Today, the WOMS Lunch and Learn featured hyperdocs. Not sure what a hyperdoc is or why you should use it? Check out the presentation below.

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As coral reefs die at an alarming rate, scientists are looking at innovative new ways to help stop this crisis. The problem stems from rising ocean temperatures. As the temperatures increase, the coral dies releasing algae and smaller organisms.  For years scientists have used artificial reefs, which are underwater man-made structures such as sunken boats, rubble, and oil rigs to stimulate coral growth.  Recently, scientists are experimenting with 3D printed reefs (or fake reefs) that mimic the texture and structure of natural reefs.  The hope is that fake reefs will be less vulnerable to climate change and ocean chemistry.

Experimental installations of these 3D-printed reefs are now going on in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Persian Gulf, and Australia. If they succeed in the coming years in luring not only fish but also baby coral polyps, which attach themselves to structures and multiply, they can grow into new reefs and reestablish some of the most important habitats on Earth. –Parker, Laura

"3D-Printed Reefs Offer Hope in Coral Bleaching Crisis." 3D-Printed Reefs Offer Hope in Coral Bleaching Crisis. National Geographic, 31 Mar. 2017. Web. 18 Sept. 2017.

The Roughneck Tech Club is excited to design a variety of coral specimens and construct their own artificial reef using Instructables and Tinkercad.  

As students research types of coral, they will choose a design type with linear symmetry, radial symmetry, or fractal to focus on. In the next few weeks, students will have a showcase to share their creations with the public.

The Roughneck Book Club received their autographed copies of Escape From Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein today.  The students are looking forward to reading all about the shenanigans of the Keeley boys.

Chris Grabenstein and Nickelodian announced a movie, based on the book, Escape From Mr. Lemoncello’s Library, will premiere on October 9th.

Our book club cannot wait to finish reading the book in time to watch the premiere in October. Curious about the author Chris Grabenstein? So, were we! Check out the video below as Mr. Grabenstein answers ten questions about himself.

After finishing Escape From Mr. Lemoncello’s Library, the Roughneck Book Club plans to read the sequel, Mr.Lemoncello’s Library Olympics.  Mr. Grabenstein recently announced the third book in the series, Mr. Lemoncello’s Great Library Race, will be released on October 10th. Happy reading Roughnecks!

Thank you to everyone who attended our first lunch and learn today. 

We truly appreciate you! 

Today, the White Oak Middle School Library held its first lunch and learn of the year for teachers. We truly appreciate all the teachers and administrators that attended.  A big thank you to Mrs. Balboa for providing lunch and offering comp time to teachers attending lunch and learns. The presentation today was on Google templates, and you can view it here.

The Roughneck Book Club kicked off today with a special message from author Chris Grabenstein.

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library will be our first book to read this year. After reading the first chapter, the students are hooked. They cannot wait to read about the shenanigans Kyle, Mark and Curtis Keeley get into next. As we read, the students will submit their predictions and questions about the book to Mr. Grabenstein.  Book club members are also looking forward to the release of the movie in October.

For the second year, we have the opportunity to team up with our friends from the Medina Middle School Book Club in Medina, Tennessee. The book clubs are busy introducing themselves using Flipgrid. The students are sharing their favorite books, hobbies, and more. Our WOMS students are curious about Tennessee and eager to share fun facts about Texas.

Would you like to be our pen pal?  We are looking for classes to connect with this year.  Check out the information below. If you are interested, let us know!

We are excited about the year of ahead of us!
Happy reading!