SCIENCE
We finished up our Chemical Tests unit with a special agriculture lesson with Mr. Kidd. We met in the faculty lounge and learned about how chemical reactions occur when making pickles! We read, discussed, created "virtual pickles," and then watched as Mr. Kidd actually made pickles...we saw the chemical reaction right before our eyes. Our pickles have been in the refrigerator for a week and we will get to try them this coming week! Take a peek....
MATH
This past week we worked with measurement...all sorts of measurement! We're measuring objects to the nearest 1/4 inch, we're using balance scales to measure the mass of objects in grams and kilograms, and we began the discussion of liquid capacity...we will do some actual measuring of liquids this coming week using milliliters and liters.
LANGUAGE ARTS
I am really enjoying reading The Borrowers with your kids!! Our discussions are awesome...the kids are working really hard using evidence when supporting their thinking vs. using speculation. That's a really hard mindset to work against. They have such amazing imaginations...so they have to be pushed to go back into the text and find something to prove their thinking...not what they think the characters might be thinking! I work with groups of six or seven at a time, so I'm able to really see their understanding...while I'm working with groups the others are either Reading for Stamina, completing a Reader's Response, or reading Social Studies texts and answering comprehension questions...things like that. It is my goal to get finished with the book in the next week...may be tough, but that's our goal!
SOCIAL STUDIES
So we are headed into a new unit that focuses on cultures around the world, immigration, and government. This will all lead into our Biography unit where we all will pick a person who has made a positive impact on our country...but we have a ways to go before we get to that point! Keep your eyes out for a project about your family's culture...I know what you're thinking...another project? You were fairly lucky to escape "at home" projects the first half of the year...now two in a row...SORRY!! They will have almost a month to complete this project... and it will be assigned this week.
SCIENCE FAIR
Speaking of projects...your kids hit it OUT OF THE PARK!! WOW!! WOW!! Their projects were amazing...and they did such a fantastic job sharing them with us. Now I want to share them with you!
BYOD
Well...the first three days went fairly well...a few snags, but its a learning curve and we are learning together. I would like your kids to keep bringing their devices daily if that works for you. I completely respect if you change your mind and I will make sure your child has a device to use. This past week the kids worked on two different Google Classroom assignments, one of which involved two video clips. I'm pleased to say they all worked! We did find a few different sites that will not work on some devices, so we're working around those. Feel free to send me an email if you have any further questions.
Have a great week!!
