Next Week: We will continue to represent and solve addition and subtraction of fractions, using objects and pictorial models and use benchmark fractions to estimate sums and differences of fractions. 

Texas Standards Covered:

4.3E Represent and solve addition and subtraction of fractions with equal denominators using objects and pictorial models that build to the number line and properties of operations. 4.3F Evaluate the reasonableness of sums and differences of fractions using benchmark fractions 0, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 1, referring to the same whole.     

This Week : We learned about the inherited and acquired traits of organisms and the differences between them. Inherited traits are those passed down (leaf size and shape, hair and eye color) while acquired traits are those influenced and changed during a lifetime (haircut, scars, heat damage to plants, etc). 

Next Week : We will continue our inherited and acquired traits lessons, extending to the cacti and succulents that we are studying this unit. We will identify common traits of plants, and use magnifying/microscope lenses to observe the internal structures of succulents. 

This Week : We discussed spanish missions to Texas and the goals that Spain had for their colony. We defined missions, pueblos, ranchos, and presidios, what daily life was like, and important people in the time period. We filled out a vocabulary sheet about presidios, pueblos, and ranchos to compare and contrast their features. 

Next Week : We will continue our exploration and settlement unit by learning about the Mexican War of Independence from Spain and how that influenced the land that would become Texas. We will complete a diagram comparing Mexican and Spanish governments and why the people of Mexico wanted to leave the Spanish empire.