Next Week: We will continue exploring how to represent the value of decimal numbers, using expanded notation, identify and represent decimals as distances from zero on a number line, and compare and name decimals on a number line.   

Texas Standards Covered:

4.2B. Represent the value of the digit in whole numbers through 1,000,000,000 and decimals to the hundredths using expanded notation and numerals. 4.2H Determine the corresponding decimal to the tenths or hundredths place of a specified point on a number line. 4.2F Compare and order decimals using concrete and visual models to the hundredths.           

This Week : We classified matter based on its relative density. We introduced new academic vocabulary in addition to the concepts of "sinking and floating". We experimented with different items to measure if they are more or less dense than water. We designed "flotation devices" in our journals including specific materials using our knowledge of density.

Next Week : We will classify matter based on its magnetism. We will test the magnetism of multiple objects in an experiment and discover what types of materials have magnetic properties and discuss real-life application of magnets. 

Texas Standards Covered/Started :

4.6 Matter and energy. The student knows that matter has measurable physical properties that determine how matter is identified, classified, changed, and used. The student is expected to: 4.6A classify and describe matter using observable physical properties, including temperature, mass, magnetism, relative density (the ability to sink or float in water), and physical state (solid, liquid, gas).

This Week : We will explored the four Texas environmental regions (Mountains/Basins, Great Plains, North Central Plains, and Coastal Plains). We will discussed cities and human population in these areas to answer questions about our state. We completed and sent home our week 3 Studies Newspaper, "Regions of Texas".

Next Week : We will conclude our Unit 1 - Geography of Texas with our week 4 newspaper "Texas Locations : Then and Now". We will compare life for Texas's first settlers to how we live now and delve into how arrived at our lifestyle today. We will have our first TEKS Check over Unit 1 on Friday (make-up test on Monday if needed).

Texas Standards Covered/Started :

4.6A Identify, locate, and describe the physical regions of Texas (Mountains and Basins, Great Plains, North Central Plains, Coastal Plains), including their characteristics such as landforms, climate, vegetation, and economic activities.   4.7A Explain the geographic factors such as landforms and climate that influence patterns of settlement and the distribution of population in Texas, past and present.   4.8A Describe ways people have adapted to and modified their environment in Texas, past and present, such as timber clearing, agricultural production, wetlands drainage, energy production, and construction of dams.