News from Room 305
February 5, 2016
Supplies Needed
Mrs. Taylor, the art teacher, is in need of toilet paper and paper towel tubes for a future art project.
Valentine Party Feb. 10
Thanks for your donations to United Way!
Scholastic Book Fair Hours
Friday, 2/5 6:30-8:30pm
Monday, 2/8 1:00-6:00 pm
Tuesday, 2/9 2:00-8:00pm
Wednesday, 2/10 1:00-6:00pm
Thursday, 2/11 2:00-8:00 pm.
Math
Students used fraction tiles and pictures to find common denominators to add and subtract fractions. They began noticing the multiplication relationship between equivalent fractions, which will help them next week when using the algorithm. On Friday, students uses the benchmark fractions (0, 1/2, 1) to estimate sums and differences. For example, 5/6 is only one piece away from a whole, and 3/8 is only one piece away from a half, so 5/6 + 3/8 is not quite 1 1/2.
If your child has not yet achieved 100% multiplication/division fact fluency, please have him/her continue to use Reflex Math nightly.
E/LA & Social Studies
The class also learned about the Monroe Doctrine and Andrew Jackson. Today, we touched on the Trail of Tears.
Students evaluated samples of summaries from last year's students. They defended the grade they assigned to each. On Friday, students used the summary rubric to evaluate their summary pretest and justified the grade they gave themselves. Then students conferred with me to see if I agreed and we did! I love the reflective learners that they have become!
Science
Students investigated the force of buoyancy this week. Partners were challenged to take the same piece of clay and make it sink and float. They had to use the entire piece of clay both times, so its mass stayed the same. At first this proved to be quite a challenge. Some groups even had to get a new piece of clay, as theirs had become water-logged. But soon cheers from one group to the next erupted from the testing area. It was awesome to see the teamwork demonstrated between groups so all could be successful.
Later in the week, students researched the science definition of work and how to calculate it. After which, partners designed a task that involved work and calculated it.
On Friday, students went on a simple machine scavenger hunt in both our room and virtually using the EdHeads site. Next week, students will investigate how simple machines make work easier.
Next Week's Specials' Calendar
Tuesday, Feb. 9 - Day 1: Music
Wednesday, Feb. 10 - Day 2: PE
Thursday, Feb. 11 - Day 0: Early Release
Friday, Feb. 12 - No School
Upcoming Events:
February
2/8 through 2/11 Scholastic Book fair
2/9-Parent/Teacher Conferences, afternoon
2/10-Valentine Parties, 2:05-2:40 pm
2/11 All Pro Dads 7:10 AM - LGIR
2/11-Early Release, 12:50 Parent/Teacher Conferences
2/12- NO SCHOOL
2/15- NO SCHOOL- President’s Day
2/18-Papa John’s Night
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Contact Information:
(816)736-5600 x.2637