What We Did the Week of June 4th
In Science: We read passages from our Science Coach and answered questions to help us review concepts. We finished the Coach book. We took practice tests on the overhead on Matter and Conservation and Weather to prepare for the Science EOG. We rotated to stations to take practice tests for each unit over three days. They completed close to 200 problems.
In Math: We worked on Line Plots heavily. We also took a test on measurement. We started taking master review notes and are knee-deep in a concentrated review of all skills. We finished up the second practice test in the Ready book.
In Science: We read passages from our Science Coach and answered questions to help us review concepts. We finished the Coach book. We took practice tests on the overhead on Matter and Conservation and Weather to prepare for the Science EOG. We rotated to stations to take practice tests for each unit over three days. They completed close to 200 problems.
In Math: We worked on Line Plots heavily. We also took a test on measurement. We started taking master review notes and are knee-deep in a concentrated review of all skills. We finished up the second practice test in the Ready book.
What We Did the Week of April 28th
In Science: We read passages from our Science Coach and answered questions to help us review concepts. We took practice tests on the overhead on Ecosystems, Weather, Heat Transfer, Genetics, Living Systems and Forces to prepare for the Science EOG.
In Math: We worked on converting measurement with metric and standard especially with decimals using distance, weight and volume. We took an open notes measurement quiz and worked through over 30 review problems in the Ready book. We also did a daily warm-up reviewing division and multiplication.
In Science: We read passages from our Science Coach and answered questions to help us review concepts. We took practice tests on the overhead on Ecosystems, Weather, Heat Transfer, Genetics, Living Systems and Forces to prepare for the Science EOG.
In Math: We worked on converting measurement with metric and standard especially with decimals using distance, weight and volume. We took an open notes measurement quiz and worked through over 30 review problems in the Ready book. We also did a daily warm-up reviewing division and multiplication.
What We Did the Week of April 21st
In Science: We read passages from our Science Coach and answered questions to help us review concepts. We played bingo and took a unit test at the end of the week.
In Math: We met twice daily and did nine focused skills: division of whole and decimals, powers of ten, multiplying whole and decimal, word problems with multiplying, adding and subtracting fractions, identifying fractions as division problems, multiplying and dividing fractions, word problems with multiplying and dividing and order of operations. We also took a big test on all the skills.
In Science: We read passages from our Science Coach and answered questions to help us review concepts. We played bingo and took a unit test at the end of the week.
In Math: We met twice daily and did nine focused skills: division of whole and decimals, powers of ten, multiplying whole and decimal, word problems with multiplying, adding and subtracting fractions, identifying fractions as division problems, multiplying and dividing fractions, word problems with multiplying and dividing and order of operations. We also took a big test on all the skills.
What We Did the Week of April 14th
In Science: We took notes on the three pollutants: acid rain, manure/fertilizer, and rock salt. We tested the pH of various water environments and learned about acids and bases. We did a review test for the whole year as teams. We took a practice test for Ecosystems at the end of the week.
In Writing: We worked on our partner stories in google documents.
In Math: We finished up volume with decomposing figures. We started in on conversions with practicing metric and standard with distance. We also did some review with our warm-ups.
In Science: We took notes on the three pollutants: acid rain, manure/fertilizer, and rock salt. We tested the pH of various water environments and learned about acids and bases. We did a review test for the whole year as teams. We took a practice test for Ecosystems at the end of the week.
In Writing: We worked on our partner stories in google documents.
In Math: We finished up volume with decomposing figures. We started in on conversions with practicing metric and standard with distance. We also did some review with our warm-ups.
What We Did the Week of May 7th
In Science: We continued our observations of our ecolcolumns and also set up a banana/yeast experiment. We read a comic book about ecosytems and took notes on the factual information. We started taking notes on the three pollutants by writing down details about acid rain.
In Writing: We finished our Strange Sentences, brainstormed our partner stories for the googledocs assignment, and started writing on the Chromebooks.
In Math: We finished up practice with fraction word problems. We worked with volume and did a stations activity where we measured volume with cubes, packing peanuts, and rulers. We also looked at two different popcorn receptacles and found out which one held more popcorn. We took two quizzes on volume, and they did well.
In Science: We continued our observations of our ecolcolumns and also set up a banana/yeast experiment. We read a comic book about ecosytems and took notes on the factual information. We started taking notes on the three pollutants by writing down details about acid rain.
In Writing: We finished our Strange Sentences, brainstormed our partner stories for the googledocs assignment, and started writing on the Chromebooks.
In Math: We finished up practice with fraction word problems. We worked with volume and did a stations activity where we measured volume with cubes, packing peanuts, and rulers. We also looked at two different popcorn receptacles and found out which one held more popcorn. We took two quizzes on volume, and they did well.
What We Did the Week of April 30th
In Science: We designed zoos based on a food pyramid. We read about decomposers and created a top ten list of facts. We also persuaded a planet not to get rid of their mold, bacteria, and yeast. We introduced our critters into our ecocolumn. We took a mini-quiz and a regular quiz. We read about Gambusia and did an observation of these interesting fish.
In Writing: We finished our Rising Action stories. We brainstormed Strange Sentences with dice and picked one to craft a short story with.
In Math: We worked extensively on analyzing fraction word problems to figure out what skill to use and if they were multi-step.
In Science: We designed zoos based on a food pyramid. We read about decomposers and created a top ten list of facts. We also persuaded a planet not to get rid of their mold, bacteria, and yeast. We introduced our critters into our ecocolumn. We took a mini-quiz and a regular quiz. We read about Gambusia and did an observation of these interesting fish.
In Writing: We finished our Rising Action stories. We brainstormed Strange Sentences with dice and picked one to craft a short story with.
In Math: We worked extensively on analyzing fraction word problems to figure out what skill to use and if they were multi-step.
What We Did the Week of April 23rd
In Science: We looked at terrestrial and aquatic environments and built background for our river ecocolumn. We created our ecocolumns and planted our producers. We took notes on waterways and niches. We created a biomes poster and started work on understanding food chains and food pyramids.
In Writing: We worked on a Rising Action story. We filled out a graphic organizer to help guide our story. We wrote the first three scenes and will move into the climax and resolution next week.
In Math: We reviewed how to multiply, divide, add and subtract fractions in isolation. We also fashioned word problems for two types of fraction problems. Our focus over the next few weeks will be decoding fraction word problems and deciding what skill to use. They know how to do the skills in isolation and are excellent. Now they need to get very good with identifying the skill in a word problem. Please monitor their homework with this, especially their Throwback Thursday.
In Science: We looked at terrestrial and aquatic environments and built background for our river ecocolumn. We created our ecocolumns and planted our producers. We took notes on waterways and niches. We created a biomes poster and started work on understanding food chains and food pyramids.
In Writing: We worked on a Rising Action story. We filled out a graphic organizer to help guide our story. We wrote the first three scenes and will move into the climax and resolution next week.
In Math: We reviewed how to multiply, divide, add and subtract fractions in isolation. We also fashioned word problems for two types of fraction problems. Our focus over the next few weeks will be decoding fraction word problems and deciding what skill to use. They know how to do the skills in isolation and are excellent. Now they need to get very good with identifying the skill in a word problem. Please monitor their homework with this, especially their Throwback Thursday.
What We Did the Week of March 12th
In Science: We read a graphic novel introducing Ecosystems. We took notes on the basic concepts and highlighted a vocabulary list. We started working on an Alien Worlds poster project that will demonstrate their knowledge of Biotic and Abiotic factors.
Writing: We continued work on our Monster Pals piece. We worked on Scenes 2-5. We will finish up Scene 6 in the first part of next week.
In Math: We practiced the improper technique of multiplying mixed numbers. We did multiplying fractions within word problems. We also took 3 quizzes throughout the week. We solved area problems given the lengths and widths as mixed numbers as well. They are very good at these skills and really took on partner work with good focus this week.
What We Did the Week of March 5th
In Science: We played over 12 rounds of bingo to practice the concepts of the weather and heat transfer unit. We took a practice test with a partner and a practice test solo. We also took our big unit test.
Writing: We began work on our Monster Pals writing. They designed their monster pal and filled out a bio page that helped them generate ideas for their story. They wrote scenes 1 and 2.
In Math: We worked on fraction times a fraction and a fraction times a whole number. They took two quizzes with these skills and did well. We also did area models of a fraction times a fraction. We worked on whole number times a mixed number, showing them how to decompose a mixed number to solve it and how to make it improper to solve it. They took a final quiz on adding and subtracting unlike denominators in word problems.
What We Did the Week of February 26th
In Science: We finished up some remaining weather notes, took a quiz on warm fronts, water cycle and a variety of other skills, and started on our heat transfer mini-unit. We took notes on heat transfer and watched three short videos. We also acted out convection, conduction, and radiation using a lighter and marshmallows. They enjoyed that. We began playing review bingo for the whole unit.
Writing: We finished our Quest story and got a chance to share a scene from it in a small group. We also looked at modern ways Titles are written in books, movies, television shows, songs and poems.
In Math: They impress me greatly with how well they are doing on adding and subtracting unlike denominators. We moved into doing world problems with these skills and they had fun making their own as well as making a class set in a Power Point to send to Ms. Valentine’s class. We took two quizzes with word problems and a final quiz with unlike denominators that were not word problems.
What We Did the Week of February 19th
In Science: We made diagrams of sea and land breezes, mountain and valley breezes, and found out that bodies of water cause milder temperatures when they are next to a city. We studied the water cycle with our notes, reading a selection and taking notes and then acting it out with a water cycle relay. We also took a quiz.
Writing: We worked on Kingdoms 2 and 3 in our quest story. We focused on expanding word choice with using word windows and thesauruses. We also swapped out other phrases for suddenly.
In Math: We worked extensively with adding and subtracting unlike denominators, with a big focus of getting improper answers when adding and regrouping when subtracting. We also took three short quizzes that they did well with.
In Science: We made diagrams of sea and land breezes, mountain and valley breezes, and found out that bodies of water cause milder temperatures when they are next to a city. We studied the water cycle with our notes, reading a selection and taking notes and then acting it out with a water cycle relay. We also took a quiz.
Writing: We worked on Kingdoms 2 and 3 in our quest story. We focused on expanding word choice with using word windows and thesauruses. We also swapped out other phrases for suddenly.
In Math: We worked extensively with adding and subtracting unlike denominators, with a big focus of getting improper answers when adding and regrouping when subtracting. We also took three short quizzes that they did well with.
What We Did the Week of February 12th
In Science: We created a flow chart diagram that helped them understand weather factors. We studied the various fronts and acted out warm, cold, and occluded fronts. We focused on the jet stream and took expansive notes with it based on four quick videos. We studies global patterns with a focus on El Niňo and La Niňa.
Writing: We created quest maps to drive our story plot points and then started on our fantasy story. They worked on their intro and their visit to their first kingdom. We generated a list of words to use instead of suddenly and continued to work with thesauruses to expand our vocabulary variety.
In Math: We spent a day practicing simplifying and converting improper to mixed. We also took a quiz on these skills. We practice adding like denominators and getting an improper answer. We also practiced subtracting like denominators where we had to regroup. We then jumped into adding and subtracting unlike denominators, a big skill in fifth grade, and they did so well with understanding the complexity of it. We did lots of practice with this skill on Thursday and Friday and will be continuing with it next week.
In Science: We created a flow chart diagram that helped them understand weather factors. We studied the various fronts and acted out warm, cold, and occluded fronts. We focused on the jet stream and took expansive notes with it based on four quick videos. We studies global patterns with a focus on El Niňo and La Niňa.
Writing: We created quest maps to drive our story plot points and then started on our fantasy story. They worked on their intro and their visit to their first kingdom. We generated a list of words to use instead of suddenly and continued to work with thesauruses to expand our vocabulary variety.
In Math: We spent a day practicing simplifying and converting improper to mixed. We also took a quiz on these skills. We practice adding like denominators and getting an improper answer. We also practiced subtracting like denominators where we had to regroup. We then jumped into adding and subtracting unlike denominators, a big skill in fifth grade, and they did so well with understanding the complexity of it. We did lots of practice with this skill on Thursday and Friday and will be continuing with it next week.
What We Did the Week of February 5th
In Science: We finished recording our forecasts and watched both classes. We read about hurricanes and global weather events. We set up our weather station outside and began regular daily observations. We took a closer look at air pressure and how air travels from areas of high to low areas with an egg in a bottle demo.
Writing: We finished up our Tiny Trouble stories and spent a day with a partner to fine tune our editing and revising. We also began work on our Kingdom story by working on a map that features the key settings, people, and objects.
In Math: We did a good deal of practice with simplifying. We also worked on converting improper fractions to mixed and started work on converting mixed to improper. We practiced GCF and LCM throughout the week in mini-sessions and took a quiz on fractions as division and then a quiz on simplifying.
In Science: We finished recording our forecasts and watched both classes. We read about hurricanes and global weather events. We set up our weather station outside and began regular daily observations. We took a closer look at air pressure and how air travels from areas of high to low areas with an egg in a bottle demo.
Writing: We finished up our Tiny Trouble stories and spent a day with a partner to fine tune our editing and revising. We also began work on our Kingdom story by working on a map that features the key settings, people, and objects.
In Math: We did a good deal of practice with simplifying. We also worked on converting improper fractions to mixed and started work on converting mixed to improper. We practiced GCF and LCM throughout the week in mini-sessions and took a quiz on fractions as division and then a quiz on simplifying.
What We Did the Week of January 29th
In Science: We hopped to four planets and made 16 observations in order to identify their climates. We labeled a map of the US with the general weather patterns that occur across it. We took a quiz on clouds, air pressure and the layers of the atmosphere. We set up our forecast maps and presented our weather reports as if we were meteorologists.
Writing: We finished up our invasion story and started on a Tiny Trouble story. This shrinking piece had them work in a flashback, appositives, dialogue, and progress their character through a variety of settings with their own set of perils.
In Math: We worked with treating fractions as division problems. We also started number line and area models of adding and subtracting unlike denominators.
In Science: We hopped to four planets and made 16 observations in order to identify their climates. We labeled a map of the US with the general weather patterns that occur across it. We took a quiz on clouds, air pressure and the layers of the atmosphere. We set up our forecast maps and presented our weather reports as if we were meteorologists.
Writing: We finished up our invasion story and started on a Tiny Trouble story. This shrinking piece had them work in a flashback, appositives, dialogue, and progress their character through a variety of settings with their own set of perils.
In Math: We worked with treating fractions as division problems. We also started number line and area models of adding and subtracting unlike denominators.
What We Did the Week of January 22nd
In Science: We learned about the layers of the atmosphere and acted them out with towels and oxygen and nitrogen molecules. We learned about clouds and how to identify them. We started cloud observations. We also learned about the difference between weather and climate.
Writing: We worked on a small town invasion story with our Day of assignment. We infused our stories with appositives as a quick way to establish character details.
In Math: We reviewed polygons and took a partner quiz on Geometry. We spent time with numerical patterns and related sequences so that we could generate double line graphs using charts. We also started in on simplifying fractions by practicing factors and constructing factor trees. We checked over the Winter Packet and identified two skills each students needs to keep working on.
What We Did the Week of December 11th
In Science: We played Bingo to prepare for a unit test. We created a cell model with candy. We took a unit test and also the pre-test for our upcoming Weather unit for next semester.
Writing: We worked all week on our Closet Creature story, which features more practice with dialogue and description. We also learned the best way to use a thesaurus and started swapping in thesaurus words into our pieces.
In Math: We took another Order of Operations quiz. We started our Polygons unit with extensive notes. We sorted polygons and played a polygon capture game. We also started working on arranging the shapes into a hierarchy.
In Science: We played Bingo to prepare for a unit test. We created a cell model with candy. We took a unit test and also the pre-test for our upcoming Weather unit for next semester.
Writing: We worked all week on our Closet Creature story, which features more practice with dialogue and description. We also learned the best way to use a thesaurus and started swapping in thesaurus words into our pieces.
In Math: We took another Order of Operations quiz. We started our Polygons unit with extensive notes. We sorted polygons and played a polygon capture game. We also started working on arranging the shapes into a hierarchy.
What We Did the Week of December 4th
In Science: took a practice test on Bones and the Circulatory System. We played bingo to review concepts for the unit test. We also took a small post test for the unit.
Writing: We turned in our Alien Reunion story. We worked on a Future Self story that featured lots of dialogue.
In Math: We continued work on Order of Operations, adding how to use brackets, braces, and parentheses to the expressions. We also interpreted expressions as mathematical sentences and vice versa. We took two quizzes on order of operations and started our polygon unit with a review of triangles and designing an angle creature.
In Science: took a practice test on Bones and the Circulatory System. We played bingo to review concepts for the unit test. We also took a small post test for the unit.
Writing: We turned in our Alien Reunion story. We worked on a Future Self story that featured lots of dialogue.
In Math: We continued work on Order of Operations, adding how to use brackets, braces, and parentheses to the expressions. We also interpreted expressions as mathematical sentences and vice versa. We took two quizzes on order of operations and started our polygon unit with a review of triangles and designing an angle creature.
What We Did the Week of November 27th
In Science: We took notes on the Digestive system. We watched videos on the Circulatory and Digestive systems. We did crosswords for both systems. We also made a filmstrip of the steps involved in digestion.
Writing: We reviewed dialogue and did a review prompt with a good and bad animal sitting on their shoulders giving advice. We also looked at words instead of said and acted them out in small groups as we created posters of the lists. We worked hard on a new story called Alien Family Reunion and they are all trying to handle dialogue properly in their stories. We will finish this piece Friday and they will need to edit and revive it next week.
In Math: We played Danger Island to do intense practice of ordered pairs. We also took a practice quiz and a real quiz on ordered pairs and all did well. We started into Order of Operations and have even worked into using brackets and braces with parentheses. We took two quizzes on basic Order of Operations problems.
In Science: We took notes on the Digestive system. We watched videos on the Circulatory and Digestive systems. We did crosswords for both systems. We also made a filmstrip of the steps involved in digestion.
Writing: We reviewed dialogue and did a review prompt with a good and bad animal sitting on their shoulders giving advice. We also looked at words instead of said and acted them out in small groups as we created posters of the lists. We worked hard on a new story called Alien Family Reunion and they are all trying to handle dialogue properly in their stories. We will finish this piece Friday and they will need to edit and revive it next week.
In Math: We played Danger Island to do intense practice of ordered pairs. We also took a practice quiz and a real quiz on ordered pairs and all did well. We started into Order of Operations and have even worked into using brackets and braces with parentheses. We took two quizzes on basic Order of Operations problems.
What We Did the Week of November 20th
In Science: We filled out Respiratory diagrams and drew on a balloon to see the features of the system. We took a quiz on the Circulatory system.
Writing: We wrote 8 paragraphs of an opinion piece about the inclusion of iPads in schools as a daily tool for students.
In Math: We breezed through four lessons on ordered pairs.
In Science: We filled out Respiratory diagrams and drew on a balloon to see the features of the system. We took a quiz on the Circulatory system.
Writing: We wrote 8 paragraphs of an opinion piece about the inclusion of iPads in schools as a daily tool for students.
In Math: We breezed through four lessons on ordered pairs.
What We Did the Week of November 13th
In Science: We took notes on the Circulatory system. We did some reading on the circulatory system. We acted out the process of healing an injury in teams using a large chalk drawing on the bus loop. We watched a video on the Circulatory system.
Writing: We shared Pros and Cons of lowering the voting age to 16. We included three reasons with elaboration, a refuting paragraph and a quote to make our stance more convincing. We brainstormed the pros and cons of using tablets in the classroom to prepare for our last opinion piece next week.
In Math: We worked with word problems extensively. Students had to determine if a problem was adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing with the word problems. We also took two quizzes and started work on Ordered Pairs.
In Science: We took notes on the Circulatory system. We did some reading on the circulatory system. We acted out the process of healing an injury in teams using a large chalk drawing on the bus loop. We watched a video on the Circulatory system.
Writing: We shared Pros and Cons of lowering the voting age to 16. We included three reasons with elaboration, a refuting paragraph and a quote to make our stance more convincing. We brainstormed the pros and cons of using tablets in the classroom to prepare for our last opinion piece next week.
In Math: We worked with word problems extensively. Students had to determine if a problem was adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing with the word problems. We also took two quizzes and started work on Ordered Pairs.
What We Did the Week of November 6th
In Science: We took notes and watched a video on the Nervous System. We acted out the stimulus response that happens with neurons in two situations: reflex actions that don’t use the brain and regular actions that do. We took a quiz on the Nervous System. We started in on the Circulatory System with notes and a video. We also took a practice quiz on Genetics to keep that info sharp in our minds.
Writing: We shared Pros and Cons of allowing bowhunting in Wake Forest city limits to reduce the deer population. They wrote their opinions and featured a refuting paragraph where they shot down one argument of the other side.
In Math: We worked on dividing decimals by decimals. We also worked on dividing a decimal by a whole number. We practiced the Standard Algorithm and visualized problems with grids, number lines, and base ten block drawings. We too an area Multiplying quiz and also our first Division quiz.
In Science: We took notes and watched a video on the Nervous System. We acted out the stimulus response that happens with neurons in two situations: reflex actions that don’t use the brain and regular actions that do. We took a quiz on the Nervous System. We started in on the Circulatory System with notes and a video. We also took a practice quiz on Genetics to keep that info sharp in our minds.
Writing: We shared Pros and Cons of allowing bowhunting in Wake Forest city limits to reduce the deer population. They wrote their opinions and featured a refuting paragraph where they shot down one argument of the other side.
In Math: We worked on dividing decimals by decimals. We also worked on dividing a decimal by a whole number. We practiced the Standard Algorithm and visualized problems with grids, number lines, and base ten block drawings. We too an area Multiplying quiz and also our first Division quiz.
What We Did the Week of October 23rd
In Science: We took notes on the skeletal system, watched a video from Discovery Ed on the Skeletal and Muscular systems and took notes on cartilage, ligaments tendons and how they work together in a joint. We constructed a 3d model of a joint using Playdoh and we looked into the four types of joints. We also played Simon Says to practice the bones.
In Writing: We presented our skits that featured dialogue. We spent a day discussing what an opinion is and the areas where one can have an opinion. We read an article about zoos that presented both the good and bad about them. We took notes for both the pros and cons and we started our first opinion of zoos.
In Math: We took a pretest for this quarter and also a review warm-up of the skills from first quarter. We worked with multiplying a whole by a decimal and a decimal by a whole. We learned how to visualize these problems with a grid, number line and area model. We also worked on the standard algorithm and took a quiz with it. We ended the week analyzing word problems.
In Science: We took notes on the skeletal system, watched a video from Discovery Ed on the Skeletal and Muscular systems and took notes on cartilage, ligaments tendons and how they work together in a joint. We constructed a 3d model of a joint using Playdoh and we looked into the four types of joints. We also played Simon Says to practice the bones.
In Writing: We presented our skits that featured dialogue. We spent a day discussing what an opinion is and the areas where one can have an opinion. We read an article about zoos that presented both the good and bad about them. We took notes for both the pros and cons and we started our first opinion of zoos.
In Math: We took a pretest for this quarter and also a review warm-up of the skills from first quarter. We worked with multiplying a whole by a decimal and a decimal by a whole. We learned how to visualize these problems with a grid, number line and area model. We also worked on the standard algorithm and took a quiz with it. We ended the week analyzing word problems.
What We Did the Week of September 18th
In Science: We watched a Momentum video. We took a Genetics Quiz and did very well. We took notes on cells and did karaoke to help ups recall details about Photosynthesis. We created wanted posters to distinguish between Unicellular and Multicellular. We read a book on Vampires and Cells.
In Writing: We wrote a Personal Narrative and concentrated on engaging the audience with playful wording and an intriguing question to start the piece.
In Math: We continued practicing rounding and adding and subtracting decimals. We took numerous quizzes. We also looked at adding and subtracting on a number line and started in on decimals in word problems.
In Science: We watched a Momentum video. We took a Genetics Quiz and did very well. We took notes on cells and did karaoke to help ups recall details about Photosynthesis. We created wanted posters to distinguish between Unicellular and Multicellular. We read a book on Vampires and Cells.
In Writing: We wrote a Personal Narrative and concentrated on engaging the audience with playful wording and an intriguing question to start the piece.
In Math: We continued practicing rounding and adding and subtracting decimals. We took numerous quizzes. We also looked at adding and subtracting on a number line and started in on decimals in word problems.
What We Did the Week of September 11th
In Science: We did and Inventory of Traits to start our Genetics Unit. We took notes on key vocabulary and discussed DNA. We used code to genetically engineer a dog and paraded our dogs around to show that none of them were exactly alike. We watched a Bill Nye video on Genes.
In Writing: We finished up work on Dimension X and spent two days very carefully editing and revising. We also did a quick one day writing on superheroes that focused on setting and character description. I am so proud of their growing word choice. You will be able to look at their last four writing pieces in conferences in November.
In Math: We practiced rounding to different place values and they did very well. We used a visual model to add decimals. We also practiced the standard algorithm for adding and subtracting decimals. We took several quizzes on rounding and place value.
What We Did the week of September 5th
In Science: We constructed Ultimate Vehicles and tested to see if we could get them across the basketball court with one push. We took a practice test and reviewed it. We took a small post test and also created a review cartoon that demonstrated knowledge of key concepts from the unit. We ended the week taking our Unit Test.
In Writing: We worked on more setting, action, and character description with a Dimension X story that features a character facing off against a variety of lethal plants in another world. We worked in prepositions as sentence starters and also interjections to add more skills to our tool belts. They are working a lot of skills into their stories now with these two new skills and similes, words of the day, senses and individual word choice. This story will take us two weeks and should be four pages when it is done.
In Math: We worked on expanded form, displaying it all the way through decimals. We compared decimals and took a word problem assessment on it. We revisited the powers of ten and compared numbers based on their place in the larger number. We also practiced word form. I’m super proud of their focus and care in math. Please keep encouraging them to be careful mathematicians.
What We Did the Last Week of August
In Science: We played three days of bingo to review key concepts for the Unit Test next week. We watched a Bill Nye video on Motion and took a listening quiz. We went out and slid down cardboard slides and discussed the key concepts we learned and how they figured into the activity.
In Writing: We worked on more setting, action, and character description with an Indiana Jones/ Uncharted style story called Finding Treasure. They worked on the present tense and also took a shot at writing in the tricky second person. We edited and revised this piece. Please keep encouraging them to take the editing step seriously as I expect them to really fine tune their pieces.
In Math: We took a quiz on division with two-digit divisors. We worked on place value of large numbers and of decimals to the thousandths. We compared by stacking and by using <, > and = symbols. We started in on writing expanded form three different ways. We took a quiz on decimals and place value.
What We Did the Week of August 21-25
In Science: We identified friction examples in over 15 friction stations involving a bike, a scooter, paint rollers, and much more. We computed speed by dividing distance by time. We found out the speed of our cars coming down ramps. We used spring scales to measure the force it takes to lift objects in Newtons and grams. We lifted the globe, projection screen, file cabinet drawer, etc. We also worked with pulleys. It was a very hands-on week and they did very well with their partners.
In Writing: We really developed setting, action, and character description in a story that involved a horrible transformation. We wrote in first person and reintroduced similes as a way to increase description. They continued to use their senses to describe as well. I am seeing their editing and revising skills develop.
In Math: We took a quiz on division with two-digit divisors. We worked with word problems that required us to use the whole number, the remainder, or rounding up to get our answer. We did two power points with silly word problems to practice our division. We crafted our own word problems, being careful to use key worlds like leftovers and all to indicate if the answer would be the remainder or rounding up and so forth. They took a ten question assessment on the word problems at the end of the week. We will requiz on Tuesday for any who need a second chance with division. We will be moving on to place value and decimals next week. They will see division practice in their Throwback Thursday homework over the next few weeks.
In Science: We identified friction examples in over 15 friction stations involving a bike, a scooter, paint rollers, and much more. We computed speed by dividing distance by time. We found out the speed of our cars coming down ramps. We used spring scales to measure the force it takes to lift objects in Newtons and grams. We lifted the globe, projection screen, file cabinet drawer, etc. We also worked with pulleys. It was a very hands-on week and they did very well with their partners.
In Writing: We really developed setting, action, and character description in a story that involved a horrible transformation. We wrote in first person and reintroduced similes as a way to increase description. They continued to use their senses to describe as well. I am seeing their editing and revising skills develop.
In Math: We took a quiz on division with two-digit divisors. We worked with word problems that required us to use the whole number, the remainder, or rounding up to get our answer. We did two power points with silly word problems to practice our division. We crafted our own word problems, being careful to use key worlds like leftovers and all to indicate if the answer would be the remainder or rounding up and so forth. They took a ten question assessment on the word problems at the end of the week. We will requiz on Tuesday for any who need a second chance with division. We will be moving on to place value and decimals next week. They will see division practice in their Throwback Thursday homework over the next few weeks.
What We Did the Week of August 14-18
In Science: We focused on Friction and Wind Resistance. They designed several ways to sabotage their vehicles that increased friction. They tested two sails to see which was more aerodynamic. They worked with kinetic energy with rubber bands and propellers.
In Writing: We introduced setting, action, and character description. We did a small scene story that featured five of each of those types of description. We also introduced how to use your senses to increase description. We introduced the Word Window as another resource for increasing good word choice.
In Math: We took a quiz on division with one-digit divisors. We also took a quiz with two-digit divisors. We worked on word problems and practiced the area model with division as well as visualizing division with pictorial models. We looked at word problems and assessed how to use the answer, whether we needed the whole number, rounded up, or the remainder to be our answer.
In Science: We focused on Friction and Wind Resistance. They designed several ways to sabotage their vehicles that increased friction. They tested two sails to see which was more aerodynamic. They worked with kinetic energy with rubber bands and propellers.
In Writing: We introduced setting, action, and character description. We did a small scene story that featured five of each of those types of description. We also introduced how to use your senses to increase description. We introduced the Word Window as another resource for increasing good word choice.
In Math: We took a quiz on division with one-digit divisors. We also took a quiz with two-digit divisors. We worked on word problems and practiced the area model with division as well as visualizing division with pictorial models. We looked at word problems and assessed how to use the answer, whether we needed the whole number, rounded up, or the remainder to be our answer.
What We Did the Week of August 7-11
In Science: We worked on developing an understanding of Potential and Kinetic energy with rubber bands and our cars. When an object isn't moving, it is displaying stored energy or potential. That would be the rubber band. When an object moves, it is showing kinetic energy. The rubber band uncoiling and the car moving are examples of this. We also defined energy as the ability to do work. We conducted a drag race and measured the distances traveled based on winding the rubber bands different amounts. We also read two graphic novels on forces and motion. They can take AR tests on these to earn points.
In Writing: We finished brainstorming with Odd Pairings, Changing Expectations and Randomizing. We wrote our first draft of our About the Author and edited and revised it. We also did an art lesson on self-portraits so they could draw themselves for their About the Author final next week.
In Math: We worked heavily with the standard algorithm of multiplication and estimation skills. We did straightforward problems and then multiplication word problems. We took a timed facts test and also a big multiplication test. We started in on division with the area model. Be sure they practice their facts if they are rusty. I have about our who really need to get them down. Next week we will be delving into division.
In Science: We worked on developing an understanding of Potential and Kinetic energy with rubber bands and our cars. When an object isn't moving, it is displaying stored energy or potential. That would be the rubber band. When an object moves, it is showing kinetic energy. The rubber band uncoiling and the car moving are examples of this. We also defined energy as the ability to do work. We conducted a drag race and measured the distances traveled based on winding the rubber bands different amounts. We also read two graphic novels on forces and motion. They can take AR tests on these to earn points.
In Writing: We finished brainstorming with Odd Pairings, Changing Expectations and Randomizing. We wrote our first draft of our About the Author and edited and revised it. We also did an art lesson on self-portraits so they could draw themselves for their About the Author final next week.
In Math: We worked heavily with the standard algorithm of multiplication and estimation skills. We did straightforward problems and then multiplication word problems. We took a timed facts test and also a big multiplication test. We started in on division with the area model. Be sure they practice their facts if they are rusty. I have about our who really need to get them down. Next week we will be delving into division.
What We Did the First Week
In Science: Newton’s Laws of Motion were introduced. We drove home the concept of how inertia can be both an object at rest and an object in motion. We explored our materials and built vehicles using student creativity. We then built a test vehicle that was standard from a blueprint. We used pulleys and weights to allow gravity to power our vehicles. We had our vehicles carry a load and we looked at how that affected their speed.
In Writing: I gave the students background on my writing, and we reviewed expectations for editing in my class. We also did a 30 minute story to see where they are as writers. Many need to work on spelling and breaking into paragraphs. That piece went into a time capsule along with a favorites list. We will open it up at the end of the year and write for thirty minutes again to see the difference in their writing. We started brainstorming with Odd Pairings.
In Math: We did an activity that emphasized the importance of being aware of patterns. We took a pretest of the skills covered in the first quarter. We took a drill test for multiplication. We also worked on place value and working with exponents. They did a great job with understanding the powers of ten. We took a quiz on the powers of ten. We also worked on reading large numbers and reading decimals. We played two math games: dart target practice and Walk/Talk.
In Science: Newton’s Laws of Motion were introduced. We drove home the concept of how inertia can be both an object at rest and an object in motion. We explored our materials and built vehicles using student creativity. We then built a test vehicle that was standard from a blueprint. We used pulleys and weights to allow gravity to power our vehicles. We had our vehicles carry a load and we looked at how that affected their speed.
In Writing: I gave the students background on my writing, and we reviewed expectations for editing in my class. We also did a 30 minute story to see where they are as writers. Many need to work on spelling and breaking into paragraphs. That piece went into a time capsule along with a favorites list. We will open it up at the end of the year and write for thirty minutes again to see the difference in their writing. We started brainstorming with Odd Pairings.
In Math: We did an activity that emphasized the importance of being aware of patterns. We took a pretest of the skills covered in the first quarter. We took a drill test for multiplication. We also worked on place value and working with exponents. They did a great job with understanding the powers of ten. We took a quiz on the powers of ten. We also worked on reading large numbers and reading decimals. We played two math games: dart target practice and Walk/Talk.
Welcome
Welcome to fifth grade. Check this section every week to find out what we've been doing and the homework for the week.
Below is the first piece of writing we will be starting in the second week.
Welcome to fifth grade. Check this section every week to find out what we've been doing and the homework for the week.
Below is the first piece of writing we will be starting in the second week.