Hello Everyone!
Machines and Technology!
We had a great week talking about technology! We have discussed the different simple machines, identified them in some common kitchen tools, and watched the Disney Imagineers video on Levers and Pulleys, which allowed us to see how simple machines are used when thinking about engineering challenges!
From a Social Studies perspective, we have been talking about how technology impacts us, how the use of technology is connected to so many aspects of our lives, and whether technology changes have been positive or negative in our lives. We watched an older animation called Paul Bunyan to talk about how technology improvements have a large impact, and how animation, perceptions of technology, and ways of doing things have changed over time. We will continue to read short books together to add to our discussion. Coming up next, each student will choose an area of technology and talk about how it has changed over time by constructing a timeline. We will also be doing research on the pros and cons of technology, such as video games, so we can have classroom debates!
From a Science perspective, we had fun putting Ms. D on a giant wooden lever in the classroom last week, which started our conversation about levers. By changing distance of the load to the fulcrum, we change the amount of effort needed to do the same kind of work. We looked at examples of first, second, and third class levers together. Then, on Wednesday, everyone was given a catapult construction challenge! Students worked in partners to construct a catapult and then launch marshmallows across the room. I challenged everyone to use the engineering design process during construction. The last step of this process is reflecting on what went well and what you would do differently next time. Perhaps next week we can create better catapults! Next week we will continue with experiments to learn about the power of simple machines, which will lead into creating a Rube Goldberg contraption!
Language Arts — Greek and Latin & TED Talks!
Everyone finished their TED talks using a five paragraph essay format, and today we began presenting them to the class. Thank you to the brave risk-takers who went first! While we presented, we learned how to give positive feedback and practiced the art of constructive criticism, and we practiced being excellent audience members. The talks are quite interesting and persuasive!
We have also been working on Green and Latin beginnings and endings. In our journals, we are creating made-up words to describe a new monster, an invented phobia, a magical spell, and more. As we become more familiar with the beginnings and endings, we are also starting to recognize them when we encounter new words and need to understand their meanings.
Math!
On Monday, we will have a quiz for our first unit. The quiz will have different levels of math, and you are welcome to try all of them. I will indicate for you which parts apply to your grade level of math understanding so you can make sure to show your knowledge. Please review these things from unit one. We went over the complete list in class and you wrote it in your binder. Hopefully you took the binder home to review as I asked you to for the weekend!:
- Basic fractions and knowing the difference between the numerator and denominator,
- Knowing place values of decimals (tenths, hundredths, thousandths)
- Adding and subtracting decimals without a calculator
- Multiplying simple decimals or more complicated decimals without a calculator
- Making a decimal from a fraction; fraction from a decimal
- Probability fractions and words
- Graphs and data collection
- Median, Mode, Mean
- Higher Level: Finding percentages from a decimal, Adding and subtracting fractions with the same denominator, changing a mixed number into an improper fraction and vice versa, simplifying fractions
We will close the surveys Friday and finish that project next week. Please bring a stuffie on Monday to begin our next math unit. If you were missing any math assignments, please get them in as soon as possible. Ms. D went over what you were missing today in class.
Art:
Thank you to everyone for making lovely mandala rocks with our special tools and acrylic paint! If you want to make more, please find additional rocks and I can make the tools available to you during a free choice time. Our next activity involves SUMI art with Chinese ink! Plus, we will continue our great discussions about creative thinking, not only in art, but in engineering design and technology, as well.
French:
Some of you still need to complete French-Games.net quizzes, and due to time, I am allowing you to do them at home. Please report to me your scores afterwards. On Tuesday, we will begin doing quizzes on French. You need to be able to say your ABCs, say your numbers 1-20, and recall human body words in French.
French Immersion students will be asked next week to come up with a writing topic about either a French holiday tradition or something about French culture. You will write five paragraphs about this topic and present to one another in our smaller French Club of past Immersion students in our class. Thank you for doing the writing summaries from the French magazines and texts I provided the last two weeks! I will look for those in your journal.
Holiday Fun!
On our last day of school before the break, we will have pajamas all day and a pancake breakfast! Yum!
We have a student committee planning a holiday activity/party for the last day, too! And, everyone voted to have a Secret Santa and White Elephant activity, so more details coming on how this is done.
During December, we will be doing the Hour of Code, several tech experiments, and some maker activities to decorate our class tree or to give as gifts to others for this festive season. I look forward to all of the festive fun!!
Have a great weekend!
Kindly,
Ms. D
