What We're Learning this Week! (February 9-13, 2015)

Standards of focus: Math: 5.NF.1; Science 5-LS1-1

Last Week's MobyMax Math High Scorers!: Derek (82)

On Monday in Math we began by taking our Mid-Year Enduring Skills Test, which focused on fractions. This is the second time we've taken this test, once at the beginning of the year, and although we haven't officially hit the fractions unit until today, most of us did see an increase in our scores!

In Science, we began working through centers that had us reviewing key concepts that we've learned about Photosynthesis. 

In Social Studies, we began Chapter 12, The Declaration of Independence. We discussed the meeting of the Second Continental Congress, the delegates that attended and what they were in charge of doing. 

On Tuesday, we officially began out Fractions Unit by taking the 5.NF.1 Pre-Test and taking notes over some review skills that are still critical in being able to correctly solve any problem with fractions: reducing or simplifying and finding equivalent fractions. 

In Science, we continued our rotations, reviewing the process of photosynthesis. 

In Social Studies, we continued discussing the importance of the Declaration of Independence and re-writing important excerpts in normal, everyday "kid-friendly" language.

On Wednesday, it was more of the same! In Math, we focused on reviewing how to convert improper fractions to mixed numbers and vice versa. 

In Science, we wrapped up our review stations and turned our response booklets in. 

In Social Studies, we watched the Schoolhouse Rock "Fireworks!" video, which discusses the Declaration of Independence. 

We also watched a short BrainPop video over the Declaration and then listened to our favorite song so far to help us review concepts, important details, and even people!

Science Song! "Photosynthesis"

This song, by Mister C, is what we've been jammin' to lately to help us understand NGSS standard 5-PS1-1. 

What We're Learning this Week! (February 2-6, 2015)

Standards of focus: Math: 5.G.4; Science 5-LS1-1

Last Week's MobyMax Math High Scorers!: Kayla (135) and Emma (87)

Our "Road to the Revolution" projects are done and they're AMAZING!!! Take a look!

On Monday in Math, we began our last of the Geometry standards, 5.G.4. We began by taking our pre-test, recording our I Can statements, and graphing our data. From here, we talked about how hierarchies are like family trees and that if a shape is grouped below another, it also has to have the attributes of the shape above it. 

In Science, we began our Life Science unit by discussing our first standard, which discusses photosynthesis. After taking guided notes over a Plant PowerPoint presentation, we began working on models to help us create our "arguments" about the needs of plants in the photosynthesis process. 

In Social Studies, we began Chapter 11, which discusses whether the colonies should declare independence or not. We discussed the differences in the beliefs of Patriots, Loyalists, and Neutralists, and talked about the arguments 3 prominent Loyalists had for remaining loyal to King George. 

On Tuesday in Math, we took our post-test over standard 5.G.4 and did our usual graphing and data analysis. 

In Science, we created a 3-d model of photosynthesis and discussed how oxygen is a waste product of photosynthesis and is released by the stomata in the leaves. 

In Social studies we continued talking about the views of Loyalists and Patriots. Specific Patriots we discussed were Benjamin Franklin, Mercy Otis Warren, and Samuel Adams.

On Wednesday, we began the day with the 5th grade spelling bee! After 8 rounds, our winners were:

1st Place - Austin Keeton (Dennis' homeroom; left)

2nd Place - Hannah Crouch (Neace's homeroom; center)

3rd Place - Abigail Edger (Neace's homeroom; right)