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The "Viking Mastery Club" is here!
- This is a club for Bates students who are interested in achieving "above and beyond" the normal classroom expectations.
- A student may take any or all of 200 challenges in 8 categories.
- Membership requirements are simple: be in good standing in your classroom-keep up with all homework and class assignments.
- When a student qualifies for membership and is interested in pursuing these challenges, the teacher will issue him/her the Viking Mastery Club folder. B
- The goal of this club is to encourage independent research and critical thinking about how to demonstrate knowledge on a wide range of subjects that might be of interest to students.
- Students are expected to to demonstrate their mastery of the subject on paper as well as orally to an adult during the "challenge meetings" each week.
- Listed below are the 8 categories and the challenges within them.
Language Arts & Linguistics I
1. Name 20 verbs and use them in a sentence.
2. Name 15 adjectives and use them in a sentence.
3. Name 15 adverbs and use them in a sentence.
4. Name 15 prepositions and use them in a sentence.
5. Name 10 common nouns & 10 proper nouns and use them in a sentence.
6. Define a simple sentence.
7. Write 5 simple sentences.
8. Define a compound sentence.
9. Write 5 compound sentences.
10. Define a complex sentence.
11. Write 5 complex sentences.
12. State the three major parts of a well organized paragraph.
13. Name 10 famous authors and at least one important book that he/she wrote.
14. Define Newberry Medal and Caldecott Medal award honors. Read and take an AR test on at least one award-winning book.
15. Give 2 examples of each of alliteration, personification, simile, metaphor and onomatopoeia.
16. Use sign language and “sign” the alphabet. Be prepared to sign simple words.
17. Score 100% on the grade level 100 word spelling list.
18. Use a dictionary to define and give examples of guide words, syllabication, pronunciation and root words.
19. Give a 3 minute speech on a topic of your choice.
20. Write and recite a limerick.
21. Recite a poem of your choice and explain why you chose the poem.
22. Count to 20 in Spanish and spell each of the words correctly
23. Count to 20 in a language other than English or Spanish and spell each of the words correctly.
24. Use a thesaurus to look up 15 adjectives and words that might replace them in
your writing.
25. Write a book report on your favorite book.
Language Arts & Linguistics II
1. Name several subordinating conjunctions.
2. Define a compound-complex sentence.
3. Write 5 compound-complex sentences.
4. Write a well-organized, cohesive paragraph on a topic of your choice.
5. Write a descriptive paragraph.
6. Write a factual (expository) paragraph.
7. Write a persuasive paragraph.
8. Write a compare/contrast paragraph.
9. Write a narrative paragraph.
10. Write a summary paragraph.
11. State the four major parts of a theme/essay.
12. State the three major parts of an introductory paragraph. Write one.
13. State the three major parts of a concluding paragraph. Write one.
14. Write a 5-paragraph essay on a topic of your choice.
15. Write a friendly letter.
16. Write a thank you letter.
17. Write a business letter.
18. Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper on a topic of your choice.
19. Write a script for a newscast on a recent current event.
20. Write a script for a newscast on a historical event incorporating social studies content.
21. Write a script for a commercial to sell a product.
22. Write directions on how to make/create something.
23. Write interview questions that you could ask a character you have read about in a novel or textbook.
24. Write a script for a weather forecast incorporating science vocabulary words.
25. Write a script presenting your viewpoint for a debate on a topic of your choice.
Math
(Use the Saxon Math Reference Guide to study)
(Use the Saxon Math Reference Guide to study)
1. Draw the lines of symmetry for the capital letters of the alphabet.
2. Earn 100% in 4 minutes or less on the addition basic facts test.
3. Earn 100% in 4 minutes or less on the subtraction basic facts test.
4. Earn 100% in 4 minutes or less on the division basic facts test.
5. Earn 100% in 4 minutes or less on the uneven division basic facts test.
6. Earn 100% in 6 minutes on the multiplication basic facts test (2’s through 12’s).
7. Demonstrate how to calculate the perimeter and area of a square and a rectangle.
8. List or illustrate 10 different ways to make a dollar.
9. List the equivalent values for liquid measures (ounce through gallon – U.S. Customary)
10. List the equivalent values for measurements of length (inch through mile –
U. S. Customary) and weight (dram through ton – U.S. Customary).
11. List the equivalent values for measurements of time (seconds through
Millennium).
12. Name the perfect square numbers up to 225.
13. Name every prime number up to 100.
14. Write the Roman Numerals up to 100.
15. Build a square with all seven Tangram pieces and create 5 Tangram animals.
16. Using a list of coordinates, locate and plot the points on a graph (pick up the
list of coordinates at the Mastery Club box).
17. Calculate the perimeter and area of a triangle, and the volume of a
cube.
18. List all the possible outcomes for flipping a coin four times.
19. Name and draw six types of triangles (3 by side length and 3 by angle size).
20. Name and draw eight different polygons.
21. Earn 100% on the “Geometry Basics” test.
22. Earn 100% on the “Mathematical Vocabulary” test.
23. Define and give examples of the associative, distributive, commutative
properties.
24. Name 5 famous mathematicians and why they are famous.
25. Earn 100% on the metric lengths test.
Science
Level 1: Living Things
1. Name the five kingdoms of life and make a chart that includes a descriptionLevel 1: Living Things
and drawing of an example from each kingdom.
2. Describe Carolus Linnaeus' system of naming all living things; choose an
animal and list the 8 levels of classification
3. Name and illustrate five invertebrates. Describe what they have in common.
4. Name and illustrate five fish. Describe what they have in common.
5. Name and illustrate five amphibians. Describe what they have in common.
6. Name and illustrate five reptiles. Describe what they have in common.
7. Name and illustrate five birds. Describe what they have in common.
8. Name and illustrate five mammals. Describe what they have in common.
9. Research animal communication. Choose 3 animals and describe their special
ways of communicating.
Level 2: Ecology
10. Define a biome and either write a paragraph or draw a picture of five biomes
to demonstrate your knowledge of each.
11.Explain why scientists are worried about the rain forests. List three possible solutions to the problems.
12. Name three nocturnal predators and tell how they have adapted in order to prey on night creatures.
13. Draw and explain a diagram of a food chain.
14. Illustrate the water cycle.
15. List and explain five ways our land is polluted.
16. What is global warming and the green house effect? Explain & illustrate.
17. List ten ways you and your family can conserve energy.
Level 3: Earth and Space
18. Explain when & how scientists believe the earth was formed.
19. Name and illustrate the three types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic. Tell how each is formed.
20. How many minerals are there? Make a chart of 10 minerals; include a drawing and a sentence about how we use it.
21. Draw a picture of Pangaea. Label all the continents as they might have looked 200 million years ago.
22. What is a seismologist? Where do they predict the next earthquakes will be in our state? Draw those faults on a map.
23. Explore “gravity” at www.spaceplace.nasa.gov/en/kids/orbits2.shtml. Name 2 things that would happen to the stars and planets if gravity did not exist.
24. According to Albert Einstein, which has a more powerful gravity: a small planet or a large planet? Explain your answer.
25. Make a chart showing the differences between a star, a galaxy, a comet, a meteor, and a meteoroid. Include a drawing of each.
Social Studies
1. Name and label the 7 continents and 5 oceans on a world map.
2. Name 10 South American and Central American countries and label them on
a map.
3. Name 10 countries in Europe and label them on a map.
4. Name 10 countries in Africa and label them on a map.
5. Name 10 countries in Asia and 10 countries in the Middle East and label them
on a map.
6. Name 10 major bodies of water and 10 major world rivers and label them on a
world map
7. Name 10 large lakes in North America and label them on a map.
8. Name 10 major mountains or mountain ranges in the world and label them on a
map.
9. Name 10 large deserts of the world and label them on a world map.
10. Write the names of the 50 states on a map.
11. Name the state capitals on a list of the 50 states.
12. Name the 13 American Colonies and label them on a map.
13. Name 10 Native American tribes and label their geographical regions on a
map.
14. Name 10 Oregon Trail landmarks and label them on a map.
15. Name the state symbols of California and illustrate with a photo or drawing.
16. Name 8 European explorers and trace their routes on a world map.
17. Name 10 types of dwellings and illustrate them with a photo or a drawing
18. Name the Confederate States and the Union States during the American Civil
War and label them on a map.
19. Create a “certificate of recognition” for a historical figure; include information
explaining his/her importance to you, our country or the world.
20. Design a travel guide for a country you would like to visit. Include photos and
information about what a tourist could do there.
21. Make a map of a country you are interested in; include physical geography,
major cities, rivers, and other unique features.
22. Name the 1st-10th presidents in order and at least one thing he is famous for.
23. Name the 11th-20th presidents in order and at least one thing he is famous for.
24. Name the 21st - 30th presidents in order and at least one thing he is famous for.
25. Name the 31st - current presidents and at least one thing he is famous for.
Visual and Performing Arts
1. Build a color wheel and identify primary and complementary colors.
2. Name a famous artist from the 1600’s and identify artwork for which he/she is famous. Include a photo or illustration of the artwork.
3. Name a famous artist from the 1700’s and identify artwork for which he/she is famous. Include a photo or illustration of the artwork.
4. Name a famous artist from the 1800’s and identify artwork for which he/she is famous. Include a photo or illustration of the artwork.
5. Name a famous artist from the 1900’s and identify artwork for which he/she is famous. Include a photo or illustration of the artwork.
6. Name five famous art museums in the world and identify where each is located and a famous piece of art on display at each. Include the medium, artist, and time period for each piece of art.
7. Name 5 California art museums and identify: where the museum is located; who founded the museum; a famous piece of artwork on display at the museum; the medium of the artwork on display; the artist who created it; and the time period in which it was created.
8. Name 5 forms of medium and identify an artist who worked in that medium.
9. Name and describe 5 painting styles; also name an artist who is recognized for painting in each of these styles.
10. Create a piece of artwork in each of the styles from challenge #9.
11. Recreate a famous piece of artwork.
12. Recite a poem from one of your Language Arts themes this year.
13. Write an original poem from one of your Language Arts themes.
14. Create a scene from a book you’ve read (as art or by acting).
15. Identify ten musical instruments; include an illustration of each.
16. Identify ten musical composers and tell 5 facts about each.
17. Choose a famous choreographer to research. Report your findings.
18. Select a piece of music and create an original dance for it.
19. Draw a character from your favorite illustrator or author.
20. Make a chant from a math concept you have studied this year.
21. Create an original graphic on the computer; explain your work.
22. Identify 10 genres of music; include 5 famous artists from each genre.
23. Recite a famous monologue.
24. Paint or draw a landscape from the Delta area.
25. Make a 5-10 minute movie on a subject of your choice.
College and Career
1. Name the 10 campuses of the University of California.
2. Name the mascots of each of the University of California campuses.
3. Name a fact that you find interesting about each of the 10 University of California campuses.
4. What is the minimum grade requirement for attending a University of California campus?
5. What are the eligibility requirements for financial aid at any campus of the University of California?
6. Name the 23 campuses of the California State University system.
7. Name the mascots of each of the California State University campuses.
8. What are the minimum grade requirements for attending a California State University campus?
9. What are the eligibility requirements for financial aid at any California State University campus?
10. Both the University of California and the California State University systems use an “eligibility index” in their admission process. What is this?
11. What are the University of California/California State University a-g requirements?
12. Fill out a sample application for a University of California or California State University campus.
13. Name four community colleges in the Sacramento area.
14. Name five different student activities available at a University of California, California State University or community college campus.
15. Name a four-year college that is located in Stockton. What are the admission
requirements and procedures for this college?
16. Visit a college campus and write a one-page summary of what you learned.
17. Research a college major you may want to pursue and identify at least two colleges that have a program in this area.
18. Interview a college graduate. Write a 1-page summary of what you learned.
19. Create a presentation (could be power point) about the benefits of going to college.
20. Draw a picture of yourself at your dream college.
21. Do college graduates earn more? Research this topic and create a report.
22. Pick your favorite subject in school. Research what types of careers you could pursue if this was your college major.
23. Research a career that you may like to pursue and find out what education and experience you need to get there.
24. Write a one-page report on a career of your choice. Explain what the career is and why it may be a good fit for you.
25. Draw a picture of yourself in your dream career.
Local History /Geography/Miscellaneous
1. Research and write a brief history of the town of Courtland using at least three sources ofinformation (books, internet, interviews, etc.)
2. Research and write a brief history of the town of Locke using at least three sources of
information (books, internet, interviews, etc.)
3. Research and write a brief history of the town of Walnut Grove using at least three
sources of information (books, internet, interviews, etc.)
4. What is the significance of the book, Bitter Melon, to local history? Briefly describe one
person highlighted in the book.
5. Interview a local pear farmer or someone who works on a pear farm. What care does a pear
tree take each year to get it to produce fruit? Explain what happens to the fruit once it is
picked.
6. We live in the Sacramento Delta. Define a Delta and give 4 other examples of Deltas in
the world.
7. Pretend you are sailing on a raft starting at the Harbor Bridge in Sacramento to the San
Francisco Bay. Trace your route, naming the bridges & towns you will pass along the way.
8. Pick a local bridge, find out when it was built and draw it with as much detail as possible.
9. What’s the process for getting a large boat through the Walnut Grove or Courtland bridges?
10. Conduct an oral history of a person who has lived in the Delta for more than 40 years.
Ask a minimum of 5 questions, recording the responses using audio/visual media or a
written report.
11. Draw and write about some place or thing you know is “historic” near your school.
What role did it play in local history?
12. Interview a local working artist (someone who makes money from their visual or
performing art). Be sure to ask about their education, special training, workday routine,
source of inspiration, job satisfaction, and any other information you would like to know.
13. Research your family history. How did you end up of living here?
14. What is the official elevation of the town you live in? What does elevation mean and
how can it impact how someone lives?
15. We live in the Central Valley of California. List three reasons why this valley is a good
location for growing agricultural crops.
16. What is the North Delta Conservancy and what are its goals?
17. Draw 10 flags of nations that also use the colors red, white, and blue.
18. Give 10 rules of etiquette and demonstrate them.
19. Demonstrate how to tie and use a sailor’s knot.
20. Find the name and address of your local state legislator. Write them a letter about something
you think needs to be changed (current law, suggest new law, public safety issue, etc)
21. Memorize and recite the first part of Martin Luther King’s “I have a Dream” speech. (“I
still have…” ending with “…content of their character.”)
22. Research the platforms of at least 3 political parties in the United States. Which party do
you most agree with and why?
23. Develop a fire escape plan for your family including two ways to get out of each room,
designated meeting place, and a map of all the working smoke detectors in your home.
24. What is your favorite sport? Describe to an alien how to play the sport, explaining the
rules and giving examples of people who have excelled in it.
25. Memorize and sing the first verse of these 3 songs: Star Spangled Banner;
God Bless America; and America (“My country ‘tis of thee…”).
