This week, we waved goodbye to long division and said hello to the exciting world of algebra! Algebra is like solving puzzles where everything is about equality. We learned that knowing our basic facts, like those we practice in Xtra Math, makes solving algebra problems much easier. Algebra involves understanding problem-solving and using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Keep practicing those basic facts, and you’ll be an algebra whiz in no time!  Our ADST Petting Zoo projects are completed!  On Friday we added our final touches and then showcased them to each other and provided some feedback for each group as we viewed them.  After looking at the feedback you received from your classmates, you did a self assessment and reflected on not only the physical project, but also the collaboration skills needed to be successful.

We started reading our class novel, Out of My Mind, and it’s been quite intense! We’ve met the main character, Melody, who has cerebral palsy and cannot walk or talk. The story is told from inside Melody’s mind, and we are beginning to see how intelligent she is and how much she understands about the world around her, even though others can’t tell.

We had fun exploring the author’s use of idioms, alliteration, similes, and personification:

• Idioms: “It’s raining cats and dogs.”
• Alliteration: “Melody’s mind makes marvelous music.”
• Similes: “Her thoughts are like butterflies, fluttering around.”
• Personification: “The wind whispered secrets to the trees.”

In Science, we continued our journey into the world of rocks and minerals. This week, we learned about how we use rocks and minerals in our everyday lives. We explored extracting (taking minerals out of the earth) and refining (processing minerals to make them usable).

We discussed different types of mining and methods of refining. We also talked about the benefits and negatives of the mining industry. It’s amazing how much we rely on rocks and minerals! Understanding how rocks and minerals are extracted and refined also led us into some discussions about the pollution and damage to vegetation and habitats it can cause. These discussions were only made more clear during our workshop this week, “Climate Cool”.

Our Travel Tour Guide training has begun… with research!  Most of you had completed the “Vital Statistics” of the African country you’re learning about and compared your notes with the rest of your group. Once everyone had the information, you were able to get started on one of the topics you chose to research.  It was great to see the excitement as you began looking up specific areas about your country.  Have you been surprised by anything yet? You have taken your note taking package home for the weekend.  Please try to get at least the first two pages of your note-taking package finished by Thursday.  We have the library computers booked on Thursday afternoon to continue our research.

On Monday, we took part in an engaging in-class workshop as part of the Climate Cool Challenge currently running in British Columbia. The workshop helped us deepen our understanding of climate change and the importance of taking action to protect our planet. Through some videos and meaningful discussions, we learned how everyday choices can impact the environment. Our class has now been invited to take part in the month-long challenge, where we’ll be working together to reduce CO₂ emissions through small but powerful actions at school and at home. We’re excited to do our part and be climate champions! Everything you need to share with your parents about the challenge and great ideas for how to make a difference in your family is available to view in TEAMS.  DON’T FORGET, you can record any of your actions on PAGE 2 if you want to participate in the contest. We will hand in any completed challenges the first week of May.

Your Blog Response for this weekend is:

Activity 1.1 in the climate cool challenge involves some research and thinking about how to be “Car Smart”. Answer the questions directly into the word document you will find attached to this weeks Blog Response in our TEAM.