encouraged to consider the below-listed extracurricular offerings, most courses are open to all Colina students.
Videography*
Fantasy
Baseball*
(Not presently offered.)
Who says math has to be taught using paper, pencils, and books? Who says students can't have fun calculating fractions, figuring angles, and adding seven-digit dollar amounts? Most of all, who says youngsters can't be enterprising and cooperative at the same time? Not me!
Building toothpick bridges is a project with proven success. It is an inexpensive, ten-day project that makes math meaningful and real by allowing students to use arithmetic calculations and geometry to design, plan, and build scale model bridges. Working in groups of five, student contractors operate simulated architectural firms to create strong, economical bridges and account for construction costs. Applying math is key to the success of this project, which has been developed to apply and integrate some of the skills learned in math and science classes.
Building toothpick bridges offers a "hands-on" approach for students to learn and apply abstract concepts, such as stress, fulcrums, the law of gravity, and the strength of different geometric shapes—even without presenting these concepts in their abstract form. During this project, students will use the following math skills:
  • Estimating spatial configurations.
  • Estimating dollar amounts in the thousands.
  • Adding and subtracting seven-digit numbers.
  • Multiplying and dividing numbers of at least two digits.
  • Measuring (using graph paper, ruler, and manipulatives).
  • The social skills enhanced by this project are equally important. Students will learn to write checks, balance accounts, maintain a task schedule, and work with others to accomplish a common goal. Working together on the bridge construction fosters a sense of camaraderie.
    • Learn to work with clay—Projects will include slab mugs, wall hangers and a wheel project. Water color—Learn to paint; projects will include color wheel, techniques sheet, paper stretching, seascape, landscape & still life.