Today in STEM
Wednesday, May 1 MATH
Today we applied what we have learned about multiplying fractions to real-world contexts. Students worked through word problems that required multiplication of fractions- in some cases multi-step problems.
Tonight's homework: Lesson 10-9
Wednesday, May 1 SCIENCE
Today students worked on determining if a mixture could be separated with a paper filter. Groups discovered that the powder could be filtered out of the water, but the salt, which had dissolved, could not be. We brainstormed ideas of how we could separate the water from the salt and determined that evaporation could work. We then put some of each group's salt/water mixture into an evaporation dish to see if their idea works.
Tuesday, April 30 MATH
Today we talked about "scaling" or how multiplying by a number greater or less than one impacts the value of the answer. We based everything on the idea that any number multiplied by one has the same value. Therefore, if you multiply by a number less than one the value goes down and if you multiply by a number that is greater than one the value goes up.
Tuesday, April 30 SCIENCE
Today we continued our work with our three materials. We made observations about the materials when mixed with water and then tested to see if we could separate the mixtures using a screen over a cup. Tomorrow we wil try out separation using a paper filter.
Monday, April 29 MATH
Today we learned about multiplying mixed numbers. We practiced converting mixed numbers into improper fractions before multiplying then converting back.
Math with Mr. J video Multiplying Mixed Numbers
Homework tonight: Lesson 10-7 worksheet
Monday, April 29 SCIENCE
Today we started our unit on mixtures and solutions. Students collected observations about Kosher salt, gravel and diatomacious earth. We will be creating mixtures out of these materials tomorrow and determining how we can separate them.
Tuesday, April 23 MATH
Today we learned about multiplying fractions by whole numbers or other fractions. Students like these skills because they are "so easy!". We learned the algorithm for multiplying (numerator * numerator / denominator * denominator) and that when you have a whole number you have to convert it to a fraction by giving it a denominator of 1 (whole pieces).
Tonight's homework: Lesson 10-2/10-4 worksheets (circled problems only)
Math with Mr J video- multiplying fractions by fractions Math with Mr J video- multiplying fractions by whole numbers
Tuesday, April 23 SCIENCE
Today we took the end of unit test for our 4 Sphere's unit.
Monday, April 22 MATH
Today we learned about modeling multiplying fractions by fractions and whole numbers. We always start with the second factor since we are taking "part of" that number. If it is a whole number, you need to draw a shape (we used rectangles) the number of times needed to represent the whole number. The you use the denominator of the other factor to break up each whole and shade in the needed parts (numerator) for each whole. Answers should be reported as mixed numbers
If it is a fraction you draw one shape (we used squares) then break up the square into the parts needed based on the second fraction's denominator and shade in the parts to represent the numerator. Then in the OPPOSITE direction, you draw lines to represent the pieces needed for the denominator of the first fraction (go all the way across the square to show parts out of the whole) and shade over the pieces needed based on the first fraction's numerator.
Monday, April 22 SCIENCE
Today we used a gimkit to review for the end of unit test tomorrow on the 4 Spheres. There are copies of the gimkit in Google Classroom for anyone who wants additional practice.
Wednesday, April 3 MATH
Today students took the Unit 9 test.
Wednesday, April 3 SCIENCE
Today students got their natural disasters that they will use for their specific research. We went over the rubric that will be used to assess their projects. We also looked at exemplars from past years.
Tuesday, April 2 MATH
Today students got their practice tests back. Students did really well- I am so proud of them! We used class time today to begin practicing for the assessment tomorrow. These pages can be worked on at home for continued practice. There is also a review assignment in ALEKS that can be used- but there is no modeling or estimating.
The following IXL skills can be used for practice: J 1, 2, 3, 4 L 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 M 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Unit 9 Test tomorrow
Tuesday, April 2 SCIENCE
Today we began talking about how natural disasters impact the 4 spheres. We took notes on volcanic eruptions and hurricanes today. These notes and the ones on earthquakes that we take tomomorrow will help as students research their own natural disaster for a project.
Monday, April 1 MATH
Today we took the Unit 9 practice test. We will use the results of this to help us practice before taking the end of unit assessment.
Monday, April 1SCIENCE
Today we began talking about how natural disasters impact the 4 spheres. We took notes on volcanic eruptions and hurricanes today. These notes and the ones on earthquakes that we take tomomorrow will help as students research their own natural disaster for a project.
Friday, March 29 MATH
Today we completed a number puzzle then did some review work on adding/subtracting mixed numbers.
Friday, March 29 SCIENCE
Today we worked on reviewing how the spheres interact. We practiced identification using a picture of a hurricane to determine parts of each sphere.
Thursday, March 28 MATH
Today we worked on solving fraction problems presented as word problems. We discussed key terms to let us know if the problem required adding or subtracting.
Tonight's Homework: Lesson 9-9 worksheet
Thursday, March 28 SCIENCE
Today we watched a quick video on generation genius about the 4 spheres and how they interact.
Wednesday, March 27 MATH
Today we continued to use our warm up to practice modeling with fractions. We then reviewed last night's homework and talked about how to solve when a whole number that is subtracted by a fraction. Students then completed the remaining problems in class. Many were able to hop to to IXL (M 2, 5, 6) to practice as well. Those who did not finish in class have added this to their homework for tonight.
Tonight's Homework: Lesson 9-8 worksheet
Wednesday, March 27 SCIENCE
Today we watched 2 Crash Course Kids videos about how the spheres interact. We then took some notes.
Tuesday, March 26 MATH
Today we worked on subtracting mixed numbers with regrouping (borrowing). This is the toughest of the fraction skills we do because when you add the borrowed "1" you don't simply add 10 to the fraction. We spent a large portion of class talking about why we treat fractions differently than any other type of number (the number of pieces is rarely based out of 10). We learned that once our problem has common denominators, if borrowing needs to happen that we convert the one borrowed into a fraction that equals 1 using the denomiator. For example, if adding our borrowed 1 to the fraction 3/5 we would need to convert the one to 5/5. We use the denominator so that the value of each piece is the same when adding the two together.
Tonight's homework: Subtracting Mixed Numbers (circled problems only)
Tuesday, March 26 SCIENCE
Today we used our class time to learn more about Circles of Power and Respect- an idea that we first heard about from Mrs. Royal and Mrs. Marcus a few weeks ago. These circles are meant to be a way to build classroom community. I love this new idea and hope to be able to use these more in short doses as we finish out our year.
Thursday, March 21 MATH
Today we worked on adding mixed numbers that did not require regrouping. We practiced by solving the fraction side first by finding common denominators and making equivalent fractions, then solving the whole number side.
Homework tonight: Lesson 9-6 worksheet
Thursday, March 21 SCIENCE
Today we began our new unit on the 4 Spheres (biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere). We watched this video on the geosphere and biosphere and took the notes below to begin learning about these new ideas.
Wednesday, March 20 MATH
Today we used both short periods to work on math. Students worked on some review pages on the 3 skills that we have learned so far in this unit: estimating using benchmarks, modeling and finding common denominators to add and subtract fractions.
Homework tonight: Review packet
Tuesday, March 19 MATH
Today we built upon our work with finding common denominators to add fractions and applied it to subtracting fractions. Kids did a great job with making the change and really understand how to add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators.
Homework tonight: Lesson 9-5 worksheet
Tuesday, March 19 SCIENCE
Today students took their end of unit test on Earth's Patterns.
Monday, March 18 MATH
Today we learned about 3 strategies for finding common denominators. We then applied that to creating equivalent fractions to be able to add those fractions. Below is a video to help at home if needed.
Homework tonight: Lesson 9-3 worksheet
Monday, March 18 SCIENCE
Today students played a Gimkit to review for their Earth's Patterns test that is tomorrow. The Gimkit is linked in Google Classroom for anyone who wants to use them to practice. Students also have a green packet of key information from the Unit that they can use to review.
Friday, March 15 MATH
Today after our number puzzle, we practiced modeling more. Next week student will be using the algorithm to add and subtract simple fractions and add mixed numbers. We will be focusing on simplifying answers as well.
Friday, March 15 SCIENCE
Today we continued working on our Gizmo from earlier this week. Today we used the Earth model to show how the direct sunlight for the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere were impacted when they were tipped toward or away from the sun (Vernal Equinox and Autumnal Equinox).
Thursday, March 14 MATH
Today we took advantage of Pi Day to play around with pi and practice multiplying decimals. Just for fun, we learned about finding the area of a circle (this is a 7th grade skill!) We watched a video from Math with Mr. J then practiced together applying the area formula to specific circles. It gave us an opportunity to practice with exponents (something we talked about in the fall), multiplying decimals (work from before winter break) and using correct labels.
Thursday, March 14 SCIENCE
Today we watched a BrainPop video on Moon Phases. We learned about why the shape of the moon appears to change throughout the month. We learned that even though it only takes about 28 days for the moon to make one full revolution around Earth that the Lunar cycle is about 30 days because it takes 2 extra days for the moon to reach the point exactly between Earth and the sun. We looked at the 2024 Lunar Calendar for Portland area to answer questions about the phases, including what phase the moon will be in on student birthdays.
Wednesday, March 13 MATH
Today we worked on modeling fraction addition and subtraction problems that have unlike denominators. This lesson is a tough one because it requires students to think about how fractions are connected to get them to think about common denominators AND they have to understand relative size of one fraction to another and to the whole. The visual piece is the toughest for students to grasp, but gives them a more solid understanding of the size of different fractions (building on our benchmarking lesson).
To do this, students draw their initial fractions (for adding they go next to one another, and for subtracting they get stacked with the bigger fraction on top). It is often easiest to put a "whole 1" on top to help aid with the relative size (ie: is it close to zero, a little smaller/bigger than half, or close to one whole). We used our fraction wall page (most took pictures and have them in their camera roll, but there is a copy below) to help find a common size piece (early common denominator work) that both can be changed into. Students then redraw the original fractions showing the now changed pieces.
Homework tonight: Lesson 9/2-9/4 packet (even numbered problems only)
Wednesday, March 13 SCIENCE
Today we looked at the impact of the tilt of Earth's axis on the amount of direct sunlight that we get. Using a Gizmo, students were able to manipulate the angle of a plate representing Earth. They discovered that the closer to parallel the Earth is to the sun (think the Equator), the more direct sunlight the plate got. Likewise, the farther from zero (think the Poles), the less direct sunlight you get regardless of if the plate was tipped toward or away from the sun.
Tuesday, March 12 MATH
Today we worked on benchmarking fractions to the nearest half (is it closer to zero, 1/2 or one whole). We discussed how to determine the half, especially for odd denominators. Students discovered that they could divide the denominator by 2 to find out what half was. From there they could decide what benchmark it was closer to. We used our benchmarking to make estimates of sums and differences of simple fractions.
Homework tonight: Lesson 9-1 worksheet
Tuesday, March 12 SCIENCE
Today we went to Len Cabral to head storytelling during one science time.
Monday, March 11 MATH
Today we did some review of concepts that have been forgotten from earlier this year. We focused on place value relationships (1/10 of and 10 times). Tonight's homework is also review- this time on Volume.
Homework tonight: Lesson 8-1/8-5 worksheet
Monday, March 11 SCIENCE
Today our groups went down to the Peace Space to learn about "Circles of Power and Respect". We learned about a protocol to help us build relationships among students. We are hoping to use this protocol periodically throughout the year.
Thursday, March 7 STEM
Today students finished up their Unit 8 tests and completed a worksheet about constellations.
Wednesday, March 6 MATH
Today students worked on their Unit 8 tests.
Wednesday, March 6 SCIENCE
Today we continued working on our Universe in a Box activity to show how the constellations change throughout the year.
Tuesday, March 5 MATH
Today the class split into two groups- students who had completed the Unit 8 review assignment on ALEKS and felt confident on the material and those who had not yet completed the assignment. The first group was given the opportunity to begin the Unit 8 test or to continue to practice. The second group was expected to finish the ALEKS assignment.
All students will take the Unit 8 test tomorrow.
Tuesday, March 5 SCIENCE
Today we started looking at the pattern that constellations follow throughout the year and why that happens. We began building a "Universe in a Box" that will help us to show how the constellations change and why.
Thursday, February 29 MATH
Today we practiced solving word problems by identifying the question first to help them know which number is the dividend and which is the divisor. By starting with the question, we can figure out what our answer will give us (ex: number of candies per minute). That helps us to then decide what we are breaking up (candies) and into how many groups or groups of what size (minutes). Students have been asked to use the word format to start so that they can become more efficient at it. (I forgot to take a picture of our actual notes- it will be updated with this picture tomorrow).
Homework tonight: word problem worksheet
Thursday, February 29 SCIENCE
Today we continued our notes on patterns to finish up seasons/years and shadows. One group had time to watch a quick BrainPop video on solstices and equinoxes- the other group will catch up tomorrow.
Wednesday, February 28 MATH
Today we began the pretest. It became clear that students have the process for division down well, but still need practice with determining how to set up problems when they are word problems. We will spend time tomorrow focusing on this skill. The Unit 8 Test will be on Tuesday of next week (3/5).
No Homework tonight
Wednesday, February 28 SCIENCE
Today we watched a short video to recap what we have talked about for the past couple of weeks. We took some notes on the "Big Ideas" about the patterns that we have learned about.
Monday, February 26 MATH
Today we put two of our skills together to divide by decimal divisors. We practiced shifting the decimal point in the divisor to make it a whole number and then matched that shift in the dividend to make the problem equivalent.
Homework Tonight: R45 worksheet- all work must be done on the back of the page OR on a separate piece of paper
Monday, February 26 SCIENCE
Today we watched a BrainPop video on Seasons to begin the conversation about how the tilt of Earth's axis and it's revolution around the sun that causes our seasons to change throughout the year. We wrote down 3 new vocabulary words: axis, revolution and orbit.
Friday, February 16 MATH
Today we reviewed our decimal division worksheet. The rest of class was spent working on an ALEKS assignment to review our "Fraction Friday" work on equivalent forms of fractions (equivalent, simplfying and converting between mixed numbers and improper fractions). For students not here- this is an online assignment and can be completed at any time over break.
Friday, February 16 SCIENCE
Today we finished the Mystery Science lesson about how the path of the sun changes throughout the year causing changes to the amount of daylight hours. We learned that in winter the sun's path is closest to the horizon and so the shortest possible path. This means that the amount of daylight is shortest. The sun's path gets higher (and daylight hours longer) as we move through Summer at which point the sun's path begins to get lower and shorter causing fewer daylight hours.
For students who were absent- this assignment is in Google Classroom with links to the video and worksheet.
Tuesday-Thursday, February 13-15 MATH
Sorry- I have had some trouble with updating my website this week- but we've been doing a lot!
On Tuesday, students did a review packet on powers of 10, estimating and modeling.
On Wednesday and Thursday we worked on dividing a decimal dividend by a whole number. We learned about two strategies for placing the decimal point into the answer (move it straight up....like we all learned!) or using estimating to place the decimal point where it makes the most sense. Because I accidentally gave the wrong worksheet we had a quick lesson today on what to do when we have remainders with our decimal division- this will be revisited and practiced in more depth when we return from break.
Homework this week:
Tuesday: finish review packet from class
Wednesday: decimal division worksheet
Thursday: division worksheet P39
Tuesday-Thursday, February 13-15 SCIENCE
This week we learned more about how shadows change throughout the day. We built shadow clocks and used flashlights to simulate the sun. We discovered that the sun moves from east to west on a southern track as the day goes on. We also learned that shadows are longer in the morning, get shorter towards noon and then begin to get longer throughout the afternoon and evening. This predictable pattern can help to determine the time of day.
Today we began to look at seasonal patterns that happen throughout the year. We will finish this lesson tomorrow.
Monday, February 12 MATH
Today continued working on modeling our decimal division problems. For each problem we broke the dividend number down into its parts (ones, tenths, hundredths) to divide up into even groups. Before breaking up the model we put those parts back together. (see pics below)
Homework: Lesson 8-3 worksheet (skip number 8- do models on ALL problems 3-10)
Monday, February 12 SCIENCE
Today we learned more about why the day is broken up into 24 hours based on how the Ancient Egyptians counted. Tomorrow we will be making shadow clocks.
Friday, February 9 MATH
Today we completed number puzzle 8 and had our "Fraction Friday" lesson on converting improper fractions to mixed numbers.
Friday, February 9 SCIENCE
Today we finished up the lesson on Earth's rotation and how it causes day and night for places on Earth.
Thursday, February 8 MATH
Today we worked on modeling decimal division problems. We worked to break the dividend into smaller divisible parts to help us create the model.
Homework tonight: complete the 2 modeling problems on the grid worksheet (one per side)- this is a change from what is written in planners
Thursday, February 8 SCIENCE
Today we started our next unit- Earth Patterns. We worked through most of a Mystery Science lesson on Earth's rotation. We learned about the idea that as Earth spins toward/away from the sun that we experience daytime and nighttime. We also learned that the place on the opposite side of Earth from us expereinces the opposite time of day.
Monday, February 5 MATH
Today we learned about estimating quotients with decimal numbers. We practiced a new skill by combining the power of 10 "decimal shift" to create whole number problems that we could use our previously learned compatible number strategy.
Homework: Lesson 8-2 worksheet
Wednesday, February 7 GLOBAL PLAY DAY
Today we had a meeting to learn about the new bus-pass system being used on Cape School busses. Since this meeting was going to replace one group's science class, I used the other science period to capture the excitement of Global Play Day! The idea behind this day is to get kids playing together without technology. So for about 30 minutes, we just played : )
Tuesday, February 6 SCIENCE
Today we did not have math class due to MTY testing. Students took their Food Web Assessment and then had some "catch-up or get ahead" time to do make-up assignments (we have had a TON of absences recently) or work in ALEKS or QuickTables to get ahead on some individual skills.
Monday, February 5 MATH
Today we learned about the two ways that we use powers of 10 to shift decimals. Students easily understood both methods, but remembering which to use is the most challenging part. If your divisor is already a whole number, you shift the decimal point of the dividend to the left equal to the number of zeros in your whole number. If the divisor is a decimal, you shift the decimal point to the right to make it a whole number then shift the decimal point in the dividened the same number of places (see notes below).
Monday, February 5 SCIENCE
Today we reviewed the Food Chain gizmo results and then played a couple of Gimkit to practice for the Food Web assessment tomorrow.
Thursday, February 1 MATH
Today we did a number puzzle and we worked on converting mixed numbers into improper fractions.
No Homework tonight
Thursday, February 1 SCIENCE
Today we finished up working on the Food Chain Gizmo. Students worked right up to the end of the period, so we will go over the reults tomorrow or Monday.
Tuesday, January 30 MATH
Today students took the Unit 8 pretest. I will use the information from this test to help plan my lessons for this unit.
Tuesday, January 30 SCIENCE
Today we shared about half of the food web projects that students completed last week. The remainder of class was spent working on the gizmo to determine the short-term impacts of changes to an ecosystem.
Monday, January 29 SCIENCE
Because of the late start today, I chose to do a longer science class and not have math. We began looking a food chain simulation on ExploreLearning. Students looked at the short-term impacts on changing one species in a four-organism food chain by doubling and then halving the rabbit population. Students noticed that when there is more predators, the prey population goes down but the predator population goes up because of the extra food resources available. We will be looking at long-term impacts to food chains when major or minor disruptions happen to the food chain.
Wednesday, January 24 MATH
Today we switched up our routine and did "Fraction Friday" today. I wasn't able to come to school yesterday to grab the practice tests to score and use for review today. This pushes our Unit 7 test back to Friday.
Wednesday, January 24 SCIENCE
Today students continued to work on their research for the Food Web project. Most students are at the point where they have made a rough draft of their web. We will hopefully be moving to final drafts on Canva, posters or paper tomorrow.
Monday, January 22 MATH
Today we worked on interpreting what to do with a remainder when we divide numbers in context. We discussed times we would ignore (not enough money, stickers, etc to do one more), and times we would round up the quotient (when you need to include all parts of the dividend- like students on a trip).
Homework tonight: Lesson 7-7 worksheet
Monday, January 22 SCIENCE
Today we introduced the food web project that students will be working on this week. Students chose an ecosystem from a list and then chose 10 or more organisms from that ecosystem to research for their food web. Tomorrow, students will be doing research to answer the questions "what does it eat" and "what is it eaten by" for their chosen 10.
This project will be primarily done in school, but some kids may want to work on their final projects at home.
Wednesday, January 17 MATH
Today we continued to practice division with 2-digit divisors. Students are doing a great job of using the steps with the new, larger numbers.
Homework tonight: Division page 43 worksheet
Wednesday, January 17 SCIENCE
Today we watched a Wild Kratts video about food chains and food webs to reinforce the idea of chains versus webs.
Tuesday, January 16 MATH
Today we only did math class due to the early release. Most students worked on dividing with 2-digit divisors. I have given each student 2 copies of a multiplication chart that goes up to 50 to help on these problems. Students have 10 problems to complete tonight.
My small group that already knew how to multiply with 2-digits worked on a ratios assignment about finding a missing value. The video from Ms. Bailey is in Google Classroom.
Homework tonight: division worksheet page 39 OR ratios worksheet #3
Friday, January 12 MATH
Today we had our first "Fraction Friday". As we approach the mid-point of the year and the upcoming fractions units, we will be using Fridays to review and learn important prerequisite skills for the fraction work that we do in 5th grade. Today we learned about creating equivalent fractions and why you have to multiply (or divide) the numerator and denominator by the same number.
Friday, January 12 SCIENCE
Today we watched another Mystery Science video on decomposers. We looked specifically at worms and how they play an imporant role not only in breaking down dead matter but also improving the growth of plants by the micronutrients that they excrete.
Thursday, January 11 MATH
Today our groups split again to tackle division and ratios. The division group reviewed one-digit divisors for the final time today. Next week we will be moving to two-digit divisors. The ratios group watched a video and worked on using ratios with coordinate planes to show linear relationships.
Homework: Divison worksheet OR ratios worksheet #2
Thursday, January 11 SCIENCE
Today we watched another Mystery Science video, this time about decomposers and their role in the ecosystem.
Wednesday, January 10 STEM
Today we used both short periods for science. Students completed a worksheet to review our food chains and played a couple more rounds of Eat or Be Eaten.
Tuesday, January 9 MATH
Today students built upon the division yesterday and learned how to report division remainders as fractions. (the remainder is used as the numerator and the divisor is used as the denominator). We talked about how this is a more accurate way of writing the answer with no extra work. We also talked about how we will need to adjust our practice when the numbers have context- for example, we can not have 15 and 1/2 students in a group!
video on how to report remainders as fractions
Homework tonight: Division worksheet (all 15 problems).
Tuesday, January 9 SCIENCE
Today students played a game called Eat or Be Eaten! This game has students putting organisms into food chains based on what they eat (provided on the card). The goal is to make as many chains as possible with bonus points given for chains of 5 organisms or more. On their turn students can draw a new organism card or an steal un-chained organism from other players to build their chains.
Monday, January 8 MATH
Today all students took a multiplication fact assessment on ALEKS (QuickTables) to assess their mastery of the facts 1-12. Students will be doing weekly practice to support their learning and mastery of these facts. For the reminder of the class, we worked on the traditional method for division, focusing on one-digit divisors and no remainders. We learned the 5 steps and practiced with a couple of problems. Here is a video to help if needed.
Homework tonight: division worksheet- circled problems only
Monday, January 8 SCIENCE
Today we worked through a Mystery Science lesson on food chains. We learned that we can make food chains by asking the questions "what does it eat" and "what is it eaten by". Tomorrow we will play a game to help us learn about making food chains.
Friday, January 5 MATH
Today we worked through number puzzle 3 and everyone was successful! I love the review of lots of math concepts through a game like format. We finished up the week with another quick review of estimating using compatible numbers. Next week we begin the algorithm for students who have not already mastered it and some rates/ratios work for those who have.
Friday, January 5 SCIENCE
Today students completed their organism sort by placing 12 organisms into the categories: Producer, Consumer and Decomposer. We then watched 4 quick videos to review our work from this week.
Thursday, January 4 MATH
Today we reviewed the two skills learned this week- using compatible numbers to estimate and dividing power of 10 numbers using mental strategies. When students finished, they worked on either ALEKS skills or on activities from the Math Extensions Google Classroom.
Homework tonight: 20 minutes practice on IXL (skills E1-5 get to 80% before moving to the next skill)
Thursday, January 4 SCIENCE
Today we rewatched the BrainPop video then did the review quiz and a quick comprehension worksheet sorting organisms into the categories: producer, consumer and decomposer, creating a food chain from given organisms and then explaining the impact of a disruption in a food chain on the other organisms.
Wednesday, January 3 MATH
Today we used our work from yesterday on dividing by powers of 10. We used compatible numbers (think fact families: 16 / 2 =8) to round the numbers to create numbers that we can estimate with. We use the strategy of underlining the first two digits of the dividend and the first of the divisor (ex: 3174 / 81 would be 31 and 8). We first check to see if the pair of numbers are a fact family, and if not then we change one to make them work. For example, 31 cannot be evenly divided by 8, but 32 can so we change the number 3174 to 3200. We change 81 to 80. We then divide the fact family and place the zeros by subtracting the number from the dividend (3200 = 2 zeros) by the number in the divisor (80 = 1 zero) (2-1 =1 so one zero would be added to the end of the fact) This is the example from picture 2 if you need to look at the work.
Homework tonight: lesson 7-2 worksheet
Wednesday, January 3 SCIENCE
Today we watched a BrainPop video on Food Chains and went over some comprehension questions. One group took notes on new vocabulary (the other will do this tomorrow).
Tuesday, January 2 MATH
Today we learned about how to mentally divide power of 10 numbers. We used multiplication work from earlier this year to understand how the division patterns worked. To solve these problems, students identified and underlined the basic fact (ex 16,000 / 20 would be 16/2) then subtracted the zeros (ex 16,000 has 3 zeros and 20 has 1: 3-1 =2) the answer to the problem is the basic fact 8 with the number of zeros (2) or 800. Students will be using this work to help support tomororw's work on estimating.
Homework tonight: Lesson 7-1 worksheet
Tuesday, January 2 SCIENCE
Today we began the next portion of our unit on food chains/webs. We read about and did supported highlighting of an article on types of organisms (producers, consumers and decomposers) and how the arrows of in a food chain show the flow of energy from one organism to another. Students began working on a task to sort organisms into the three categories which will be finished tomorrow.
Wednesday, December 20 MATH
Today we used our work from yesterday to practice divisibility rules. Most students were able to complete the work during class, a few need to take this home to complete tonight.
Homework: complete divisibility worksheet (both sides)
Videos for help if needed
Wednesday, December 20 SCIENCE
Today students worked on a slide deck of inforamtion about photosynthesis. The last slide was a creative story that students wrote about how they (as plants) eat by explaining the process of photosynthesis. These assignments are in google classroom- I encourage you to check out your child's creativitiy!
Tuesday, December 19 MATH
Today we learned about divisibility rules- quick methods to determine if a number is evenly divisible by another (for us 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10). Students practiced in class on a worksheet that we went over at the end. Some students practiced on IXL (skills F4 and F5)
NO homework tonight
Tuesday, December 19 SCIENCE
Today we wrote thank you letters to the sponsors of our trip to GMRI yesterday. We brainstormed about what was learned/surprised us and what our favorite parts were.
Friday, December 15 MATH
Today we did a number puzzle- a fun way to practice many mathematical skills by using mathematical clues to find a mystery number. We will keep doing these throughout the year. We finished up class by working on a volume worksheet. This was a quick check-in that will be used as a grade in powerschool.
Friday, December 15 SCIENCE
Today students worked on a crossword puzzle to review for their photosynthesis test on Monday. Students were asked to read some information from a couple of graphics and then answer the crossword questions. If students finished early, they were able to practice on the gimkit linked in Google Classroom. This gimkit will be available all weekend to use to study.
Wednesday, December 13 MATH
Today students continued practice on finding volume of compound shapes. We looked at using color as a strategy to help identify length, width and height of the shapes. This is a skill that often takes time to master and is one that we will keep coming back to as the year goes on.
Homework tonight: Volume of Compound Shapes worksheet
Wednesday, December 13 SCIENCE
Today students finished up the gizmo. We learned that we perceive color by the light waves that are reflected off a surface. Because of this, green light is not absorbed by plants and causes a very slow rate of photosynthesis. Other colors, like indigo and orange-red are well-absorbed and result in a rapid rate of photosynthesis. We also learned about limiting factors. Students conducted trials of 3 sets of condtions to see whch factor (temperature, light intesity or carbon dioxide) limited the amount of oxygen produced. We learned that if changing a factor allows more oxygen to be produced, that is considered a limiting factor.
Tuesday, December 12 MATH
Today we built upon the volume ALEKS assignment that students worked on yesterday with the sub and moved into working with complex shapes. Finding the correct dimensions to use is the hardest part of this skill. We practiced finding length (side to side), width (front to back) and height (top to bottom) and how to determine the value of missing dimensions by using other dimensions given. I have students use a set structure (see pictures below) to help them organize their work. I insist on this structure at the beginning so that I can ensure that all students are able to find the necessary dimensions.
Homework tonight: Lesson 2-4 worksheet: number 6 (last problem) is a challenge and after trying it, students may choose to skip this one.
Video for Finding Volume of Composite Rectangular Prisms
Tuesday, December 12 SCIENCE
Today we continued our work on the Photosynthesis Gizmo. Students collected data about how the color (wavelength) of light affects the rate of photosynthesis. Students found that different colors of light either positively to negatively impacted the amount of oxygen produced. Some students were quite surprised to find that green light is not a good color for photosynthesis.
Thursday, December 7 STEM
Today students worked with Ms. Bailey
Wednesday, December 6 MATH
Today students took the Unit 6 test. We will begin unit 7 on Monday.
Wednesday, December 6 SCIENCE
Today students used most of their classtime to finish up with the math test. We did begin a warm-up on the Photosynthesis Gizmo that allows us to manipulate the temperature, light intensity and carbon dioxide to see the impact on the rate of photosynthsis (as measured through the oxygen production). We will continue to work on this tomorrow and next week to learn more about the impact of each variable to the photosynthesis process.
Tuesday, December 5 SCIENCE
Today students watched a Bill Nye video on photosynthesis after everyone had finished their vocab quiz.
Monday, December 4 MATH
Today students took the Unit 7 pretest (whole number division). Tomorrow students will get back their Unit 6 practice tests. We will use these to help us prepare for the Unit test on Wednesday.
Monday, December 4 SCIENCE
Today students watched a BrainPop video on photosynthesis. We then reviewed using the "quiz" at the end.
Wednesday, November 29 MATH
Today students took the practice test for Unit 6. I will correct these over the weekend and we will use them next week to prepare for the Unit test, likely to be on Wednesday, December 6
Wednesday, November 29 SCIENCE
Today students worked on creating a vocabulary flip book to use to study for a vocabulary quiz that students will take next week. Students also got a worksheet that they will color during class/WIN this week showing the parts of the photosynthesis process.
Tuesday, November 28 MATH
Today students reviewed mutliplied decimals using the face math assignment. Students began this in class and are expected to finish up at home tonight.
Homework tonight: Face Math
Tuesday, November 28 SCIENCE
Today students read an article on why plants are important and answered some comprehension questions.
Monday, November 27 MATH
Today we learned about multiplying decimals. We went over 2 different strategies for placing the decimal point in the answer: estimating and counting. See pictures of notes below for help.
Here are a few videos if reminders are needed.
Multiplying Decimals Explained: A Step-By-Step Review
Multiply a Whole Number by a Decimal
Multiply a Decimal by a Decimal
Homework: Multiplying Decimals worksheet
Monday, November 27 SCIENCE
Today we started a new unit on photosynthesis. We watched a video to learn about the structures inside a leave and their role in the process of photosynthesis. We also talked about the reactants (carbon dioxide, water and sunlight) and products (glucose and oxygen) of photosynthesis. Students learned that the glucose created is used by plants to grow and the oxygen is released as a byproduct that humans use to breathe.
Worksheet completed in class is below
Thursday, November 16 MATH
Today we learned about creating models for decimal multiplication problems. We learned that we model differently when there are 2 decimal numbers being multiplied or if there is one decimal and one whole number. See notes below.
Homework tonight: Lesson 6-3 worksheet
Thursday, November 16 SCIENCE
Today we worked on a Scientific Method Escape Room. Students worked in pairs or individually to answer questions from levels 1-3. We will finish tomorrow.
Tuesday, November 14 MATH
Today we worked on two strategies for estimating the products of decimal numbers. In the first strategy (one that will be used most often) students rounded to the largest place (just like with whole numbers) then multiplied each rounded factor. In the second strategy, students found an estimated range by rounding both numbers down and then multiplied to find the lowest possible value. Then they rounded up and multiplied to find the highest possible value. This gives the range of possible values.
Homework tonight: Lesson 6-2 worksheet
Tuesday, November 14 SCIENCE
Today students finished collecting data and analyzing the effect of the base angle on the distance that the projectile go. This is the final experiment that we will do on this unit. When students finished, they worked on a gizmo to test out different variables on a trebuchet and how far/fast the projectile can be launched.
Monday, November 13 MATH
Today we applied our Power of 10 skills learned in Unit 5 to decimals. Students looked for patterns created when multiplying decimal numbers by powers of 10 (either as a number (ex 100) or in exponential form (ex 102). Students noticed that when multiplying using decimals they "pick up" the decimal point from where it is and shift it to the right based on the exponent or the number of zeros in the number (ex 1.5 * 102 shifts the decimal point two places (we called them swoops) to the right which adds a zero in the empty place to make the number 150).
Video if needed for extra help
Homework tonight: Lesson 6-1 worksheet
Monday, November 13 SCIENCE
Today students worked in groups to either finish up the experiment on the affect of flipstick length on the distance a projectile can go or moved on to testing out the affect of the angle of the base. Students are practicing controlling variables, collecting data, and using the data to draw conclusions. This supports both their scientific learning and practices the skills from LA on complete sentences, supporting details in paragraphs and grammar concepts of punctuation and capitalization.
Thursday, November 9 STEM
Today students took the Unit 5 test on multiplying whole numbers using the traditional algorithm. When finished, students worked on missing assignments or if they had none, a gizmo about changing the variables of a catapult system to launch the "payload". This was a nice connection to the fair test unit we are doing and the catapults that we are using in our own classroom.
Wednesday, November 8 MATH
Today students reviewed independently using the unit reivew pages (165-168) in their math books or through small group targeted instruction and practice with either Ms. Bailey or me. I have created an ALEKS Unit 5 Test Prep assignment to allow students to study for the test tonight.
Homework: Prepare for tomorrow's Unit 5 Test
Wednesday, November 8 SCIENCE
Today students synthesized their learning about fair tests and variables on a writing prompt. When finished, groups finished up with the experiment on flipstick length.
Tuesday, November 7 MATH
Today students took the Unit 5 practice test. This will show what they have mastered in this unit and what areas to study tomorrow before the end of unit test.
Tuesday, November 7 SCIENCE
Today students collected data on how the length of the flipstick effected the distance the projectile could go. Most students were able to collect all of their data, find averages for each length and use their data to draw conclusions about the effect of flipstick length.
Monday, November 6 MATH
Today students took the unit 6 pretest. This was going to be taken later this week but I bumped it up due to so many kids being absent today. Tomorrow students will take the Unit 5 practice test to let us know what areas need more practice. Students will be taking the unit 5 test on Thursday of this week.
When students were done with their pretest, they worked on their Friday classwork- if it was not finished in class, it was assigned as homework.
Homework: finish classwork (goose egg or cold can)
Monday, November 6 SCIENCE
Today groups who needed to finish up data, did so. All students learned how to average their trial data by adding and dividing. When finished student they wrote their conclusions. We continue to work on how to structure this type of writing while also being mindful that the writing conventions that have been taught in Ms. Newton's class still apply (like run-on sentences, end punctuation and capital letters).
Friday, November 3 MATH
Today students practiced their multiplication either through computation of problems or solving for surface area.
Friday, November 3 SCIENCE
Today students worked in their groups to collect data about how the amount of force affects the number height that a projectile can go.
Thursday, November 2 MATH
Today we broke into two groups working on different aspects of two-digit multiplication. One group was learning about two-digit multiplication with the traditional model for the first time today. We wrote notes and practiced adding place-holder zeros before multiplying with the tens place digit (see pics below). The other group who had mastered two-digit multiplication prior to the unit, applied their knowledge to finding surface area of rectangular and triangular prisms.
Here are a couple of videos to help with surface area if needed:
Surface Area of Rectangular Prisms
Surface Area of Triangular Prisms
Homework: Two-digit Multiplication OR Surface area of Prisms
Thursday, November 2 SCIENCE
Today students shared out the information collected yesterday from the catapults. We talked about the "best" of different variables. We then set up our notebooks to perform an experiment tomorrow to determine the affect of the amount of force on the height the projectile can go.
Tuesday, November 1 MATH
Today we used volume of rectangular prisms to practice our multiplication algorithm. Students then completed a reivew activity on ALEKS.
Homework: Volume of Rectangular Prisms- work for 25 minutes (or complete all 20 problems)
Tuesday, November 1 SCIENCE
Today students used our flipper systems (base, flipstick, and cork) to gather information about how to make the projectile (cork) go the farthest or the highest. We will review the data tomorrow then get into testing out some of the variables we discovered.
Monday, October 30MATH
Today students worked on an Esti-Mystery (estimation activity) with Ms. Bailey.
Monday, October 30MATH
Today we reviewed our work from last week. Students completed pages on powers of 10, estimation of products, and area models. This was classwork and was finished by most students in class. Those who did not should finish it for homework tonight.
Homework: finish review pages if needed
Monday, October 30 SCIENCE
Today we had a "finish up" day to have students finish up the lab reports due last Wednesday and the gizmo worked on. Tomorrow we will go over the results of the data collected with the gizmo.
Wednesday, October 25 MATH
Today we broke into two parts based on the results of the pretest taken a couple of weeks ago. One group worked on using traditional multiplication to solve volume problems. The other group worked on using the traditional method to solve one-digit multiplication problems.
Homework tonight: volume group: Volume of Prisms- R103 Multiplication group: R14 worksheet
multiplying R14.pdfvolume R103.pdfWednesday, October 25 SCIENCE
Today students continued to work on their gizmo, with testing out the affect of light on sprouting. Some students were able to also work on testing out the affect of heat.
Tuesday, October 24 MATH
Today students learned about creating area models to show multiplication problems. Students need to fill in rectangles to show how the different parts fit together.
Homework tonight: Lesson 5-3 worksheet
Tuesday, October 24 SCIENCE
Today students continued working on the gizmo (online simulation) to determine what the amount of water for each of the 3 seeds in the simulation. Students knew that the seeds needed water, but found that each seed needed a different amount. They found that all seeds needed between 50mL to 80mL daily for optimum sprouting. We will continue our work tomorrow looking at light as a variable.
Monday, October 23 MATH
Today students learned about estimating products by front end rounding. We practiced rounding to the largest place of each factor then multiply each non-zero numnber and add the zeros on to the end of the number.
Homework tonight: Lesson 5-3 worksheet
Monday, October 23 SCIENCE
Today students began working on an online simulation to determine which variables (water, heat, light) affect the sprouting of seeds. We are using this to pair with our work on conducting fair tests by controlling the variables we experiment on. We had a quite a few technology snafus so we were only able to get through the warm-up activity.
Friday, October 20 MATH
Today students built upon the skill learned yesterday about how to write and evaluate power of 10 numbers. We learned how to write and evaluate numbers using powers of 10 where the leading number is not one. For example= 65,000 would be 65 * 10^3. Students completed an exit slip to help me guage how well they understand the topic before we move on next week.
Friday, October 20 SCIENCE
Today students worked on completing their lab reports. This is due by Wednesday, October 25th. Students can work on it at home or during a WIN period.
Thursday, October 19 MATH
Today students worked with exponents with a base of 10. We learned about the pattern of how the exponent equals the number of zeros behind the one in a number. (ex: 10 to the 5th power= 100,000)
Homework tonight: Lesson 5-1 worksheet
Lesson 5-1 worksheet.pdfThursday, October 19 SCIENCE
Today students finished plotting the points on their graphs for the length experiment. They then went into Google Classroom and began typing up their lab reports for that experiment. We will continue this tomorrow too.
Wednesday, October 18 MATH
Today students finished up their Unit 4 tests and worked on some skill work in ALEKS.
Homework tonight: Decimal review sheet
Wednesday, October 18 SCIENCE
Today we looked at the data collected this week on how length affects the number of circuits that our pendulums can complete. We created a visual graph to be able to analyze the data more clearly. Students noticed and discussed data that seemed out of place (either too long, too short or had several pendulums with the same number of circuits- see pic). We talked about why those looked out of place and what we could do if we questioned the data (no- we can't just change it to fit!). Tomorrow we will finish up by creating a 2-coordinate graph and writing up our conclusions about the affect of length.
Tuesday, October 17 MATH
Today students took the Unit 4 test. Most did not finish and will continue to work on it tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 17 SCIENCE
Today students collected their final piece of data from our length experiment. All groups found that the number of circuits went down with the longer pendulums. Tomorrow we will graph the data collected this week and students will write their conclusions independently based on the ones that we completed together on the last two experiments.
Monday, October 16 MATH
Today we used the practice test taken last week to prepare for the unit test tomorrow. Students have a packet of practice problems that can be used to study. They do not need to complete every problem, but they should practice each type (estimating, modeling and solving addition and subtraction problems)
Homework tonight: Study for the Unit 4 test being taken tomorrow
Monday, October 16 SCIENCE
Today students collected data on different length pendulums. They need to finish with their longest pendulums tomorrow.
Thursday, October 12 MATH
Today students completed the Unit 4 practice test. We will use the data from this to do some small group instruction and practice on Monday. Students will take the Unit 4 test on Tuesday. Students worked on IXL practice when they were finished: AA 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11.
Homework tonight: none
Thursday, October 12 SCIENCE
Today students read an article from the SuperSTEM magazine on a virtual reality game Mario's World. Students worked on comprehension questions when they finished. This packet is due on Tuesday (10/17).
Wednesday, October 11 MATH
Today students worked on a subtracting decimal review, coupled with a coordinate graph review. Students were given the class period to work on the assignment (28 subtraction problems) and will need to finish the work at home tonight.
Homework tonight: Homework Helper (MUST SHOW WORK) worksheet and coordinate graph
homework helper.pdfWednesday, October 11 SCIENCE
Today we collected data to see how the angle of the pendulum when dropped affected the number of circuits that the pendulum could complete. On Friday, we will write conclusions for the data collected today.
Tuesday, October 10 MATH
Today our classes split up into 2 groups. One group worked on adding and subtracting decimals- the next skill from this unit. The other group, students who showed mastery of adding/subtracting on the pretest, worked on beginning volume concepts looking at models, finding dimensions and either counting or using multiplication to find the volume. Your child knows which group they were in.
Tonight's Homework: Adding/Subtracting Decimals: Practice 3-6 worksheet
Volume: Finding Volume with Unit Cubes
practice 3-6 worksheet.pdf
Tuesday, October 10 SCIENCE
Today we analized the data from our pendulum experiment last week and wrote out the conclusions to the experiment. We focused on the ways that the conclusion in an experiment is much like a regualar parargaph- it has a topic sentence (if the hypothesis was correct or not), 3 supporting details (comes from the data they collected) and a concluding sentence (analyzes why the data turned out the way it did or shares questions that should/could still be tested). Tomorrow, students will collect data to determine what affect changing the angle from which the pendulum starts has on the number of circuits that the pendulum can complete.
Wednesday, October 4 MATH
Today we worked on modeling decimal addition and subtraction problems. This is a different skill from solving for an answer. We practiced how to show two pieces being added and how it looks different when you have a piece that you are subtracting part from (see pictures below). I have specific expectations about how students model, so please have them check these pictures if they are stuck.
Homework tonight: Lesson 4-3/4-6 packet (DUE TUESDAY)
Wednesday, October 4 SCIENCE
Today we conducted an experiment to determine how mass affects the number circuits that the pendulum can complete. We collected data for one, two and three pennies. We will need to review the data in our next class to determine if mass does have an impact on our pendulums.
Tuesday, October 3 MATH/SCIENCE
Today after testing we used our academic time for students to share their Culture Projects. It is always so amazing to have students share more about their family history and ways that their cultures have influenced their lives.
Monday, October 2 MATH
Today we learned about using rounding to estimate sums and differences. We talked about why we round and estimate. This was mostly review from last year for most kids.
Homework tonight: Lesson 4-1 worksheet
Monday, October 2 SCIENCE
Today we used most of class testing out the features on the Maine Through the Year assessment app. We then set up our STEM notebooks to begin collecting data on how the mass of the bob at the end of a pendulum affects the number of circuits it can complete in 15 seconds. We will do this on Wednesday due to the Culture Share tomorrow during our STEM/Humanitites time.
Friday, September 29 MATH
Today we did a mini-lesson on plotting points on a coordinate grid. We then used these skills as part of our activity reviewing comparing decimals. This was classwork, but a few of the afternoon kids need to finish the page up before Tuesday.
Friday, September 29 SCIENCE
Today we began using our pendulums to collect data about how they work and what variables might affect the number of circuits that the pendulum can complete.
Thursday, September 28 MATH
Today students took the pretest for Unit 4 (adding/subtracting, estimating and modeling with decimals). We will begin that unit on Monday based on the results from the pretest today.
Tonight's homework is volume IXL. We are pre-filling the idea of what volume is and how it is calculated by looking at/working with models. We will start completing the algorithm when we begin multiplication in unit 5.
Homework tonight: IXL UU 1, 2, 3 to 80% (many kids started in class when finished with their pretests)
Thursday, September 28 SCIENCE
Today we continued our work with identifying experimental variables. As a whole class, we worked on identifying the manipulated, responding and controlled variables from four different scenarios. We will put our work to the test tomorrow when we begin to collect our own data about the variables that affect a pendulum.
Wednesday, September 27 MATH
Today students took the Unit 3 test. This took all of the math block plus most of the science block.
No homework tonight!
Wednesday, September 27 SCIENCE
Today we watched a short BrainPop video on the scientific method. In the afternoon we had time to identify the experimental variables from that video (the morning group will do this to start class tomorrow). We will use our work today to support our work tomorrow in continuing to identify experimental variables from a given scenario.
Tuesday, September 26 MATH
Today students reviewed their the Unit 3 practice test to celerate what they have learned and pick out the skills that still need work. All students worked on the Unit Review pages (85-87) from their math books and some worked in small groups with Ms. Bailey and I to get extra help on specific skills.
Students can use old, corrected homework, the online book or IXL skills (see below) that are highlighted as "recommended by your teacher".
Homework tonight: begin preparing for Unit test on Wednesday
IXL skills:
Whole Number Place Value (A 1, 2, 3)
Decimal Place Value, Decimal Rounding (W 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9)
Equivalent Decimals, Comparing Decimals (X 1, 4)
Decimals converted to fractions (Y 4)
Tuesday, September 26 Science
Today we went over the variables worksheet to begin our conversation about what variables are and how to identify them for different scenarios. We then moved to talk about what experimental variables are. We will use the vocab that we wrote down today to start identifying experimental variables for given scenarios.
Monday, September 25 MATH
Today students took the Unit 3 practice test. We will use the results of the practice test to form small groups for review before the Unit test on Wednesday. We talked today about the student responsibility to prepare for an upcoming test. Students can use old, corrected homework, the online book or IXL skills (see below) that are highlighted as "recommended by your teacher".
Homework tonight: begin preparing for Unit test on Wednesday
IXL skills:
Whole Number Place Value (A 1, 2, 3)
Decimal Place Value, Decimal Rounding (W 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9)
Equivalent Decimals, Comparing Decimals (X 1, 4)
Decimals converted to fractions (Y 4)
Monday, September 25 Science
Today we added the terms Qualitative and Quantitative obsevations to our vocabulary notes and then began talking about variables. Students used a worksheet to brainstorm variables that could affect the outcome in different scenarios. We will use this as the start to our conversation about experimental variables and fair tests.
Friday, September 22 MATH
Today after reviewing last night's homework, with focused practice on reading decimals (a skill from a previous lesson), students completed a rounding review worksheet. Many began working in our Math Extensions Google Classroom. This is a set of activities meant to supplement the classroom and extend kids' mathematical thinking when they are done with the expected work for the class. All kids will be added to this eventually, but I did not want to overwhelm them with another classroom without explanation of its intent and use.
Friday, September 22 SCIENCE
Today we watched a quick video (linked here) on scientific method to begin talking about forming hypothesis and designing experiments to test them. We then worked to complete a worksheet where students needed to use observations given to form a hypothesis and come up with a way to test it out.
Thursday, September 21 MATH
Today we learned about rounding decimals. We grounded this new concept in what students learned about rounding whole numbers in Pond Cove. We practiced specific strategies of underlining the place being rounded to and circling the number used to determine whether they will round up or down.
Homework tonight: Lesson 3-5 worksheet (pages 19-20)
Lesson 3-5 worksheet.pdfThursday, September 21 SCIENCE
Today we built upon the BrainPop video that students watched yesterday. We worked on the vocabulary and putting the steps of the scientific method in order.
Wednesday, September 20 MATH
Today students completed a math probe on comparing decimals that I will use to determine whether we need more work on this concept. When students finished, they completed an IXL quiz on the decimal concepts that we have completed so far. They then used the results to practice on skills that they were not as confident on.
Homework tonight: Complete IXL quiz, if not completed in class
Wednesday, September 20 SCIENCE
Today students watched a BrainPop video on the scientific method (available on Google Classroom for anyone who was absent). With my sub, Mrs. Forsley, student reviewed the vocabulary and completed a comprehension quiz as a class. Tomorrow we will build on this by looking at different types of variables and how they can be used to design experiments.
Homework: complete the SuperSTEM graph worksheet on Cougars in Crisis
Tuesday, September 19 MATH
Today students took the online initial skills assessment for our ALEKS program. This is an online math program that self-levels based on the assessments and work done to fill in gaps and build extensions so that all students are challenged. We will begin using ALEKS regularly to support student learning in math. Many kids took 2 full class periods to finish so we did not have a science lesson today. Instead student finished up working on answering questions based on a graph from yesterday's SuperSTEM magazine article.
Homework tonight: 5th Grader IXL skills SS 1, TT 1, TT 4, TT5. Students should work for a total of 20 minutes on these skills (not 20 minutes each). Students may use calculators on the TT IXLs and everyone was given a helper sheet in case they get stuck.
Monday, September 18 MATH
Today we worked on comparing fractions. We talked about how students compared whole numbers in elementary school and built upon that to extend the same concept to decimal numbers. We also practiced the strategy of adding zeros to decimal places to "even them up" so that it is easy to compare.
Homework tonight: Lesson 3-4 worksheet (pages 17-18)
Lesson 3-4 worksheet.pdfMonday, September 18 SCIENCE
Today we read an article in our SuperSTEM magazine about a wildlife bridge that is being built in California to help cougars and other wildlife make it across Highway 101 near Santa Monica. Biologists were concerned with the high number of wildlife-car collisions and the impact on the populations of wildlife in the area. Similar bridges have been created around the world for other wildlife populations.
After reading as a group, students were asked to complete 3 comprehension questions. Students also worked on reading information on a graph based on the article.
Friday, September 15 MATH
Today we reviewed the work that we did this week. Students completed work to help guage what they have learned from the lessons this week.
Friday, September 15 SCIENCE
Today we reviewed our observations made on the pennies yesterday. After sharing out, students went on a building scavenger hunt to make 5 qualitative observations and 5 quantitative observations.
Thursday, September 14 MATH
Today we worked on reviewing decimal place value then moved into forms of decimal numbers. We practiced writing numbers in standard form, word form and expanded form. See notes below as a reminder of what each form means and looks like. I have also linked several videos for students who might need some extra help at home.
Homework tonight: Lesson 3-3 worksheet (page 15-16)
Review Videos:
Word Form (extra practice video)
Expanded Form to Standard Form
Standard Form, Word Form, Expanded Form (this is long, but covers all 3 forms)
Lesson 3-3 worksheet.pdf
Thursday, September 14 SCIENCE
Today we talked about the difference between qualitative observations (the characteristics) and quantitative observations (based on counting or measurements). We reviewed the different kinds of qualitative observations that we could make with each of our senses then students worked independently to come up wtih as many quantitative observations of a penny as they could. We ran out of time today, so will with go over what students observed tomorrow.
Wednesday, September 13 MATH
Today we reviewed our work from yesterday identifying if a digit had a value that was 10 times or 1/10 of another in the whole number places. We then reviewed decimal place values and how they match in the opposite direction the whole number places (EX we have tens and tenths and each is ten times bigger or one ten of the ones place). We used this to describe the value relationships of the decimal places (EX the tenths place is ten times the hundredths place). We used a visual trick to remind us that the closer a decimal digit is the decimal point the bigger that digit's value is.
Homework tonight: Lesson 3-2 worksheet (page 13-14 in the Student Practice Book)
Lesson 3-2 worksheet.pdf
Wednesday, September 13 SCIENCE
Today we did an activity to highlight the difference between observations and knowledge/memory. We started by having everyone draw from memory what they thought was on the front and back of a penny. After students were given a penny to observe for exactly one minute then put out of sight and draw what they observed on the penny. All students noticed that their drawings had more detail and were more accurate because they could see what was on the penny instead of guessing. Next students were given unlimited time to look at their penny while drawing what they saw. They could also used hand lenses (magnifying glasses) to search for finer details if desired. We have not finished or discussed how being given the opportunity to draw and observe at the same time impacted their accuracy. This will be done tomorrow.
Tuesday, September 12 MATH
Today we set up the resource section of our STEM notebooks. Students will be able to use these resources (factor chart, order of operations, math formulas, divisibility rules and decimal place value) on all work, including assessments. We then began the first lesson of Unit 3 on comparing value of digits to neighboring place. We used specific terms (10 times and 1/10 of) to show how a value changes. See pictures for examples of our work and notes taken today.
Homework: Lesson 3-1 worksheet (pages 11-12 in the Student Practice Book)
Lesson 3-1 worksheet.pdf
Tuesday, September 12 SCIENCE
Today we did an activity to practice making qualitative observations (using the 5 senses). Students used their senses one at a time to make observations about an unknown object. At the end of the activity, they had the opportunity to use their sense of taste to make final observations. We will be using these observations to write descriptive paragraphs about the object- ask your student to describe their object and see if you can guess what we used!
Monday, September 11 MATH
Today students took the pretest for Unit 3. I will use the information gathered from the pretests to plan lessons for this unit.
Homework tonight: 15 minutes of IXL from your planner
Monday, September 11 SCIENCE
Today we took notes on the steps of the scientific method and wrote down several vocabulary words. We will be using these as the foundations for what we work on this week. See notes below.
Monday, June 5 MATH
Today we worked on modeling fraction division problems. Students tend to want to skip this because "it's easier to just solve" for the answer. They aren't wrong- but modeling is a separate skill from calculating.
Homework: Modeling worksheet (all word problems MUST have models).
Wednesday, May 24 MATH
Today students learned about and practiced plotting points in the first quadrant on a coordinate plane. For students who were taking the placement test and those from class who need a reminder- here is a video to watch that can help understand how to do this skill.
Homework tonight: Lesson 13-2 worksheet
Tuesday, May 23 MATH
Today some of our classmates took the placement test for the accelerated 6th grade math class. Students not taking the test participated in a lesson on naming points on a coordinate plane. There is a video (linked here) and pictures of notes in google classroom to help students who did not participate in the lesson.
Homework: Lesson 13-1 worksheet
Monday and Tuesday, May 22/23 MATH
This week we began working on a mini-unit on density. We have been using a gizmo to learn about how we can use different measurements (mass, volume, denisty) to predict if objects will sink or float. Students discovered that when the mass of the object was less than the volume, the object floated and that objects sink when the mass of the object is greater than the volume. Today we learned that an object's density (how much mass is in a given volume) is determined by dividing an object's mass by its volume. When the object's density is lower than the liquid it is in (water is 1 g/cm^3) the object will float.
Friday, May 19 MATH
Today we learned about multiplying mixed numbers. We discussed the common mistake people do when multiplying mixed numbers and then learned the most efficient way to do so (see notes below). Students worked on lesson 10-7 in class today.
Here is a video to help if needed.
Tuesday, May 16 MATH
Today we built upon our modeling work yesterday to learn about modeling multiplication of simple fractions. Here is a video in case kids need help at home.
Homework: Lesson 10-3 worksheet
Monday, May 15 MATH
Today we began our unit on multiplying fractions by modeling and using the algorithm. I anticipate that this will be a quick unit based on how quickly students were able to pick up the new concept today.
Homework: Lesson 10-1 worksheet
Monday, May 1 SCIENCE
Today students took their Food Webs Assessment.
Week of May 8-11 MATH
This week we have been wrapping up our work with adding and subtracting fractions. Students took the Unit 9 test on Wednesday and most finished up on Thursday. We will be doing an online simulation of comparing fractions on Friday.
Week of May 8-11 SCIENCE
This week students have finished up on their Food Web projects and presented their findings to the class. We have also talked about the MEA science test and have practiced with some sample questions and using the features of the online testing platform.
MEA Science testing is on Wednesday, 5/17 and Thursday, 5/18. On these days, students will not have STEM or Humanities classes.
Monday, May 1 MATH
Today we used our work on adding/subtracting mixed numbers through word problems.
Homework tonight: Lesson 9-9 worksheet
Monday, May 1 SCIENCE
Today we went through the expectations of the upcoming Food Web project. We used the food webs that students created on Friday to make "mock-up" projects that students can refer to as they begin their work tomorrow. We also reviewed my example and "scored it" using the rubrics that were handed out today.
The projects are intended to be done in-class this week and will be due on Monday (May 8) to give kids time over the weekend if needed.
Friday, April 28 MATH
Today we reviewed adding and subtracting mixed numbers with regrouping. We solved any problems from last night's homework that students had questions about. Students then worked independetly on 15 problems to review the borrowing component of this skill. Students were expected to finish this up during class, so they may have it to work on over the weekend.
Upcoming: State testing next week, Unit 9 test on Wednesday 5/10
Friday, April 28 SCIENCE
Today we went over the data collected in the food chain gizmo and talked about how changes in the food chain can cause short-term and long-term changes in that ecosystem.
Students also planted marigold seeds, which we will grow for the rest of the school year, hoping to see flowers to bring home in June.
Thursday, April 27 MATH
Today we worked on the hardest of the fraction skills: subtracting mixed numbers where borrowing (regrouping) is required. We did several examples together and talked about how regrouping works with fractions (it is based on the denominator) and how that is different than with whole numbers which is based on each place being 10 times bigger than the one to its right. Some kids felt confident with the new skill by the end of class and some were still a bit shaky. I created a worksheet with common denominators for those feeling a bit shaky to try out tonight, so your child MAY have different homework than what is listed (only 5 students total have this).
Homework tonight: Lesson 9-8 worksheet
Video to help if needed
Thursday, April 27 SCIENCE
Today students used organism cards to create food webs from either Mono Lake, Monterrey Bay, or Woods ecosystems. We will use these models to create templates for the Food Web project that will be introduced next week.
Wednesday, April 26 MATH
Today students practiced adding and subtracting mixed numbers with larger whole numbers. Students began the work in class and will finish it for homework tonight. On some of the adding problems students were required to regroup the fraction to make a mixed number then adding the whole (1) to the sum of the two whole numbers. This leads us to tomorrow's lesson where students need to borrow from the whole number and regroup the fraction. We will spend a couple of days on this challenging topic.
Homework: Adding/Subtracting Mixed Numbers worksheet
Monday and Tuesday, April 24/25 MATH
This week we have worked on adding and subtracting mixed numbers with unlike denominators. Students did really well applying the adding and subtracting work from before break to this new concept. If they need extra help, here is a video to watch.
Homework: Monday: Lesson 9-6, Tuesday: Lesson 9-7
Monday, April 10 MATH
Today we learned and practiced 5 strategies for comparing fractions. Students each came up with their own unique example for each strategy to help them fully learn them.
Homework: Books Never Written
Monday, April 10 SCIENCE
Today we watched the BrainPop video on Food Chains (available on student ipad apps if needed). Students then completed a worksheet that sorted organisms into producers, consumers and decomposers, created a food chain from 5 given organisms and then explained what would happen to other organisms in the food chain if one suddenly died off.
Thursday, April 6 MATH
Today we learned and practiced how to convert between mixed numbers and improper fractions. We watched the beginning of the two videos linked and took notes. Students then practiced this skill. It seems that it was a review for some but new for others.
Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions
Improper Fractions to Mixed Numbers
Homework tonight: Practice 5-6 (Improper Fractions and Mixed Numbers)
Thursday, April 6 SCIENCE
Today we watched the Wild Kratts video on food webs and food chains. Students recorded all of the producers and consumers that they heard in the video. Tomorrow we will do a food web using the organisms that they wrote down.
Tuesday, April 4 MATH
Today students practiced reducing fractions to simplest form (lowest terms).
Homework: Wacky Graphs (show original fractions and the reduced fractions)
Monday, April 3 SCIENCE
Today we began talking about food chains. We learened terms for the levels of consumers (primary, secondary, tertiary) and how food chains show the movement of energy from organism to organism.
Monday, April 3 MATH
Today we learned about how to simplify/reduce fractions to simplest form. We took notes about the process, learned the vocabulary term "greatest common factor" and practiced simplifying.
Homework: Fractions in Lowest Terms- numbers 13-32 only
Wednesday and Thursday, March 29 and 30 MATH
In the past two days we have worked on finding common denominators so that we can add or subtract our fractions. We practiced 3 strategies for finding common denominators (you'll be happy that number 3 is the way that we all learned!) Students completed a worksheet on addition and today the practice and worksheet is on subtraction.
Homework: Lesson 9-5 worksheet
Wednesday and Thursday, March 29 and 30 SCIENCE
In science for the past two days we have worked on reviewing the process of photosynthesis including the reactants and products. Students completed an assignment in Google Slides and worked on a Gimkit. The Gimkit link in Google Classroom can be used to study tonight.
Photosynthesis test tomorrow
Tuesday, March 28 MATH
Today we looked at modeling addition of fractions problems. We looked at how to change fractions to like denominators using fraction strip models. We will be using what we did today to move from models into finding common denominators mathematically.
Homework: Lesson 2-9 worksheet
Tuesday, March 28 SCIENCE
Today we went over the photosynthesis gizmo- some students still need to finish this for homework tonight. Students then read information from 2 models and completed a crossword puzzle on the information.
Unit test on Friday
Friday, March 24 MATH
Today we reviewed the work we did yesterday with benchmarking fractions to 0, 1/2 and 1. We used that skill to then estimate the sums and differences of fraction problems. We will continue to practice this on Monday.
Friday, March 24 SCIENCE
Today students continued to work on the Photosynthesis gizmo. We looked at the impact of light color on the rate of photosynthesis. Students collected data about the photosynthesis rate (oxygen production) at different color wavelengths. On Monday we will talk about why different colors produce different levels of oxygen.
Thursday, March 23 MATH
Today we began with our unit 9 on fractions. We reviewed the parts of a fraction (numerator/denominator) and what those parts mean. We used a visual review to begin talking about benchmarking fractions as close to 0, close to 1/2 and close to 1 for the purposes of estimating.
Homework: What did the Mermaid Do on Saturday Night?
Thursday, March 23 SCIENCE
Today students took their photosynthesis vocabulary quiz. When finished we began working on a gizmo to see how temperature, light intensity and carbon dioxide levels affect the rate of photosynthesis. We also learned about how the rate of photosynthesis impacts oxygen production. Students worked to find the ideal conditions for photosynthesis by finding which conditions produced the most oxygen production.
Tuesday, March 21 MATH
Today students worked to finish the Unit 8 test. Student who were done worked on a division review called "King's Treasure Chest". Students are responsible for completing 10 problems (they circled them in class) on the page for homework. There will be no math classes tomorrow due to the early release day for conferences. We will start our first fraction unit on Thursday.
Homework: King's Treasure Chest- complete the 10 circled problems showing your work.
Tuesday, March 21 SCIENCE
Today we watched a Bill Nye video on Plants to help reinforce the information that we have been learning about how photosynthesis works. Students then worked to finish their vocabulary flip books. There will be a quiz on Thursday on these six words.
Monday, March 20 MATH
Today students worked on their Unit 8 test. Most did not finish, so we will use tomorrow's class to keep working. Students will have a dividing activity to work on when they are done with the test.
Monday, March 20 SCIENCE
Today we watched a BrainPop video about photosynthesis and answered some comprehension questions. We also worked on making vocabulary flip books to help us learn the structures of a leaft that help the process of photosynthesis.
Thursday, March 16 MATH
Today we reviewed the practice tests and went over any student questions. Students will take the test on Monday (3/20).
I have several students who need to turn in late work or finish up tests. I will be staying after school tomorrow and Friday for anyone who needs time to get the work done.
Homework: 20 minutes of IXL on skills J 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12
Wednesday, March 15 MATH
Today students colored in a model of the photosyntheiss process showing the flow of water, sun's energy, carbon dioxide and oxygen. Then students read a brief article and answered some comprehension questions.
Wednesday, March 15 MATH
Today students took their Unit 8 practice test. We will use the results of this test to do some targeted review on Thursday. Students will take the test on Monday (3/20).
I have several students who need to turn in late work or finish up tests. I will be staying after school tomorrow and Friday for anyone who needs time to get the work done.
Homework: 20 minutes of IXL on skills J 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12
Wednesday, March 15 SCIENCE
Today we finished up our mixtures and solutions unit by reviewing the task cards from Tuesday. We then watched this quick video on photosynthesis to start our next unit about the flow of energy from the sun through our ecosystems (think food chains). We took down some notes about the different structures of a plant that are important to the process of photosynthesis.
Monday, March 13 MATH
Today we used what we have learned about shifting decimals using powers of 10 and dividing decimals by whole numbers to the idea of dividing with decimal divisors. We practiced shifting the decimal point in the divisor to make it a whole number (which we know how to divide with) then shifting the decimal point in the dividend to match so that the value of the problem stays the same. (see picture of notes below).
Homework: Lesson 8-6 worksheet
Monday, March 13 SCIENCE
Today we talked about the conservation of mass by connecting the idea to Lego sets. We took one of our mixtures from last week (calcium chloride+baking soda+water) and I wrote out the chemical make up (elements) for each substance then showed how the water "broke apart" the 3 materials and "rearranged" their pieces into different shapes (new substances). We discovered through evaporation that one of the products of this mixture was kosher salt- students readily recognized its crystal shape of a square with an X through it. Since we did not put Kosher salt into the mixture, it was a great example of how the chemical reaction rearranged the elements of other materials to make new ones. Another example of this was the creation of carbon dioxide gas. In today's lesson, we repeated the mixtures but in zipoc bags. Students were able to see how much gas was formed in each of the mixtures. We talked about how one had less gas but also had the precipitate using part of the pieces from the mixtures. Students will not be responsible for balancing chemical equations, but it helped them to see the "pieces" that got moved around.
Tuesday, March 7 MATH
Today we reviewed shifting decimals when dividing by powers of 10 and dividing with digits in the dividend. We will be taking a quiz on this on Thursday.
Homework: dividing decimals worksheet- finish up from class
Tuesday, March 7 SCIENCE
Today we observed what happed when we mix two different materials with water. We found that in some cases the materials fizz and bubble, some get colder and some make different materials at the bottom. This was the kick off to the last part of our mixtures and solutions unit- chemical reactions!
Monday, March 6 MATH
Today we built upon the dividing work that we started on Friday and worked with problems that still had remainders when finished dividing. To solve this problem we added one (or more) zero to the end of the dividend to allow us to bring down another digit and keep dividing. Students are expected to divide to the thousandths place- if there is still a remainder then they should round to the hundredths place. We have lots of picture notes of our practice work today.
Homework: dividing decimals worksheet- numbers 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 required
Friday, March 3 MATH
Today we learned about dividing a decimal by a whole number. We practiced moving the decimal point straight up into the answer and then dividing using the DMSCB steps as if we were dividing whole numbers. All of the problems we practiced today did not have remainders. That will come next week!
Thursday, March 2 MATH
Today we continued practicing with estimating. We added a second strategy that can be used to estimate if the divisor has a whole number.
Homework tonight: 2 sided worksheet on estimating (skip problems 12 and 13).
Thursday, March 2 SCIENCE
Today we reviewed the study guide that students filled out yesterday. Students fixed any answers that were incorrect or incomplete. The quiz is on Monday. Students will need to study between now and Monday. There are also links to the gimkit students used on Tuesday that can be used to study.
Saturation/Concentration Quiz on Monday (3/6)
Wednesday, March 1 MATH
Today we learned about using powers of 10 to round numbers for estimating quotients where both the divisor and dividend are decimal numbers. We practiced shifting the decimal point of the divisor to make it a whole number (ex: 0.25 shifts 2 places to become 25), matching the shift in the dividend then rounding to estimate.
Homework: Lesson 8-2 worksheet
Wednesday, March 1 SCIENCE
Today students filled out a study guide on saturation and concentration. We will go over the study guide tomorrow and students will have the opportunity to quiz each other, or review independently. The quiz will be on Monday due to our field trip to the Gulf of Maine Research Institute on Friday.
Need to fill out the field trip permission slips? PDF version of all 3 forms are below. Pages 1 and 2 MUST be filled out to participate in the field trip.
GMRI permission.pdfMonday, February 27 MATH
Today we worked on dividing decimals using powers of 10. To do this we shift the decimal point either left or right depending on whether you are dividing by a whole number (move to the left) or a decimal (move to the right).
Homework: Lesson 8-1 worksheet
Monday, February 27 SCIENCE
Today we used what we learned about concentration to solve a concentration puzzle. Students worked in their table groups to figure out the concentration order of three salt-water solutions. Students had to remember about and rely on solution weight. When finished students recorded observations of our evaporated epsom salt (mystery chemical) solutions from before break.
Friday, February 17 SCIENCE
Today we reviewed our results from yesterday's lab and determined the concentration order for our salt solutions. When finished, students worked on a Phet simulation on concentration and saturation. They graphed the solubility of 5 chosen solutes.
Thursday and Friday, February 16+17 MATH
Students took the Unit 7 test (dividing whole numbers). When finished students worked on missing assignments. If they had no missing work, they could silent read or work on an extreme dot-to-dot.
Thursday, February 16 SCIENCE
Today we talked about determining which solution is more concentrated when we can't see, smell or taste a difference. Students discovered that we can use samples of each solution to determine which solution weighs more. If you use the same size sample, then the solution with more solute dissolved will weigh more since you have more of the solute in the sample.
Wednesday, February 15 MATH
Today we went over the unit 7 practice test. We reviewed the common mistakes and students used practice packets to study for their test that is tomorrow. They have these packets in their take-home folders. Students can also use IXL to practice (skills D 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16).
Unit 7 Test tomorrow
Answers to the 4 word problems on the practice test for students who need them.
Wednesday, February 15 SCIENCE
Today we reviewed the concentration lab that we worked on yesterday to identify evidence of which solution is more concentrated than another. We will be extending this concept tomorrow with solutions that are not as easy to determine.
Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) permission slips are coming home today! There are 3 color-coded below:
Green- permission to GO to the field trip (top box) and for GMRI to use the videos/photos/data collected during the field trip
Pink- PARENT's permission for student to participate in a research project of 2 USM students
Yellow- YOUTH (student) permission to participate in research project of 2 USM students
I must have the green form back with the top box checked in order for students to go to the field trip. Saying yes or no to the other forms will not in any way impact your child's field trip, it is only giving permission for researchers to use the videos/photos/data that your child collects during the field trip. For questions about the PINK or YELLOW forms, please contact Amanda Dickes (adickes@gmri.org).
Tuesday, February 14 MATH
Today students took the unit 7 practice test in preparation for our end of Unit test on Thursday. Students will get these back tomorrow ad we will use the information to work in small groups to practice the skills that students need extra help on. Students can use IXL to practice any of the skills that are on the test. IXL skills D 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16
Unit 7 Test on Thursday
Tuesday, February 14 SCIENCE
Today we used kool-aid to learn about the idea of concentration and being able to determine which solution is more concentrated than the other. We will take notes on observations that students made today.
There will be permission slips coming home tomorrow for our upcoming field trip to Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) on Friday, March 3rd.
Friday, February 10 MATH
Today we reviewed last night's homework then students completed 2 problems independently to show what they know. When students finished up, they worked on IXL. Some students need to finish the "interpreting the remainder" worksheet over the weekend.
Friday, February 10 SCIENCE
Today we worked on a gizmo to test out how temperature affects solubility. Students are finding the solubility of two chemicals at various temperatures to see if how much solute dissovles is affected by the temperature of the water.
Thursday, February 9 MATH
Today we talked about what we do when solving division word problems where the numbers have meaning. We talked about different situations where you would ignore the remainder, round up the quotient or report the remainder as a fraction. We practiced in the student math journals together.
Homework tonight: Lesson 7-7 worksheet
Thursday, February 9 SCIENCE
Today students used their data from the mystery chemical lab and what they have learned in class to determine what chemical they worked with yesterday. Students also recorded what citric acid crytsals look like from our evaporated solutions from last week.
Wednesday, February 8 MATH
Today students took a quiz on dividing with one-digit divisors. When finished, students had time to work on missing work or get started on tonight's homework. Since two-digit divisors are more challenging I have posted below a multiplication chart that goes up to 50. This should help out with finding out how many times you can divide in with the larger divisors.
Homework tonight: Two-Digit Divisors (P36) Even problems only
Wednesday, February 8 SCIENCE
Today students worked in groups to complete a saturation lab with a "mystery chemical". Once they collected their data, students used what they have learned in class in combination with their data to determine what chemical they worked with today.
Tuesday, February 7 MATH
Today we built up our work yesterday with dividing with 2-digit divisors. We focused solely on using the traditional model. We practiced several problems together where I walked through using the process (DMSCB) and how to figure out the divison when the numbers got bigger (estimate then check with actual multiplication). To end class, we did whip around the room and each student gave part of a problem (either the divisor or dividend) to practice on for the remainder of class.
Homework tonight: Two-Digit Divisors- must show work on back/separate paper. Work for 30 minutes (or more if desired).
One-digit divisors quiz tomorrow!
Tuesday, February 7 SCIENCE
Today we reviewed our results from saturating our citric acid solutions. We discovered that it takes 55-60 grams of citric acid to saturate 50 ml of water. This is about 6 times more than Kosher salt (about 10 grams), so we learned that citric acid is more soluble than Kosher salt becuase it takes more of it to saturate the same amount of water. We also learned that one way to increase how much solute is needed to saturate a given amount of solvent is to increase the temperature of the solvent.
We watched parts of this video to help us understand the concept.
Monday, February 6 MATH
Today we looked at dividing with 2-digit divisors. These are not as easy because they are generally not numbers that students know the multiplication facts for and also are not often on multiplication charts. Instead of introducing the traditional method for this, we did an activity where students tried to solve a couple of problems "in any way" they wanted. Some tried to apply the traditional method but got stuck, others remembered partial quotients from last year and with some suggestion, some students tried out modeling. We reviewed those three methods for both problems. On tonight's homework, students may use any strategy that they want to solve the problems (just not a calculator!). We will use our work from today to begin practicing with 2-digit traditional division tomorrow.
Homework tonight: "Partial Quotients" worksheet (but any method can be used to solve the problems)
Upcoming: Dividing with one-digit divisors on Wednesday
Monday, February 6 SCIENCE
Today most groups finished saturating their citric acid solutions. We will review the data tomorrow about how the solubility of Kosher salt and citric acid compare. We also began a short video on saturated solutions. We took down two new terms: solubility (how much solute dissolves in a given amount of solvent) and saturated solution (a solution where no more solute can dissolve). We will talk more about the idea of solubility tomorrow and the factors that can affect solubility.
Wednesday, February 1 MATH
Today we spent one final day practicing solving division problems using the traditional (standard algorithm) method. Students had 35 minutes of classtime to complete as many of the 15 problems as possible. Some students finished the assignment during class. You can check their work in their folders.
Students will be moving to talking about two-digit divisors tomorrow through the lens of partial quotients so that we can see how much more efficient it is to use the standard algorithm.
Homework tonight: Division page 33+34
Monday, January 30 SCIENCE
Today students replicated their work on saturating salt solutions and applied it to citric acid. Students are discovering that it takes much more citric acid to saturate 50ml of water than it did Kosher salt. We will use our work to begin our discussion around solubility.
Tuesday, January 31 MATH
Today we reviewed the traditional method for division and used our work from yesterday to learn about reporting remainders as fractions. This is the most accurate way to report quotients and students find that it is as easy as simply writing "r3". We will talk more about remainders when we get to word problems and our remainders have meaning and can't simply be reported as fractions.
Homework tonight: One-digit Divisors- evens only (many students were able to finish this in class today- but they are in folders if you want to check/confirm)
Tuesday, January 31 SCIENCE
Today students finished up saturating their Kosher salt solutions. We talked about how we needed to filter out the undissolved salt becuase it was not actually part of the solution. We then brainstormed ideas to determine exactly how much salt was in the solution. After discussing the number of spoons (not accurate becuase of the extra undissolved salt and not every group scooped the same way-heaping versus leveled off, etc). We determined that weighing the solution and subtracting the starting weight (just water) would give us how much salt was in the solution.
I was finally able to get pictures of all of the amazing constellation projects to share :)
Monday, January 30 MATH
Today students learned the traditional method for division. We started with one-digit divisors and problems where there would be no remainder. We took notes on the steps (see below) then practiced together as a class. We will continue to practice with single-digit divisors tomorrow and Wednesday adding to the complexity by having problems with remainders.
Homework tonight: 3 division problems written on scrap paper in student folders (if lost- there is a picture of the problems below)
Monday, January 30 MATH
Today we started talking about saturation and saturated solutions. We visualized saturation as a sponge in a sink of water. When the sponge is picked up water will drip off becuase the sponge does not have space to hold any more. We began a lab to determine how much Kosher salt it takes to saturate 50ml of water. We discussed what evidence students will use to know when a solution
Friday, January 27 MATH
Today we continued working on estimates from yesterday. Today we focused on problems where students need to round the divisor and then find a compatible (math fact family) number to change the dividend number stem (see below- 1,744 / 63). These are the most challenging of the problems because it requires students to change both parts of the problem.
Here is a helpful video if needed
Homework tonight: Lesson 7-2 due at the end of the day on Monday (many were turned in during class today- I have noted this in powerschool as "collected".
Thursday, January 26 MATH
Today we looked at division patterns from yesterday to help us estimate quotients. We practiced rounding the divisor up and down to find a number that is compatible to the start of the dividend (ex: 4000 / 18- round the 18 to 20 so that the problem is 4000 / 20.)
Here is a helpful video if needed
Homework tonight: Lesson 7-2
Thursday, January 26 SCIENCE
Today students applied what they knew about separating mixtures to determine a successful procedure to separate a mixture of gravel, powder and salt. All groups were successful. Along the way they discovered that scientists often have to go back to refine their ideas and the order to which they do things in order to maximize success. It was a great learning experience. Students will have a quiz tomorrow about our first investigation- separating mixtures. They have a worksheet completed in class and a gimkit in google classroom that they can use to study.
Homework: prepare for tomorrow's quiz
Wednesday, January 25 MATH
Today we looked at division patterns (how changing dividends and divisors by powers of 10 can be used to find the answer to larger problems). We used a "cross out" method to break down the problem into a basic fact that can be solved.
Homework tonight: Lesson 7-1
Wednesday, January 25 SCIENCE
Today we watched a parody video to focus on our solutions vocabulary and big concepts. This parody is to the tune of "Don't Stop Belevin'" by Journey. It is catchy! We also worked on a sheet to review the idea of what mixtures and solutions are and how to separate them.
Thursday, January 12 MATH
Today students took the Unit 6 practice test. Some students did not finish and will continue tomorrow. We will use this test to do focused practice on needed skills. Students need to complete any missing work and prep for theirs tests. The following IXL skills are helpful in practicing for their assessment.
(All skills are in the I category)
Estimating: 1, 2
Powers of 10: 3, 4, 5
Grid models: 13, 14
Multiplying: 8, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17
Thursday, January 12 MATH
Today students presented their constellation projects. I will post pictures of the amazing work tomorrow!
Wednesday, January 11 MATH
Today we did one final day of practice on calculating decimal products. Students worked on IXL skills I 8, 10, 15, 16, 17 then began their homework assignment in class. Tomorrow we will take the unit 6 practice test to see what areas we still need to work on before end of unit test on Wednesday (1/18).
Homework tonight: Multiplying Decimals worksheet
Wednesday, January 11 SCIENCE
Today we reviewed our lab work from this week and then watched a quick video to help us distinguish between a mixutre and a solution. We also added 4 terms to our vocab notes: heterogeneous mixture, homogeneous mixture, solute and solvent.
Tuesday, January 10 MATH
Today we practiced multiplying decimals with a focus on how to place the decimal point (review from yesterday).
Homework: Multiplying Decimals (P23) worksheet- Evens required (odds optional)
Tuesday, January 10 SCIENCE
Today students finished the first lab to determine if a combintion of water and another material made a mixture or a solution .We reviewed the terms and determined that gravel/water and powder/water were mixtures becuase both could be separated. The salt and water could not be separated with either a screen or a filter, so we determined that it was a solution. As a class we brainstormed ideas and thought that we could evaporate the water to separate it from the salt. We have small evaporation dishes set up to see if we are right!
Monday, January 9 MATH
Today we worked on calculating decimal products. We reviewed how decimal multiplication begins with multiplying in the same way that we did with whole numbers. We then took notes and talked about the two strategies that can be used to place the decimal point into the answer (see notes picture).
Homework tonight: Lesson 6-6 worksheet
Monday, January 9 SCIENCE
Today we started our Mixtures and Solutions unit. We wrote down definitions for mixture and solution. Students then worked in table groups to take down observations about three substances (gravel, diatomaceous earth and kosher salt). Some Arbour groups were able to add water to the substances to see how they were changed. The remaining Arbour groups and Newton groups will get to this and trying to separate the substances from water.
Thursday, January 5 MATH
Today we continued our practice on modeling with decimal multiplication problems. We practiced 2 more problems together and students practiced a couple independently. On tonight's homework, students will need to use the separate paper to model problems 3 through 7 (skip number 8- there will not be a box left for this one).
Homework tonight: Lesson 6-3 worksheet
Thursday, January 5 SCIENCE
Today most students finished their research and many, their final draft of information on the constellation project. (See funny example below) Tomorrow is the last day of class time being given. Students have been encouraged to bring in their art/craft supplies that they plan to use for their project. I have a black poster board for any student who needs one.
The projects are due on Wednesday, January 11th and students will be presenting on Thursday.
Wednesday, January 4 MATH
Today we reviewed our previous 2 lessons (estimates and powers of 10) and then began looking at area models for decimal problems. We looked at the two different ways to model based on whether both numbers are decimals or one is a decimal and one is a whole number. (see pics below). Students were just getting to practice when the period ended so I assigned IXL for homework (this is a change from their planners). We will continue to practice tomorrow.
Homework: IXL skills I 13 and I 14 to 80%
Wednesday, January 4 SCIENCE
Today students continued their research for their chosen constellation. The Arbour class missed a little over half of the period due to a Grade-wide expectation meeting with Mr. Haugevick and Mrs. Rubin. They will get more time next week to make up for the lost time today.
Tuesday, January 3 MATH
Today students reviewed the work from before break about multiplying decimals by powers of 10 then moved into our lesson on estimating decimal products using rounding and ranges. For rounding, we applied the same rules as whole numbers (round to the largest place then multiply the non-zero numbers and add the zeros to the end. EX: 43.3 * 8.4 would round to 40 * 8= 320). The other strategy is to find the range by rounding down both numbers and rounding up both numbers and multiplying. EX 43.3 * 8.4 would be 40*8= 320 and 50* 9= 450, range is 320- to 450.
Homework: Lesson 6-2 worksheet
Tuesday, January 3 MATH
Today students selected and began research on their constelltion project. Students will be completing the research in class and at least starting the visual product in class (this part can be done at home). I have some black poster board for students to use as needed, but the sky's the limit (pun intended) on what students decide to do for their projects. I have some examples below.
There is not a specific due date yet (it's been a couple of years since we did this project, so I am not sure how long it will take). My plan right now is to give students this week in class then have it turn into an at home project to finish up the visual product. As of right now, I am planning on the projects being due mid to late next week.
Wednesday, December 21 MATH
Today students worked on graphing on a coordinate grid. We had a few challenge points that were located between lines. The end result was a holiday star.
Homework: Have a wondeful break!
Wednesday, December 21 SCIENCE
Today we followed up with the moon phases with a BrainPop video. We then did some research on moon phases in 2022 to determine when the next new moon and full moons are. Students also found out what moon phase their birthday falls on :)
Tuesday, December 20 MATH
Today students did some "Holiday Shopping". They had to add and subtract decimals to figure out how much money they had to spend, calculate how much money they were spending on food and what was left over for their gifts. Then they had to write their "parents" a letter to persuade their parents to let them keep the money left over from their shopping trip. Some students were able to finish in class, but they have their packets in their take home folders if you want to check for completion.
Homework tonight: Holiday Shopping packet.
Tuesday, December 20 SCIENCE
Today we learned about the phases of the moon. We learned the names of each phase and the moon appears to change shape throughout the month. We learned that, like many patterns in Earth, the changes are based on our perspective of what we can see (length of day, constellations, etc). Student listened to a fun "rap" about the phases of the moon.
Monday, December 19 MATH
Today students took a brief math survey as part of the district's program review. This week we will be reviewing skills learned this year. With so many students leaving early for break and the already elevated level of excitement, I have opted to hold off on more decimal multiplication work until after winter break.
Homework: Finish "Face Math" from class. The math is required (all problems stacked and solved- no mental or "side-solve" math) but drawing and coloring the face is option.
Monday, December 19 SCIENCE
Today students took the Earth Patterns test that they were supposed to take last week.
Thursday, December 15 MATH
Today we started unit 6 by applying what we learned about multiplying whole number by powers of 10 to decimal numbers. We learned that instead of just adding zeros, the exponent tells us how many places (swoops) the decimal place has to move. If there are more swoops than digits, we add in zeros to fill the gaps.
Here is a video in case extra help is needed at home
Homework: Lesson 6-1 worksheet
Thursday, December 15 SCIENCE
Today students used a gimkit to study for their Earth Patterns test tomorrow. The gimkit is available to them in google classroom. I have reminded students that they should be reading through the printed study guide then using the gimkit to practice what they know from the study guide. They should keep practicing until they are getting the questions right.
Earth Patterns Test Tomorrow
Wednesday, December 14 MATH
Today most students completed their Unit 5 test. Students who finished were allowed to start their homework- a decimal computation review.
Homework: Bug Box- calculate and color
Wednesday, December 14 SCIENCE
Today students got their day/night and seasons quizes back from last week. We talked about common mistakes (confusing rotation and revolution) and the role of the axial tilt in seasons changing. Students got a study guide for their upcoming unit test (Friday) on green paper. We will be using these to practice on Gimkit tomorrow to prepare for the test. Students will have access to the gimkit in Google Classroom to practice starting tonight.
End of Unit test on Friday
Tuesday, December 13 MATH
Today students worked on their Unit 5 test.
Tuesday, December 13 SCIENCE
Today students finished their "Constellations in a Box" projects and used them to determine which constellations they would see in certain months.
Monday, December 12 MATH
Today some students began the Unit 5 test. Students who opted not to test today used their practice tests to do some targeted practice on their needed skills. These students will begin the test tomorrow.
Students may practice for their assessment on IXL- skills E1, E2, E3, C9, C15 (or any C skill that isn't about partical products or lattice)
Monday, December 12 SCIENCE
Today students began learning about how constellations change throughout the seasons. We started our "Constellations in a Box" projects- ask about these tomorrow!
Friday, December 9 MATH
Today students took the unit 5 practice test. I will correct them this weekend and hand back on Monday. If students did well and feel confident in the material, they will be allowed to take the unit test on Monday. Students who need some extra practice will do so on Monday and then take the test on Tuesday.
Students have a packet of worksheets that they can use for practice as well as the IXL skills assigned last night (they can go to 100%).
Unit 5 Test on Monday/Tuesday
Friday, December 9 SCIENCE
Today students took the day/night and seasons quiz.
Thursday, December 8 MATH
Today students took the unit 6 pretest. I am hoping to get through a few of the skills and assess prior to break. Students will take the unit 5 practice test tomorrow and test on either Monday or Tuesday of next week. They have IXL skills for test prep tonight
Homework: 5th Grade IXL to 80%: E1, E3, E4, C9, C15
Thursday, December 8 SCIENCE
Today student watched some videos on seasons/day and night/shadows. The Newton's have the notes below but the Arbours ran out of time. They can use the ones posted to help them study for the quiz that is tomorrow.
Day/Night and Seasons quiz tomorrow (Friday 12/9)
Wednesday, December 7 MATH
Today students practiced multiplying multi-digit numbers using the traditional model. They worked on one side of a worksheet in class and took the other side home for homework. Students can skip the circled problems unless they want to challenge themselves with multiplying larger numbers.
Homework: P20 worksheet (skip the circled problems)
Wednesday, December 7 SCIENCE
Today we watched another video that explains the changes that take place as Earth revolves around the sun. We also took notes. We will finish the notes tomorrow and watch a couple more short videos about the causes of day and night and seasons. We will have a quiz on Friday.
Tuesday, December 6 MATH
Today we built upon our multiplication yesterday and added a tens-place digit to the second factor. We focused on having to add the place-holder zero before multiplying through with the tens-place digit. I showed each step to make the connection with how place-value is automatically accounted for by adding that place-holder zero.
Here is a video to help at home if needed.
Homework tonight: Lesson 5-7 worksheet- even numbered problems (2, 4, 6, 8, 10) are required but students can do more if desired.
Tuesday, December 6 SCIENCE
Today we used our shadow clocks to show how the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. We practiced finding specific times of day on our shadow clocks. Students then did a comprehension worksheet on this lesson.
Monday, December 5 MATH
Today we learned how to use the standard algorithm to multiply single digit numbers by multi-digit numbers. We talked about how using this method works like adding when you carry the tens place digit to the next place column. We focused on needing to multiply BEFORE adding the carried number. This part can be a challenge for students since it goes against how they do this when adding.
Here is a video to help at home if needed.
Homework tonight: Lesson 5-6 worksheet
Monday, December 5 SCIENCE
Today we continued to look at how shadows were used to help ancient civilizations set standard times. We watch a short video that showed how the sun creates patterns with shadows over the course of the day and how the you can mark time by using those shadows. We created our own sun clocks today but ran out of time to really try them out. We will do that tomorrow.
Thursday, December 1 MATH
Today the Arbour/Karlonas class had a lesson on focus and maintaining attention with Mrs. Royal. (The Newton class will have this lesson tomorrow). We learned that our group is highly distracted by others talking, and fidgeting. Mrs. Royal talked about some strategies to keeping oneself focused which will hopefully help friends around us to stay focused too.
The Newton class worked on a review of powers of 10, estimation and area models for multiplication.
Homework: none tonight
Thursday, December 1 SCIENCE
Today we worked on a Mystery Science lesson about how you can use shadows to tell the season. We learned that shadows are shortest in the summer get longer throughout fall and are longest in winter. As we go from winter to spring, the shadows begin to get long again. We learned that this is caused by the position of the sun in the sky. The sun has a longer, higher path during the summer so the sun rises earlier and sets later. The arc of the sun through the sky gets lower to the ground as we move toward winter. This causes the sun to rise later and set earlier. Shadows follow this pattern too. When the sun is higher in the sky, there is less of a shadow. When the sun is lower in the sky the shadows are longer.
Wednesday, November 30 MATH
Today we reviewed area models learned at Pond Cove and practiced using them to show larger multiplication problems. We will use this to support moving into using the algorithm to solve multiplication problems.
Students can use this video for help if needed.
Homework: Lesson 5-4 worksheet, number 7 is optional but will need to be done on a separate piece of paper.
Wednesday, November 30 SCIENCE
Today we finished up our conversation about why the sun appears to move across the sky and the connection of sun rise and sunset with places on the opposite side of Earth from Maine. Tomorrow we begin looking at the causes of seasons.
Tuesday, November 29 MATH
Today we used our new power of 10 skill learned yesterday to represent large numbers. Students learned that they just needed to multiply the first factor by 1 then add zeros based on the exponent. For example 45 * 103 would be 45 times 1 = 45,000 (three zeros for the exponent 3).
Here is a video in case kids need extra help.
Homework tonight: Lesson 5-2 worksheet
Tuesday, November 29 SCIENCE
Today we began our unit on patterns in space. We watched video lesson on Mystery Science about "how fast Earth spins" and got through part of an activity where students were "Earth" spinning to represent days. We had just begun to think about where Maine would have to be in its "spin" to experience sunrise and sunset.
Monday, November 28 MATH
Today we learned about exponents with a base of 10. We learned new vocabulary words: base, exponent/power, and exponential form. Students practiced writing numbers in exponential form (using a base and exponent), multiplication express (showing how many tens you multiply) and product of 10s (written as the value or answer to the multiplication problem). We also noticed that the exponent on base 10 problems tell you how many zeros to write after the one when finding the product or value of the problem.
Here is a video in case kids need extra help.
Homework tonight: Lesson 5-1 worksheet
Tuesday, November 22 MATH and SCIENCE
Today students finished up working on their Thanksgiving meal shopping activity and their carbon cycle gizmos.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Monday, November 21 MATH
Today students worked in small groups to begin planning a Thanksgiving Meal for 15 people. They have $200 to spend and have been looking through flyers to find appetizers, vegetables, drinks, desserts and more! To tie this activity into what we have been working on, students are calculating their declining balance as they "purchase" more of their needed items.
Homework tonight: complete any missing work!
Monday, November 21 SCIENCE
Today students worked on a Gizmo to explore how carbon moves through the four spheres. It was a bit of a "choose your own adventure" activity as students explore different paths that carbon can take.
Homework tonight: complete any missing work!
Thursday, November 17 MATH
Today students took the Unit 4 test on adding and subtracting decimals. Tomorrow we will take the unit 5 prestest.
No Homework tonight!
Thursday, November 17 SCIENCE
Today students presented their research posters. It was interesting hearing how each event impacted the different spheres. I learn something new each year, even though the events are mostly the same!
Tomorrow we take our 4 Spheres unit test- there is a gimkit on Google Classroom that students can use to study for the test.
Wednesday, November 16 MATH
Today in math we reviewed using the results of the practice test taken yesterday. Some students worked in a small group with me to review modeling decimal addition and subtraction problems. I have assigned the Unit Review using the online book. This can be accessed on the ipad by going through clever. (Click on blue "Clever" app, click on "K. Arbour" button, click on the red "McGraw Hill" button, click on "Reveal" book, "To Do" is at the top of the page- click on the green "Let's Go" button and start!
Students can also use the paper resources given in class this week to practice.
Homework tonight: study for unit 4 math test tomorrow
Wednesday, November 16 SCIENCE
Today students reviewed for our 4 Spheres assessment using questions on a Gimkit game. There was about 10 minutes in each class at the end of the period to work on the 4 Spheres posters.
Homework tonight: Finish 4 Spheres Poster (4 Spheres test on Friday)
Tuesday, November 15 MATH
Today students took the practice test for unit 4. I will correct these tonight and we will use the data to work in small groups to practice skills that students still need work on. I plan for students to take the unit 4 test on Thursday.
Homework tonight: work for 25 minutes on the review packet- do a little on each page
Tuesday, November 15 SCIENCE
Today students got the paper for their posters. As a class, we folded them to create 4 quadrants for students to put their information. No more classtime will be guarenteed. Depending on how long our review takes, students may have some time at the end of class tomorrow. The projects are due at the start of class on Thursday because we will be presenting the research.
Monday, November 14 MATH
Today we learned about and practiced adding and subtracting with decimals. We talked about how it is just like adding whole numbers but with decimals that you have to line up the decimal points and fill-in any empty places with zeros. Tonight students will practice for 25 minutes on both addition and subrtaction problems. I gave each student a page to do their work on. I expect all problems to be rewritten on a separate page where they will do the work. Students do not need to write answers on the problems sheet because I will be checking their work.
Homework tonight: Practice 3-6 worksheet- rewrite problems and solve on a separate piece of paper
Monday, November 14 SCIENCE
Today students worked on the research for their 4 Sphere project. Several students were able to completely finish and began turning their notes into complete sentences to use on their posters. Students who were absent last week, today or do not yet have most of thier research done should work on completing their notes at home tonight.
4 Sphere posters due on Thursday
4 Sphere unit test on Friday
Thursday, November 10 MATH
Today we practiced making models to show addition and subtraction problems.
Students used one color to show each added number, making sure to not leave a space between the two pieces. For subtraction, students colored in the first number then crossed out boxes starting from the right to show how many were taken away. At home, students can shade darker/lighter to show the different pieces if they do not have colored pencils.
The video can help if you get stuck.
Homework tonight: lesson 4-11 worksheet
Thursday, November 10 SCIENCE
Today we chose our natural disasters and got started on research! We will continue researching on Monday and start posters on Tuesday.
Wednesday, November 9 MATH
Today we started our work on Unit 4 (adding and subtracting decimals). We reviewed rounding and applied the skill to estimating sums and differences of decimal numbers. We practiced rounding to the nearest whole (ones place) then adding or subtracting our rounded numbers. We talked about how words like "about" and "approximately" indicate that estimation should be used. The picture below is of one of the examples that we did in class together.
Homework tonight: Lesson 4-1 worksheet- show the rounded numbers used for estimates on the back!
(Absent students- a copy of the worksheet is in Google Classroom)
Wednesday, November 9 SCIENCE
Today we began work on our 4 spheres project. We completed half of the graphic organzers in class and discussed the different components. Tomorrow students will draw their natural disaster from a "hat" and begin their research. This is an in-class project and students will continue to research on Monday and Tuesday of next week (14+15). On Wednesday, students will review what they have learned on 4 Spheres. Projects are due on Thursday (11/17) and the unit test on 4 Spheres will be on Friday (11/18).
Monday, November 7 MATH
Today only the Arbour (and Karlonas) homeroom had math. I am home with my little one, so I had my sub review decimal concepts from unit 3 using Gimkits. I hope that students had fun with the games. I put assignment links in Google Classroom for anyone who is out (like me!) who wants to practice.
No homework tonight!
Monday, November 7 SCIENCE
Today just the Arbour homeroom had science. Students worked on the 4 sphere scavenger hunt today with my sub.
Friday, November 4 MATH
Today we finished up Unit 3. Students took the Unit 3 test (if they hadn't yesterday), finished the Unit 4 pretest (to let me know what we need to work on next week) and some were able to work on a performance task that asked students to use their skills with decimals in a more application-type setting.
Friday, November 4 SCIENCE
Today we went on a Spheres scavenger hunt! Students used the answers to questions on a card to find the next question in the series. It was challenging and a good way to reinforce the work that we have been doing with the spheres. Next week we will jump into our research project.
Thursday, November 3 MATH
Today some students took the unit 3 test, while others did small group practice on either rounding, comparing or both. Students who did not take the test today will take it tomorrow and should study tonight.
Homework: prepare for Unit 3 test using online unit review (through the online book in Clever) or IXL (g skills)
Thursday, November 3 SCIENCE
Today we took the last of our natural disaster notes and talked about the upcoming project. Students will get information on either Monday or Wednesday depending on what Monday's schedule looks like.
Wednesday, November 2 MATH
Today was a really busy class! Students took the practice test (again) for unit 3. It was much more successful! Students who showed mastery of all skills will take the final test tomorrow. Some students will have small group practice with me or Mr. Doane on rounding and comparing to prepare to take the test on Friday.
Students also took the Unit 4 pretest to prepare for our work next week.
Homework tonight: Work on the Unit Review to prepare for the final test (does not need to be fully completed, but simply used as practice)
Wednesday, November 2 SCIENCE
Today we talked about and took notes on ways that different natural disasters (volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, earthquakes) impact the four spheres. Students will use this information to help them while researching a specific natural disaster. Students will be starting this project next week.
Tuesday, November 1 MATH
Today we reviewed rounding using this video. We practiced rounding to various places, focusing on making sure that the number ends in the place rounded to and not leaving zeros after the number.
Homework tonight: Use Place Value to Round Decimals worksheet
Tuesday, November 1 SCIENCE
Today we watched a video of the impacts of the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park. Students wrote down impacts to each sphere that the wolves caused either directly or indirectly and we shared out as a class. Students also did a check-in to see how they are doing on identifying elements of each of the four spheres from a picture.
Monday, October 31 MATH
Today we worked on a logic puzzle to try and harness some of the excitement bouncing around today. This was tough because no one had done a logic puzzle that required students to think about information in two quadrants.
No Homework tonight!
Monday, October 31 SCIENCE
Today we did a fun activity talking about why our bodies have so many bones.
Wednesday, October 26 MATH
Today we took a step back and reviewed how to write numbers out in standard form from word form. Based on the practice test, we are not ready for the Unit 3 test tomorrow and will push that back until next week. Tonight students will watch a video about number relationships (10 times and 1/10 of) and complete 3 practice problems on this. We will review it tomorrow in class. It is critical that students watch the video first and not jump right into the homework. If you help your child on the homework, please mark that on the page so that I know what students can do independently.
Tonight's Homework: watch this video and complete the Extend Place Value worksheet given in class today
Wednesday, October 26 SCIENCE
Today we watched the video for the last two spheres: hydrosphere and atmosphere. We took notes and then used some pictures to identify parts of the spheres.
Tuesday, October 25 MATH
Today, after reviewing last night's homework, students took the unit 3 practice test. I will correct these tonight so that we can use the data to guide our review of the unit 3 skills tomorrow in class. My plan is still to have the Unit 3 test on Thursday. Students are working on a rounding worksheet tonight to solidify that skill. The priority is the rounding sheet, so if the graph is giving students a hard time, it is ok to skip it. Below are some video links to this unit's content.
Homework tonight: Finish High Flyer worksheet and graph from class
Expanded Form video Forms of Numbers video Comparing Decimals video Rounding Decimals video
Tuesday, October 24 SCIENCE
Today we began a new unit on the Four Spheres of Earth. We watch a short video on the Geosphere and Biosphere and took notes about what are the important features of each of those spheres. We ended class by looking at a few pictures and identifying parts of the geosphere and biosphere.
Monday, October 24 MATH
Today we reviewed rounding. We took notes (see below) on the steps to use when rounding decimals. We highlighted how rounding whole numbers and decimals are the same (use the same procedure when deciding to round up or down) and how it is different (you don't change the digits to the right of the rounded place to zeros, you just get rid of them because they are no longer place-holders). We did several practice problems before moving to independent practice in math books.
Tonight's Homework: Lesson 3-5 worksheet
Reminder that I anticipate the test being on Thursday of this week.
Monday, October 24 SCIENCE
Today we finished working on our Germination Gizmo. Students conducted fair tests to see if seeds needed water and light to be able to germinate. Students were able to apply what they learned in parts A and B (on water and light) to design and conduct their own experiments to see how heat affects germination. Some students were unable to finish before the end of class and need to have Part A and Part B completed by Friday. Part C is optional if students want to push themselves and see if they can earn a 4.
The packet is due on Friday.
Friday, October 21 MATH
Today we practiced comparing decimals with a fun (I hope!) graphing activity. Students had to determine which decimal was greater to find the y-coordinate of an ordered pair. When finished, students were done they were able to answer the riddle "What does a scarecrow eat for breakfast?".
Some students will need to finish this up for homework this weekend.
Friday, October 21 SCIENCE
Today we continued working on the Germination Gizmo to see how water (and some kids, light) affects the germination of different seeds. These fun simulations allow students to test out variables quickly to see their impact and make alterations to test again. We highlighted the idea of Fair Test being one where scientists change and test one variable at a time.
Thursday, October 20 MATH
Today students did a quick check-in on comparing decimals so I can see where we need to focus our work tomorrow. They then worked on a packet to review numerical relationships (10 times, 1/10 of) and forms of numbers. We talked at the end of class about next week which will have one lesson on rounding, then practice test and review for the Unit 3 test which I plan to have on Thursday. Students will know exactly what they need to work on to prepare for the assessment on Wednesday.
Homework: IXL skills G12, G13, G14 to 80% (and finish any missing assignments- emails will be going home tonight)
***Hi Families- I was clearly working quickly but not carefully and all of the emails that I thought I had scheduled to go out last night went out this morning, sorry for any confusion or inconvenience****
Wednesday, October 19 MATH
Today we worked on comparing decimal numbers with 2 different strategies: place by place and even-out decimal place (see notes). Students practiced in their math journals. As a reminder to them (and you) comparison statements are greater than/less than/equal to number sentences (ex: 23.4 > 23.08)
Homework tonight: Lesson 3-4 worksheet (and get caught up on missing work- written in student planners)
Wednesday, October 19 SCIENCE
Today we started using the online simulations (Gizmos) on Explore learning.com. We used seeds, water, heat, and light to determine good conditions for sprouting seeds. We will use our trials from today to target specific variables to determine which have the greatest effect on germination.
Tuesday, October 18 MATH
Today we reviewed and practiced writing numbers in the three different ways (standard, word and expanded). Students are doing really well with this. Some students were able to move on to a review packet of numerical relationships (10 times, 1/10 of) and forms of numbers.
Homework tonight: IXL skills G4 and G7 to 80% (5th grade)
Tuesday, October 18 SCIENCE
Today we used our data from the length experiment to construct picture graphs. We talked about how the data changed as the pendulums got longer. We discussed liner data and how our data is not linear because the longer pendulums did not have the same impact as the smaller pendulums.
Homework: Some students need to finish their graphs- this will be in their take home folders
Monday, October 17 MATH
Today we took notes (see pictures below) about different forms of numbers: standard form, word form and expanded form. Some students knew the basic way to write numbers in expanded form, so we showed 3 more challenging ways to write numbers in expanded form- these will support thinking in later grades. We practiced saying numbers in word form, which is generally the most challenging form for students.
Homework tonight: Lesson 3-3 worksheet
Monday, October 17 SCIENCE
Today we finished collecting data from our pendulums of different lengths. Students found that longer pendulums completed fewer circuits. We will graph our data tomorrow to discuss the relationship between length and circuits before completing the conclusion for the experiment. We also watched several cool videos of sets of pendulums with varying lengths in action.
Friday, October 14 MATH
Today we reviewed the homework from the week and went over any problems that students had a hard time with. We then did a number puzzle to practice math concepts like even numbers, divisibility rules, and greater/less than. We ended class by playing a review game- the Mixed Math class (Arbours/Karlonases) played a Kahoot and the Newtons played a Gimkit on decimal place value.
Several kids did not complete the IXL from Wednesday (G5 and G6 to 80%) or the worksheets (Lesson 3-1 or Lesson 3-2 worksheet)
Friday, October 14 SCIENCE
Today we collected data on how the length of the pendulums affect the number of circuits they could complete in 15 seconds. We were not able to finish collecting the data so that will be completed on Monday.
Thursday, October 13 MATH
Today we reviewed the IXL skills from yesterday, took notes on how to determine if a number was 10 times or 1/10 of another number and completed pages in our workbooks.
Homework tonight: Lesson 3-2 worksheet (some students need to finish their IXL homework from yesterday)
Wednesday, October 12 MATH
Today we used what we had done yesterday on whole number to apply the concept to decimal places. In going around and checking in with students, it became apparent that many did not know their decimal places. Tonight I want students to want to practice learning the decimal places by practicing on IXL tonight. We will review today's lesson again tomorrow when kids have a better foundation of the places.
Homework tonight: IXL skills G5 and G6 to 80%
Wednesday, October 12 SCIENCE
Today we used the data we collected yesterday to create graphs. We talked about the parts of a graph (x and y axis, origin), making sure that axis numbers are equal intervals, and then plotting the points. Tomorrow we will analyze our data and draw conclusions.
Tuesday, October 11 MATH
Today we talked about the relative value of numbers based on their place. We practiced making statements to compare those values (ex: 7,000 is ten times larger than 700 or 40,000 is 1/10 of the value of 400,000). Students will use these terms on the homework tonight to compare the values of digits in different places within a number. This whole number concept will be applied to decimal numbers later in the unit.
These videos can help to show the concept of what we did in class. video1 : explanation video 2 practice problems
Homework tonight: Lesson 3-1 worksheet
** Please note that students tore out ALL of the homework worksheets for Unit 3, but they should only complete them as assigned**
Tuesday, October 11 SCIENCE
Today we used our pendulums to experiment with the variable of drop angle. Groups collected data for pendulums dropped at (roughly) 45, 90, and 135 degrees. Tomorrow we will go over our data to determine if the angle a pendulum is dropped at affects how many circuits the pendulum can complete.
Wednesday, October 5 MATH
Today students played the game "Prism Pile-up" to practice finding volume of simple and composite shapes.
Wednesday, October 5 SCIENCE
Today students tested out our pendulums to see how adding weight to the bob (hanging end) affected the number of circuits that the pendulum could complete in 15 seconds. Most students were surprised by the results!
Tuesday, October 4 MATH
Today students worked on finishing up on the Unit 2 test from last week or the Unit 3 pretest from yesterday. We have a few kids who still have to finish, but hopefully that will be done tomorrow. We will be playing a volume review game in class on Wednesday.
No Homework This Week!
Tuesday, October 4 SCIENCE
Today students read a Super Science article about how music affects concentration. It was an interesting article about how some activities can benefit focus. Students completed a "Quick Quiz" worksheet with comprehension questions.
**Newton Homeroom did a double math block and will read this article tomorrow
Friday, September 30 MATH
Today students took their unit 2 test today. Many kids did not finish and we will have more class time next week to finish.
A reminder that NWEAs are next week. Classes will be shorter, and students will likely not have homework on those days. Friday is also a no school day for students.
Friday, September 30 SCIENCE
Today in science brainstormed a list of variables that could affect how many circuits our pendulums could complete. We will be testing out three of the brainstormed ideas next week. Today students made a hypothesis about how the weight of the bob (the bottom of the pendulum) affects the number of circuits that the pendulum can complete. We will test out our hypotheses on Monday!
Thursday, September 29 MATH
Today students used their practice tests to see how much they have learned in this unit. It is always fun to see how much they are able to do now compared to the start of the unit. Students have their practice tests in their take-home folders. Students used class time today to practice with me on solving the composite shape problems or on IXL. They tore out the "Unit Review" pages from their books to take home as one way to practice for their tests. IXL is another resource that they could use. We will be taking the test tomorrow. Students will be able to use calculators, factor charts and multiplication charts. They will not be able to use practice tests, old homework, their notes or their books. If students don't do well, we will work during WIN to firm up any missed concepts before reassessing.
Homework: prepare for test using IXL or unit review pages- Test is tomorrow!
Thursday, September 29 SCIENCE
Today in science we learned about the pendulum systems that we will be experimenting with over the next week or so. We discovered that in order to have comparable data, we must conduct the experiment in the same way (control the variables!). We discovered that a 38 cm pendulum can consistently complete 12 circuits in 15 seconds when it is dropped at an angle that is parallel to the floor. To finish out class, students brainstormed ideas of variables that could be tested. We will review these tomorrow and begin trying one out.
Wednesday, September 28 MATH
Today students took the practice test to see what skills they should practice to be prepared for the unit test on Friday. Students will get the corrected tests back tomorrow (some still need to finish), and we will connect them to the appropriate IXL skills. Students will take the test on Friday. They will be allowed to use their factor/multiplication charts and calculators on the test.
Homework: 20 minutes (total!) of 5th grade IXL on skills DD 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
Students may work beyond 20 minutes. Students are expected to go to 80 percent on a skill before moving on to the next one. If they complete all skills prior to 20 minutes, they should go back and try to get to 100 percent on each category until they have met the time requirement
Wednesday, September 28 Science
Today we practiced identifying experimental variables from given scenarios. We will use this skill as we move into our first hands-on experiment on pendulums. You can see the sheet that we completed below
Tuesday, September 27 MATH
Today we continued to practice finding missing dimensions for prisms when the volume is known. We reviewed last night's homework (number 5) to look at how to work through a multi-step problem using the strategies that we practiced in class. Some students will be finishing up Lesson 2-5 (homework from yesterday) along with tonight's homework.
Students began working on the Lesson 2-5 reinforce/extend page today in class. This needs to be finished up tonight for homework. I have asked students to mark numbers 4 and 5 on the back as "Try" because they are quite challenging. If they try but are stuck, these problems do not need to be completed.
Here is a Khan Academy video on composite shapes and one on finding missing dimensions (uses a cube and not rectangular prisms, but the concept is the same) to help if needed.
Homework: Lesson 2-5 reinforce/extend worksheet
Tuesday, September 27 SCIENCE
Today we reviewed the terms manipulated (independent) variable, responding (dependent) variable and controlled variables. We practiced identifying the types of variables in given scenarios. This work will lead us into our first real experiment determining what variables affect the number of circuits that a pendulum can complete in a given amount of time.
Monday, September 26 MATH
Today we used our knowledge of volume formula to find missing dimensions. We talked about how multiplication and division are "inverse operations" so they do the opposite (like 10 = 2 times 5 and 10 divided by 2 = 5). We used the steps in the picture to work through finding a missing dimension when the volume is given. Students will use this on homework tonight and will continue to practice tomorrow in class.
Homework: Lesson 2-5 worksheet (both sides)
Monday, September 26 SCIENCE
Today we talked about the types of experimental variables. We defined them in our notes, along with "fair test" and did some practice with identifying the types of variables in a given experiment.
Homework: Complete Super Science worksheet on the "Secrets of the Boiling River" if not done yet. Due Tuesday 9/27
Friday, September 23 MATH
Today we tried out a new strategy to help see the dimensions for each of the prisms in a composite shape. We used one color to "highlight" each of the length lines (I used pink in the pictures below), a different color for all of the width lines (lime green) and a third color for all of the height lines (blue). The idea is that it helps to see what lines go together if students need to use dimensions to split among two or more prisms.
Each student got a packet today with three pages (5 problems) of composite shapes. These are in the "To Do" section of take-home folders. They are optional practice for this weekend. Students can also practice on IXL- DD. 16 Volume of Compound Figures (5th Grade).
I anticipate that the unit test on Volume will be the end of next week or very beginning of the following week.
Friday, September 23 SCIENCE
Today in science we read an article about a boiling river in Peru- we were able to watch video from one of the research geologists that is studying the river. Students then answered comprehension questions and used a map of South America to learn about where different biomes are located. Most students turned in the worksheet before the end of class, but some have it in their "To Do" section to complete this weekend.
Thursday, September 22 MATH
We continued our practice of splitting composite prisms into simple shapes and finding the volumes of those shapes to find the complete volume. It is sometimes tough to find the missing dimensions, so I have encouraged students to use the number frames ___ * ___ * ___ = ___ for each piece of the composite prism.
Homework: BACK SIDE of lesson 2-4 worksheet.
Thursday, September 22 SCIENCE
Today in science we talked about text features of non-fiction text and why they are useful in helping us understand the text. We will read the article tomorrow and have some comprehension questions to answer about the article and questions about a map related to the text.
Super Science article: Secrets of the Boiling River (class code: arbour2022)
I also helped students to organize their take-home folders. Kids all have a "To Do" and "Keep" section.
Every night students should be taking Everything out of the "To Do" section. Some papers will stay at home (scored work, notices) and some will be homework that is completed at home and returned to the "To Do" section until it is turned in the next day.
The "Keep" section should not be cleaned out at home- these are all resources that we need kids to have at school. When they are no longer needed, Carrie or I will tell students to take them out.
Wednesday, September 21 MATH
Today in math we used what we have learned about calculating volume of rectangular prisms to find the volume of composite shapes.
Homework: FRONT SIDE ONLY of lesson 2-4 worksheet.
Wednesday, September 21 SCIENCE
Today in science added the vocabulary word "variable" to their STEM notebooks. (Variable- anything that can be changed in an experiment). We then used our knowledge of variables to come up with different variables to could affect different scenarios, like the number of fish in a lake.
About Mrs. Arbour
About me
I teach 5th grade STEM (science and math) on a 2 person team with Carrie Newton. I have been teaching for 21 years, with 10 of those years being here at Cape Elizabeth Middle School. When I am not at school, you can find me at one of my children's sporting events (soccer, hockey, lacrosse, tball and dance), camping, hiking or hanging out with family.