Week of Sept. 28 - Oct. 2
October 2
Math: It is so great to see you work in different groups when we practice math problems. You are using your strategies, which helps you to understand math, which will help you to love math. We have an independent practice on Monday, so you can show your mathematics intelligence!
Science:
The Mr. Wizard video on what causes wind was really neat! The human flag was pretty cool too! We will continue our lesson wind on Monday.
Seeing Moe eat was awesome! Check out the video of him eating a cricket!
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October 1:
Math: Area models are so much fun! We worked 3-digit by 1-digit and 4-digit by 1-digit multiplication problems using this strategy today. They help us to see how multiplication actually works, and they will definitely come in handy when we introduce 2-digit by 2-digit multiplication next week. Keep showing you strategies!
Science: We wrapped up our lesson on the Water Cycle today. Your notes and drawings have been fantastic! The analogy assignment was an excellent way to associate a simple condensation experiment (boiling water and a mirror) to the actual water cycle. It really made us think about how the components of each are similar, and we also reinforced the understanding that models have limitations.
We also welcomed Moe, a Leopard Gecko to the class! He will be with us for the next two weeks. We will have the opportunity to feed him live crickets which is always exciting! Check out the photo of him below.
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September 30:
Math: We began using area models today to solve 2-digit by 1-digit multiplication problems. It helps us to see how multiplication works. Tomorrow, we will work on 3-digit by 1-digit and 4-digit by 1-digit problems, and we will start 2-digit by 2-digit next week!
Science: Tracking the weather data this week has been an interesting experience. We see how the humidity percentage is dropping since we have not had any rain to evaporate into water vapor. Saying the chant and doing the hand motions will be useful in remembering the process.
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September 29:
Math: We are now working on actually solving for answers instead of just finding equations. You will still just need the equation on occasion, but for the most part, you will need to solve for specific numbers. Don't forget that when you see the words ESTIMATE, ABOUT, or APPROXIMATELY, you will need to round the necessary numbers FIRST and then solve using the appropriate operation.
Science: The 2-liter water cycle model was really neat! We were able to see how hot water vapor condenses back into its liquid form when it hits a cooler object (the 2-liter bottle in this case). In nature, this happens when the sun (which starts this whole process) heats up water on earth which then evaporates into a gas. The water vapor rises and hits the cooler air above to condense into clouds. When the clouds become too heavy, they drop rain, snow, sleet, or hail (precipitation) which will then accumulate on the ground. Much of this accumulated water will run-off into the ocean which will start the water cycle process over again. Check out the photo below!
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September 28:
Math: Your work on the multi-step problems is excellent! I am proud of how hard you have worked, and know that your work ethic and persistence will pay off! Read the entire question a couple of times so that you can visualize what the question is asking for. Always write a main idea, and draw a strip diagram to help you solve for the answer. "When in doubt, draw it out."
Science: We are now studying in Unit 2: Weather. We looked at the weather for the last few days and for the forecast for tomorrow. Remember that when you see H on a weather map, it stands for High Pressure, which means Happy weather (fair, clear skies), and the L stands for Low Pressure, which means Lousy weather (stormy). Check out the two new weather websites that I have added to the Symbaloo.