Author: Marsha Mimnaugh

Students in grades 3–5 at Mosaic Digital Academy recently participated in a dynamic and hands-on Live Day, filled with engaging math and science activities designed to spark curiosity and deepen understanding. In math, students explored multiplication and division concepts using Smarties candies. This sweet and strategic activity, aligned with Florida’s B.E.S.T. math standards, allowed learners to visualize and manipulate groups and arrays in a fun, tactile way. The colorful candies helped students make real-world connections to abstract mathematical operations. Science investigations were equally captivating. Third-grade students tackled the question: Can paper overcome gravity? Through experimentation, they compared how different forms … Read More

On Saturday, March 1st, 5th graders from Mosaic Digital Academy attended “Saturday with a Scientist” at Indian River State College, engaging in hands-on activities that brought their virtual science lessons to life. Students explored ocean acidification, seeing firsthand how CO2 affects pH and marine life. They extracted DNA from strawberries using simple materials, gaining insight into cell structure and genetics. A planetarium show deepened their understanding of space, while a visit to the robotics lab allowed them to control a robotic dog, exploring forces, motion, and technology. The event provided an exciting and immersive experience, strengthening students’ scientific knowledge and … Read More

In anticipation of “Celebrate Literacy Week” starting January 27th, Mosaic Digital Academy K-5 students visited their local public library to explore the plethora of free resources available to them. The Paula A. Lewis Library, part of the St. Lucie County Library system, introduced students to a diverse range of books, digital resources, and engaging activities including STEM, multimedia, and bilingual programs.  All students were provided a library card and were able to check out up to 50 items at a time! Having access to free books and reading materials tailored to various reading levels is a critical component of developing … Read More

Mosaic Digital Academy students in grades 5-8 enjoyed a cross-curricular field trip to the St. Lucie County Regional History Center and St. Lucie County Aquarium. Visiting the past through the eyes of explorers, settlers, and industrialists, students traveled back in time to the turn of the century. A deeper understanding of the industries that helped shape St. Lucie County, such as fishing, pineapple plantations, cattle, and citrus gave students a better understanding of our county’s unique history. Students returned to the present as they explored the Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibits at the St. Lucie County Aquarium. Here, they encountered living … Read More

Mosaic Digital Academy K-5 students thrived during their first “Live Day” of the year. Live Days consist of student-centered, hands-on learning opportunities that are in-person, giving students valuable opportunities to explore Math, ELA, and Science alongside their peers. Students in Mrs. Mimnaugh’s math classes engaged in standards-based problem-solving activities using Hands 2 Mind math manipulatives. Working collaboratively, students demonstrated productive struggle as they took ownership of grappling with math problems to find a solution. Students in Mrs. Lankow’s Kindergarten – 2nd-grade classes used UFLI magnetic letter boards to practice letter blending and word recognition, while Mrs. Schwenger’s students in grades 3-5 … Read More

Mosaic Digital Academy students in grades K-5 met St. Lucie’s backyard wildlife during a fun and interactive journey through the Oxbow Eco-center Preserve. Students compared local native, exotic, and invasive plants and animals, learning how they interact within our Florida ecosystems. By collecting data through hands-on exploration, students determined the status of the Oxbow Preserve’s flora and fauna as friend or foe. Solution oriented discussions gave students an opportunity to think deeply about how they can protect this fragile ecosystem they call home for the future.

Mosaic Digital Academy’s elementary students explored mixtures of solids and multiplication through hands-on activities during the Elementary September Park Meet-up. Students enrolled in this virtual platform have multiple opportunities throughout the year to meet up with their peers to socialize and collaborate through standards-based learning. September’s theme was “Fall-icious”. Students used pumpkin seeds to create patterns and structures to help them understand mathematical concepts. Building arrays allowed them to relate multiplication and division by manipulating the pumpkin seeds in a variety of ways. Students then solved multiplication equations to create a recipe for a “Fall-icious” treat. Following their recipes, students … Read More

On Friday, February 23rd, Mosaic Digital Academy elementary students took a “Trip Through Space” in the Hallstrom Planetarium at IRSC. Professor Jon Bell led students through our solar system and beyond, giving them the opportunity to learn about the sun, moon, and planets; understand black holes and how stars are formed; and explore the Milky Way. Students even had the opportunity to hold a 26-pound space rock!

Mosaic Digital Academy students in grades K-5 learned all about manatees at the Manatee Observation and Education Center in Fort Pierce. The outdoor classroom provided students with an in-depth look into the lives of these marine mammals, an important part of Florida’s diverse aquatic ecosystems. Hands-on exploration of the tide pool touch tank gave students the opportunity to come face to face with sea urchins, sea cucumbers, hermit crabs, and more! Students were able to gain an understanding of the impacts that threaten the endangered Florida manatee and its habitat and identified ways to play their part in saving our … Read More

Mosaic Digital Academy students in grades k-5 explored living models of Florida marine and estuarine ecosystems while learning about the importance and intricacies of each including coral reefs, seagrass, mangrove, lagoon hardbottom, and nearshore reef habitats at the St. Lucie County Aquarium. Students were also afforded the opportunity to get a glimpse at the foundation of our community, from our earliest known residents, the Ais Indians to the Creek and later the Seminoles. Students also traced the rise of the fishing industry and the failed efforts at making us the “Pineapple Capital of the World”.

5th grade teacher at Mosaic Digital Academy, Marsha Mimnaugh, and Earth Space Science & AP Environmental instructor at Port St. Lucie High, Michael Mimnaugh, have been selected from a pool of nationwide applicants to attend “G-Camp” this summer through Texas A&M’s Geology and Geophysics department. G-Camp is a 14-day field camp for 5th – 12th grade science teachers that provides first-hand experience with the principles of Geology in the field. Aligned with NGSSS standards required for grades 5-12, Mr. and Mrs. Mimnaugh will collaborate with other teachers to develop new curriculum materials and virtual fieldtrips for their classrooms.  During the … Read More