Rollings' Pirates in Action
What's new in our community?
Surviving in the Southwest
This week we've explored the very different region of the Southwest Native Americans. Using Google Earth, coordinate grids (our focus this week) we were able to view satelite images of how vastly this region differs from our the Northwest Coast region we investigated last week! Students make quick connections to the resources available, how they would have to adapt to this environment, and how these adaptations helped shape American culture. We are integrating this information with our biome brochure research, by using informational texts to help us understand the plants, animals, and adaptations made by various groups of organisms in order to survive. How do the plants, animals, and people in each region survive? Last week, our class enjoyed a special visitor who shared some fascinating native artifacts that the kids were able to use to make qualitative and quantitative observations. If you haven't yet, take a minute to check out the iMovie! You might need to copy and paste into your browser)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHzs-A7Mo7g&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Southwest Native American Stations
Kachina Mask
A cultural practice of the Southwest Native Americans
Survival Mode
How did the Southwest Natives adapt to their environment?
Technology
Using technology to document qualitative and quantitative observations of arrowheads used by Native Americans.
Upcoming Assessments -
Math - our graphing assessment will be Friday, covering all graphing concepts we've explored through hands on data collection and analysis opportunities. They have taken notes and glued in graph examples they have created collaboratively and independently. Students have also been given access to a great on-line review tool they use daily: www.ixl.com/ With the username and password (which is also included on Edmodo) they are welcome to review and prepare for upcoming assessments! For the upcoming assessment, they know to look under the heading "understanding graphs, charts, tables" & "coordinate grids" to help them prepare.
Social Studies/Science - We continue to work on our Native Biome Brochures, however, I do like to "check in" on students on this journey to reduce the chance of misconceptions. I will check for understanding of the Southwest and Northwest Coast regions on Thursday. Students will be asked to create a Venn Diagram to compare and contrast the shelter, adaptations, and cultural practices. We will also have a check towards the beginning of next week (please check agenda for specific dates) about the classification of plants and animals. Your child has been taking notes throughout the biome brochure research project that should be reviewed frequently! Also, I've included lots of good review sites, videos, and organizers on Edmodo to help your child prepare both during and after the school day.
ELA - We continue to use informational text features to help us be more "aware" readers. If you haven't already, please ask your child about the articles they are reading and responding to for homework. These integrate with science and include beautiful pictures that the kids really enjoy learning from!
V.I.D's (very important dates)
Thursday, September 20th - MAP'sELA (final fall test date)
Friday, September 28th - Field Trip (Schiele Museum) $11.00 per student
Tuesday, October 2nd - Pictures (information sent home today in Wednesday Folder!)
Wednesday, October 10 - Late Start
November 7th - Fourth Grade Swimming Begins (more to come on this later).
Wednesday, November 14th - Late Start
Wednesday, February 6th - Late Start
Friday, February 8th - Field Trip (Classic Play Production - Charlotte, NC)
Wednesday, March 13th - Late Start
Wednesday, April 24th - Late Start
Contact:
Email: hrolling@rhmail.org
Website: http://www.rollingspiratesinaction.blogspot.com
Location: 2068 India Hook Road, Rock Hill, SC
Phone: 803.985.1600