Sunday, November 18, 2012
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!
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
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.
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.
Monday, October 29, 2012
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.
Monday, October 22, 2012
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!
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!
Monday, October 15, 2012
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.
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.
Monday, October 8, 2012
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!)
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Monday, September 24, 2012
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.
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.
Monday, September 10, 2012
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!
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.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
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!
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!
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