Classroom Update: February 17, 2017

Thank you to all of you who were able to attend our writers' celebration this morning. Students worked so hard on these pieces, and it was wonderful to share them with all of you!

In math, we concluded our unit on area and perimeter. When we return from break, we will start a new unit on fractions.

In reading and social studies this week, students continued to draft their journals from the perspectives of children from the seventeenth century. We wrote final drafts of these journals on "aged" paper.

In science, we did experiments involving a material that's abundant outside right now--snow! We measured the amount of water in snow and learned that the unique shape of snowflakes increases their volume. We also did an experiment involving snow and ice. We discovered that salt makes snow melt faster because it lowers the freezing point of water. 

Classroom Update: 2/11/17

This week, students began writing journal entries from the perspective of a child in seventeenth century Massachusetts. They used the knowledge that they gained from our readings over the course of our integrated social studies and literacy unit on the pilgrims.

In science, we used weather data to predict the forecast for a very snowy week!

In writing, students prepared their informational books for publishing. We are looking forward to our writers' celebration next Friday!

We continue to strengthen our knowledge of area and perimeter in math. Yesterday, we worked on a rigorous area and perimeter problem from this month's home practice menu. Students shared their great strategies with one another in a problem solving forum.

Classroom Update: February 3, 2017

In guided reading groups, we read books about the life of children in seventeenth century Plymouth. Students took notes on different aspects of life, including chores, learning, food, recreation, and clothing. 

In math, we continued practicing area and perimeter. We learned how to play a new game called "Island Conquer" (featured on this month's homework calendar). We discussed the concept of a square unit. 

In science, we conducted experiments about the density of water. Students discovered that cold water is denser than hot water.

In writing, students have been revising their informational books. They have been working on adding more transitional phrases and crafting interesting chapter beginnings.