What We're Learning this Week (December 3-7, 2012)

In Math on Monday, we continued our study of fractions. We've already learned how to find equivalent fractions, convert improper fractions into mixed numbers and vice versa, mixed numbers into improper fractions. The next thing on the agenda was to learn how to add and subtract fractions with common denominators, which we accomplished and thought was quite easy!

In Science, we continued discussing fossils and the fossil record. We learned the different types of fossils, including cast, mold, trace, and petrified wood, as well as how each are made.

In Math on Tuesday, we M.A.P. tested, which took almost all of our Math AND Science time. In the Fall, our goal to be considered proficient in 4th grade was a 203.8. Our Winter goal is a 208.7 (basically a 209). Mrs. Elliott set a lofty goal for us to accomplish, a proficiency score of 60%. Although we didn't quite accomplish that goal, she is EXTREMELY proud of us, as all but a few (VERY few might I add) increased our Fall scores drastically! Some by as many as 16 points! Needless to say, she is one happy teacher! :)

What We're Learning this Week (November 26-30, 2012)

In Math on Monday, we continued working with fractions. We discussed what improper fractions and mixed numbers were, as well as learned how to convert improper fractions into mixed numbers by simply dividing. 

In Science, we began our study over chapter 8, which discusses how Earth changes. We began by talking about the different types of landforms found on Earth, including volcanoes, deltas, dunes, plains, plateaus, mountains, and islands. 

Apologies!

I apologize for the lack of posting this past week, in both keeping everyone up-to-date with our in-class studies, as well as homework. Our blog website host has been down and has not allowed us to even log-in, let alone post or link anything new. Hopefully everything is working and back to normal, just in time for our Turkey Day Holidays!

Rock Cycle (Science Song!)

Types of Rocks (Science Song!)

What We're Learning this Week (November 5-9, 2012)

In Math on Monday, we began our second unit covering fractions. We started by discussing how to find equivalent fractions (by multiplying or dividing BOTH the numerator and denominator by the same number), as well as using fraction models to help illustrate their equivalency. 

In Science, we began discussing the types of rock and how they form: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. We also learned a new song! (See the above post!) 

Wednesday in Math, we began studying factors, multiples, and prime and composite numbers. We discussed that a number has to be either prime or composite. Prime numbers have only two factors: 1 and the number itself. Composite numbers have more than two factors. 

In Science, we completed a Mystery Mineral investigation. We became "Experts" at investigating the physical properties of specific rocks. Then, together as a class, we had to figure out what type of rock each of our mystery rocks were, based upon their characteristics and attributes. Below are photos of us testing the color, streak color, luster, hardness, texture, whether or not it contains iron, and whether or not it contains carbonates.

What We're Learning this Week (October 29-November 2, 2012)

In Math on Monday, we began reviewing for our end of the unit assessment. Mrs. Elliott gave us a study guide that we will be using all week to help prepare us for our first Math Test.

In Science, we continued discussing food chains and food webs. Using cards with labels and diagrams, we took turns identifying various organisms as producers, consumers, or decomposers and then constructed a large food chain using the vocabulary we've been working on. We also discussed how EVERY food chain, no matter what organisms it's composed of, has to start with the sun, and has only one producer and one decomposer. It can have only one, or many consumers. 

In Math on Tuesday, we continued reviewing for our upcoming test. We reviewed the answers to questions 1-13 (last night's homework), worked them out as a class, discussed correct versus incorrect answers and began working on the next set of questions, 14-26 (Tuesday's homework). 

In Science, we continued our investigations of food chains and webs. In groups, we rotated through centers requiring us to complete a variety of different tasks. It was fun to change up our normal routine a little!

On Wednesday in Math, we continued working on our Study Guides in preparation for our test on Friday. 

In Science, we completed our station activities that we began yesterday and played a review game called "Scoot!". We "scooted" around the room when Mrs. Elliott said and answered a variety of questions about ecosystems, food chains, and food webs. It got us up out of our seats and moving around, while reviewing at the same time (kind of like musical chairs meets a study review!)

(Here we are in mid scoot!)

On Thursday, we spent the entire day studying and preparing for our tests. We practiced writing short answer and open response questions using the graphic organizer "RAE". R stands for restating the question, A stands for answering the question clearly, and E stands for explaining your answer or giving evidence to support the answer. We discussed how using this organizer to answer questions applies to all subject areas, not just Math and Science, but Reading and Social Studies as well. 

You're an Omnivore (Science Song!)

What We're Learning this Week (October 22-26, 2012)

In Math on Monday, we continued with what we began last Thursday...long division! We practiced dividing 3-digit numbers by 1-digit numbers with remainders. We practiced figuring out how to if there was a remainder, where to put it, and even how to write it in fraction form!

In Science, we began our next chapter of study which is over energy transfers in ecosystems. We defined our new vocabulary words, which were herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, producer, consumer, and decomposer AND learned a new song while we were at it! (See the above post!)

On Wednesday in Math we began working on dividing 4-digit numbers. We discovered that once you have the technique of long division down, it doesn't matter how many digits are in the number you are dividing, it's all the same. 

In Science, we created Wild Animal Menus. We had to get as creative as possible to create a menu fit for a wild animal! These included an entree and dessert for a carnivore, herbivore, omnivore and decomposer. Mrs. Elliott told us to get as creative as possible and come up with some unique, but nasty menu items! We loved it! Here's an example of some of our great work!

What We're Learning this Week (October 15-19, 2012)

On Monday in Math, we reviewed 2-digit by 2-digit multiplication yet again. Mrs. Elliott gave us a quiz and those of us who have mastered the concept got to work on the computers, iPads, and Kindle Fires while she worked in small groups with those of us who are still struggling a bit.

In Science, we picked up where we left off last week. We worked with partners on our Biome packets. We discussed how there are 6 different land biomes on Earth. These include the Desert, Tundra, Tiaga, Grassland/Savanna, Tropical Rain Forest and the Deciduous Forest. We located them on a map and read descriptions about each, including the types of wildlife, both plants and animals that live there, as well as weather conditions. We discovered that here in Kentucky, we live in the Deciduous Forest biome.

On Wednesday in Math, we began working on long division problems (3 digits divied by 1 digits) using the standard algorithm, which we refer to as the old school method. Mrs. Elliott showed us the "Long Division Cheat Code", which stands for divide, multiply, subtract, check, bring down and check to help us solve these problems. 

In Science, to continue our studying on ecosystems and how humans can negatively affect them, we simulated an oil spill. We had various different sorbents we had to use to help us clean up our polluted water ecosystem. When we were done with our investigation, we had to give our imput, ideas, and expertise, based upon what we had just investigated, to use to help the CEO and the head of the Disaster Control Team of a fuel company who had just experienced an oil spill. 

"Ecosystems" Science Song!

What We're Learning this Week (October 8-13, 2012)

This week is a short one and boy are we excited for Fall Break! That didn't keep up from getting down to business after an extended weekend, however. On Monday, in Math, we continued working with multiplication. We finished up our posters that we began last week. Working with a partner, we had to explain to and show a 3rd grader how to solve 2-digit by 2-digit multiplication problems. Check out some of our work!

In Science, we began studying ecosystems. We reviewed our new vocabulary for the first lesson, which included envirionment, ecosystem, population, and community. We discussed how one of a particular type of animal is an individual, while more than one of the same type of animal is a population. A community is a place where numerous populations co-exist, or live together. We also learned a new song that we love singing! (Check out the post above!)

"Circulatory System" Science Song!

What We're Learning this Week (September 24-28, 2012)

After an AMAZING field trip last week to 4-H camp, many of us were still recovering on Monday! (Teachers included, lol) However, it was back to business as usual. In Math, we began working on multi-digit multiplication. We started off by practicing multiplying 1-digit by 2-digit numbers. We observed that multiplying using the standard algorithm (the "old school" method) was actually very similar to addition. If you got an answer more than 9, you put the ones place answer down and carried the 10's. 

In Science, we began our study of chapter 4, which is over the human body. This chapter is LOADED with vocabulary words, many of which have definitions that are very similar, such as artery, capillary and vein. So, most of Monday was spent completing our V3 Vocabulary sheets and learning the definitions of our vocabulary words. 

On Tuesday in Math we continued working with multiplication. After reviewing and practicing 2-digit by 1-digit numbers Monday, Tuesday we were ready to move on to 3-digit by 1-digit numbers. 

In Science, we discussed how cells make tissues, tissues make organs, and finally how organs make organ systems. We also discussed how the digestive system works, including how it begins in the mouth the minute you begin chewing your food, before passing to the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. In groups, we began working on our human body models. We cut out, labeled, and identified the organs or parts discussed and what their function was within the digestive system. We will continue adding to our model as we discuss different body systems this week and next. 

On Wednesday in Math we worked with multiplication yet again. We conquered multiplying 4-digit by 1-digit numbers, which we decided was VERY familiar to 2-digit and 3-digit numbers like what we've worked with earlier in the week. 

In Science we continued our study of the human body. We discussed the respiratory system and it's important elements, such as the mouth, nasal passages, trachea, and lungs. We also talked about how oxygen travels from our mouth or nose, depending on how we breathe it in, to cells throughout our body. To add to our human body model, we again worked in our groups and labeled, cut out and identified key organs and parts, as well as their function within the respiratory system. 

"Adaptations" Science Song!

What We're Learning this Week (September 10-14, 2012)

On Monday in Math, we continued our work with subtracting multi-digit numbers. We practiced borrowing and regrouping across zeroes and are getting better at it with every day we practice!

In Science, we began our 3rd chapter over Adaptations. We discussed our first lesson and some new vocabulary words, including: adaptation, basic needs, and natural selection. We discussed different adaptations animals we are familiar with have that help them survive in their environment and how animals that are able to change their physical appearances, for example, to better blend in allow them to live longer and reproduce, the basic concept behind natural selection. And of course, it wouldn't be a new chapter without a new song to learn! See the above post to listen to our new song, "Adaptations"!
On Tuesday and Wednesday in Math we continued our quest to conquer subtracting whole numbers. Mrs. Elliott worked with some of us in small groups while others got to battle one another in a subtraction game.

In Science on Tuesday we did an experiment to test bird adaptations, specifically the adaptations of bird beaks. We tested a few different types of beaks (tweezers, spoons and clothes pins) on a variety of different types of "critters". These included worms (cooked spaghetti), grubs (rasins), caterpillars (twizzlers), maggots and larva (cooked rice), sunflower seeds, and water. We had to hypothesize which beak we thought would work best eating each food, take careful obersvations, and finally come to a consensus as a group as to the best beak for each food. We had a blast!

On Thursday in Science, we continued our discussion of our second lesson, which was about how animal behaviors help them meet their needs. We also created sets of "Rummy Cards", where students researched an animal, including information about their shelter, space, food, water and arrangement/habitat and labeled and illustrated each card accordingly. Below are some examples, cards for an Opossum and the American Crocodile.

What We're Learning this Week (September 3-7, 2012)

A 3-day weekend was just what we needed to rejuvenate! We came back, ready as ever to learn! On Tuesday in Math, we continued our work with subtracting whole numbers. We started small and only worked with numbers into the ten-thousands place to get the hang of regrouping when necessary.

In Science, we began our third and last lesson of the 2nd chapter, which discussed life cycles. We discovered that there are a variety of different life cycles animals go through. Mrs. Elliott taught us the acronym "ELPA" to help remember the order of the stages of complete metamorphosis: Egg, Larva, Pupa, and Adult. We also discovered that some animals, such as a grasshopper ors dragonflies, go through incomplete metamorphosis: Egg, Nymph, Adult.

On Wednesday in Math, we took our Fall 2012 MAP Test. (If you are unfamiliar with MAP testing, go to the "Links" page and scroll down towards the bottom. There is a link with a wealth of information about MAP testing.) To be considered proficient and on grade-level, students needed to score a 204 or better. Although our over-all scores weren't as high as Mrs. Elliott hoped (she wanted 100% proficiency! lol), we didn't get too discouraged, as this was our base-line and now we know where to go from here.

In Science, we began working on our Life Cycle Brochures. Inside, we had to list the stages of the life cycle of a flowering plant, an animal undergoing complete metamorphosis, incomplete metamorphosis, and direct development. We also had to draw each stage and give examples of other animals that undergo each type. Our brochures were looking great as we took them home to finish for homework and Mrs. Elliott can't wait to see the final products tomorrow!

"Photosynthesis" Science Song!

What We're Learning this Week (August 27 - 31, 2012)

In Math on Monday, we again worked with rounding. We played card games with a partner, similar to the game of "War", requiring us to round to the nearest thousand, ten thousand and hundred thousand. Before we could win the round and collect all of the cards, we had to explain to our partners how we rounded and they had to agree, then we compared numbers. The person with the larger rounded number won the round. It was a lot of fun and didn't seem like Math work at all!

In Science, we began our 2nd chapter over Life Cycles. Today we read and discussed heredity, traits, and genes and how they can be similar or different from person to person, even in the same family.  

On Tuesday, in Math we practiced writing numbers in various different forms: Base-Ten Numeral, Number Name, and Expanded Form. We worked with partners and our cards again to help us practice correctly writing numbers in all three ways. 

In Science, we continued our study of heredity, traits, and genes. We took an "Inventory of Our Traits", including 12 specific traits like being left or right handed, being able to roll your tongue, having hitch hiker's thumb, having a widow's peak, or being color blind. Once we gathered all of our data, we did a class comparision and graphed our results. We were able to easily see the dominant versus recessive genes present within our classes. 

On Wednesday in Science we learned a new song, "Photosynthesis", to go along with our new lesson and new vocabulary words: life cycle and photosynthesis! (See the above post!)

On Thursday in Math, we continued to work with adding whole numbers, up into the thousands and ten thousands place to help us become more proficient and make less "silly" mistakes when adding, such as not carrying or regrouping. 

In Science, we further discussed photosynthesis and the 5 components that are neccessary in order for photosynthesis to take place in a plant. We also created diagrams of "The Photosynthesis Process" to put into our Science Notebooks. Check out some of our WONDERFUL diagrams!

On Friday in Math we took our weekly quiz. This week, Mrs. Elliott's class outscored Ms. Deaton's class by a score of 92% to 90%. No matter the winner this week, Mrs. Elliott is VERY pleased with those scores. 

 In Science, we continued our discussion of plants, their life cycle and photosynthesis. We got to "disect" lima beans and identify their seed coat, the root and leaf inside, the embryo and their food storage.

"Cells From Other Cells" Science Song!

Although we didn't go into detail about all of the organelles mentioned in this song, we did discuss many! Go ahead, quiz your kid! (It's a good review for our test on Friday) They should be able to tell you about the cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, mitochondria and vacuole in both the plant and animal cell and about the cell wall and chloroplast in the plant cell! :)

What We're Learning this Week (August 20-24, 2012)

In Math on Monday, we continued to review how to round numbers to a specific place value. We practiced underlining the digit we were to round to, looking "next door" at the number to the immediate right and deciding if it was a "High 5!" or a "Low 4!" to help us round. In Science we began our third and final lesson of this chapter, discussing how animals are classified. We also learned a new song called "Spineless" to help us remember the difference in the two major classifications of animals: vertebrates and invertebrates! (See the post below!)

On Tuesday in Math, we continued our work with rounding. We practiced rounding numbers to the nearest tens, hundreds, thousands and ten-thousands. Slowly, but surely, we are getting better at rounding numbers. In Science, we continued our classification of animals. We investigated how the sub-categories of animals were broken down. Vertebrates include mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians, while invertebrates include cnidarians (like jelly fish), porifera (like sea sponges), annelida (worms), mollusks (like clams and snails), echinoderms (like starfish), and last but not least arthropods (like spiders and crabs). And of course we jammed our to our newest Science song, "Spineless"! Also, Mrs. Elliott added the cell song, "Cells From Other Cells" that we like to sing so much as well to our blog for easy access! (See the above post!)

On Wednesday in Math, we again practiced rounding by playing a game of "I Have, Who Has" requiring students to actively participate in order to keep the game running, as well as round whole numbers to specific place values. In Science, we began by completing a Vertebrate & Invertebrate Sorting activity, where we had to organize animals according to major group, subgroup, names and pictures. 

Then, we began working on our Animal Matchbooks, where we had to identify the different groups of vertebrates and invertebrates and give examples of each group, along with an illustration. 

"Spineless" Science Song!

A Warm Welcome to Mrs. Elliott's Class Blog! (Formerly Ms. Goldy!)

Welcome!

Welcome to Mrs. Elliott's classroom blog! We are so excited that you have chosen to visit our class page! This blog was designed so that we could share what's happening in our classroom with you, our family and friends. As you explore our blog, you can see our daily schedule, view cool projects and activities that we've been working on and read about the special events and learning that take place in our room every day. We hope by visiting our blog, you can get a better idea of what we do on a daily basis as 4th grade Math and Science students at Owingsville Elementary School! Enjoy your journey and remember to check back often!

 

Blog designed and maintained by Mrs. Jessica Elliott

This is a personal blog that is in no way affiliated with my school, school system, or any other public or private organization. The thought and views expressed here are mine alone unless otherwise noted. 

All contents within this site is copywright (c) 2011-2012 Jessica Elliott. Materials are for personal and educational purposes only. If you use or share ideas from this site, please include the URL and give appropriate credit.  

Summer Vacation

So... Summer Break is flying by! We are already a full month into break and it's showing no signs of slowing down. I'm getting SUPER excited about the upcoming school year... a new group of kids, moving back to 4th grade, teaching SCIENCE again, this year's Academic team, I could go on and on! I've already got my class list, although my lips will remained sealed on who I have for now, and overall I think it's going to be an amazing year! Lots of changes in store!

What We're Learning this Week (April 30 - May4, 2012)

On Monday and Tuesday we continued to prepare for testing. Monday we practiced writing short answer questions and live scored them so that we could see what good and not-so-good responses looked like.

On Wednesday we start testing! Our testing schedule for the week looks like this:

Wednesday, May 2 - Reading Part A & Reading Part B

Thursday, May 3 - Reading Part C; Math Part A

Friday, May 4 - Math Part B & Math Part C; Social Studies Part A (This day will be killer :( )

I Just HAVE to Brag! :)

So... although Ms. Deaton and I were really nervous about taking on the daunting task of being the sole teachers responsible for 85 students' Reading and Math grades, the entire grade level, when we were asked to move up to 5th grade this year, we did it anyway, because we had faith in our students. We knew we had a smart, HARD working crew this year. So before our K-PREP testing begins, I thought I should brag just a little on our kids. This week and last Ms. Deaton and I had our final Math and Reading grade level meetings concerning Spring MAP scores. And, did you know that as a grade level, 5th grade at OES is 73% PROFICIENT in Math and 73% PROFICIENT in Reading according to NWEA guidelines. Guys, this is just a little pre-testing shout-out... Ms. Deaton and I are UNBELIEVABLY proud of you and we know that you're going to kick the K-PREP's butt! Keep up the great work and make us proud! :)

What We're Learning this Week (April 23-27, 2012)

This week, we've dedicated the entire week to preparing for testing. On Monday and Tuesday we used clickers and white boards to answer random Math questions Ms. Goldy gave us. We practiced answering questions from all 6 units that we have covered this year, everything from fractions to coordinate grids to order of operations. Although test prep can often be boring, we had fun because we got to use the clickers and made it a competition among ourselves. 

What We're Learning this Week (April 16-20, 2012)

On Monday we took our weekly quiz that we missed Friday due to our BCMS orientation visit. After taking our quizzes, we trade and live score our papers so we can instantly see our results. Then, Ms. Goldy makes us close our eyes and put our heads down so we can't see anyone else's score, while she records them on the board. From here, we do our weekly data analysis, which includes finding the range, mode, median and mean. 

After we find our mean class score, we graph it so that we can not only compare our score from week-to-week, but also compare our class results to the other three 5th grade classes. 

On Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday we prepared for testing. On Tuesday we worked on Open Response questions, modeling how to correctly restate the question asked, give a clear answer and then use evidence (our work) and explanations to score a proficient or distinguished score. On Wednesday and Thursday we took mock KPREP Part C tests to help us prepare. Although it wasn't exactly the same, we had to answer 6 multiple choice, 1 short answer and an open response in 30 minutes, a task that proved to be difficult because of the short amount of time. On Friday, we worked with partners to review concepts we've learned all year long. Testing time is quickly approaching us and we're doing what we can to be as prepared as possible!

What We're Learning this Week (April 8-13, 2012)

Spring Break was a great mental rest for the mind. When we came back, we were ready to finish our last remaining few weeks. On Monday and Tuesday, we worked with partners on our Numerical Expressions Clock. Only using four 4's, we had to create numerical expressions to fit each hour of the clock, numbers 1-12. It was a challenging task, especially creating expressions for 10 and 11. We whined, complained, argued, said it was too hard, couldn't be done, and that it was impossible. Ms. Goldy just smiled and laughed and said "Yes it can!" We got frustrated. We got mad. But we didn't give up. The only help Ms. Goldy would give us was to remind us to use brackets, braces, and parentheses, the correct order of operations and remember our exponents and square roots. When she offered 10 bonus points to the first person to correctly solve for 10, we finally started rolling in the answers. Even though this project was hard and challenged us, it  required us to think and we LOVED it. Ms. Goldy said her favorite part was hearing all the "OH, OH, I GOT IT's!" :)

Our Proficiency Board with some of our wonderful projects.

On Friday, we began the day by walking to the Bath County Middle School for our 6th grade orientation. There we got to meet the assistant principal Ms. Back, the guidance counselor Ms. Lewis, and many of the teachers we will have next year as 6th graders. We got to tour the school, go through lunch, and rotate to get a quick overview of what it will be like at BCMS. We are super excited to be a part of BCMS next school year. 

When we returned from BCMS we finished up the kickball tournament that we started before Spring Break, as part of our MAP incentive. Ms. Goldy's class beat Ms. Joseph's class with a final score of 7-2 to win the championship! 

Help Us Out!!

View our proposal: http://www.donorschoose.org/jessica.goldy

Tips to help our project:

1. After entering a donation amount, on the review screen, click the link that says "optional 15% donation". Change the 15% to 0% and click "save", as this will allow 100% percent of what is donated to go directly to our project, as opposed to helping fund the site. 

2. On the payment screen, where it says "I have a gift or match code:" enter breadpig This will allow whatever monetary value donated to be DOUBLED! For example, if you enter $5 along with the code, $10 will be applied towards our project, thereby helping it get funded in half the time.

What We're Learning this Week (March 26-30, 2012)

On Monday, we continued our study  of numerical expressions, but switched it up a little. This week our focus is to practice interpreting verbal or written numerical expressions into algebraic equations and vice versa. We practiced this on Monday. Working with partners, we cut apart several verbal/written expressions and had to match them with the appropriate equation, and solving whenever possible. 

On Tuesday, we continued working on interpreting written and verbal expressions from algebraic equations and vice versa. We also had visitors from Morehead State University come in to do a science lesson with us. Today was just the pre-test so we could show them what we already know about force and motion.  


The rest of the week was busy, busy, busy!! On Wednesday, some members of the O.E.S. Book Club, those who have worked especially hard this year and last, were celebrated with a field trip to the Explorium Children's Museum in Lexington, KY. From there, 3 students were chosen to travel to the WKYT News station for a live, on-air interview about their books. They did an AMAZING job!

McKenna anxiously waiting in the green room before her appearance. 

The girls getting mic'ed up and last minute prep.

Live, on-air interview!

Showing off books in the lobby of the station with Mrs. Hutchinson, Superintendent of Bath County schools.

We want to send out a HUGE THANK YOU to Student Treasures Publishing, the publishing company who sponsored this trip! Thank you for everything you've done and all the help you've given our students to become published authors! This year, Ms. Goldy sent out orders for 281 student authored and illustrated books! We are so excited to get our orders in, as well as continue our partnership with Student Treasures! Many of us already have ideas for next year's books!

Thursday was the only slow day of the week, which allowed us to catch our breath for Friday's festivities. As part of our Spring MAP testing incentive, Friday morning was reserved for the 5th grade kickball tournament. We played all morning in a double elimination style tournament and got to the championship game before we ran out of time. Ms. Goldy's class is an undefeated 2-0, going up against Mrs. Joseph's class who is 1-1. We hope to finish the tournament upon returning from Spring Break. At 1:30, we joined in the BCHS and BCMS, as well as Crossroads Elementary's 5th graders in the annual March Against Drugs. We marched from O.E.S to the high school and watched the program there. 

This is a special march with a very important message that affects the lives of many of our students and their families. 

Enjoy Spring Break and come back well rested and ready to end the 2011-2012 school year on a great foot!