In math we have continued our work with properties of numbers. The students have been identifying the difference between prime and composite, factors and multiples, square numbers and those that can only make a rectangular array, and many more. They have come up with number puzzles themselves, and solved classmate puzzles. They have tried verbal puzzles, where they don't get to see the clue, and have tied properties of numbers to how they look arranged as an array.

Ask your Unidian how they might approach the puzzle on the left. What can your family come up with?

In science we have finished our biome trioramas - and we hope you come visit our display case during open house! The students are now examining how the four spheres of the Earth are shown in these biomes, and how they interact to support life.

Meanwhile, we have started exploring a bit deeper into the sphere of water, looking at how only a tiny proportion of this vast resource is available to us as useable freshwater.

Ask your Unidian what they think uses the most water in their lifestyle.

Hanging up student products, projects and work samples makes the students feel at home. Today we have beautiful demonstrations of how to find factors. The student projects also show how finding factors efficiently is a valuable skill. Complicated division and area calculation problems can be tackled with a better understanding of factors and multiples.

In science, we are learning about how consumerism impacts the environment. Compulsive shopping does more than hurt our bank accounts. Carbon dioxide emissions and plastic waste are involved in manufacturing and shipping goods.

Please reflect on these questions: What goods are easy to buy local? How can we reduce the impacts of consumerism through repairing, refurbishing, or simply appreciating what we already have?