On Monday, in Math we discussed various types of graphs and practiced reading graphs and analyzing the data from them. In Science, we discussed the Lab Team Roles that we will have when conducting experiments and labs in class this year. In Social Studies, we kicked off our first chapter over Geography, which had us practicing our map and globe skills, including using latitude and longitude to find specific places and locations on Earth.
Tuesday had us switching gears a little. In Math, we discussed how to collect and analyze data by finding the mean, median, mode and range of a set of data. Then, in small groups, we practiced these newly developed skills with a QR code activity.
In Science, we had our first group-work challenge, practicing our Lab Roles from Monday. Mrs. Elliott posed a "Cup Challenge" that required us to move cups from three towers...
(And yes, those are Cash Advance cups... they were free, we had a bunch, we're resourceful! :) )
We couldn't touch the cups directly with our hands at any point and if we did, we had to start over. Once we got the hang of how to manipulate the rubber band, we were pros, but it was HILARIOUS to watch! Here are some pictures of us in deep concentration!
In Social Studies, we continued learning about the geography of Earth, specifically identifying and labeling various landforms and bodies of water, the physical features, of the United States. These included landforms such as the Rocky and Appalachian Mountains, as well as major lakes, rivers and other waterways important to the U.S.
On Wednesday, in Math we continued practicing our measures of central tendancies: mean, median, mode, and range, with maximum, minimum, and outlier vocabulary thrown in. We worked in groups to complete the "Data Warehouse" activity.
In Social Studies, we "Read Further" about the California Gold Rush and how the geography of the United States made traveling west dangerous and deadly at times. After choosing and mapping a route westward, either by covered wagon and oxen or boat, we began writing a journal entry pretending we were actually traveling our chosen route, telling of the hardships and struggles we faced along the way.
On Friday, in Math, we completed an activity that included all of the data analysis terms and concepts we've been learning in a fun, experimental way, called "Pencil Bouncers". We had to measure specific heights on the meter stick, make predictions, test our predictions, record our results in a table, find the median, graph our results, and then answer some critical thinking questions. Who knew bouncing pencils could be such fun (or include so much Math!?)
In Science, Mrs. Elliott had another problem-solving/group work activity for us called "Saving Sam". "Sam", the gummy worm, is a terrible swimmer and even worse captain, as he had capsized his "boat" and his "life preserver" was stuck underneath.
Using only 4 paperclips, our problem-solving skills, and team work, we had to get Sam back in his boat with his life preserver on, in case he fell out again.
We couldn't touch anything with our hands except the paper clip and if Sam touched the "water" (table or anything else) he drowned and we had to start again. Again, this took TONS of cooperation, communication, and critical thinking skills and was lots of fun to do, as well as to watch! :)
Finally, we finished up our week in Social Studies by creating our "Imagination Nation" project. In partners, we had to create a physical map of our made up nation with various cities, landforms, waterways, etc. This was a fun way to wrap up what we've learned about map skills and physical features of landforms. Mrs. Elliott will post some of the finished products on Tuesday!
Shew, what a busy week! And to think... we're just getting started! 5th grade is where it's at!
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