To Infinity and Beyond!

We have recently been studying space science.  The last couple of weeks we explored how big (or small, depending on how you look at it) our solar system is by walking a 100 meter scaled model of it on the playground.  We then built our Milky Way Galaxy out of paper and visualized where our solar system fit inside that model and tried to visualize our galaxy as one of 30 galaxies in the Local Group, just a few galaxies in the universe.

We continued to dig into science standard E5B4 to understand the cyclical patterns of observable objects in the solar system by having a guest speaker visit to talk about meteors and asteroids.  Ask your child what he or she thought of the guest speaker, as he was quite different.  Students then created a model of the surface of a planet with flour and grape drink mix and explored impact crators.

Museum Day was a Success!

After a month of preparation, Museum Day was a huge success.  Students wrote the best three-minute speeches using research from three different sources.  Their memorization of the speech, along with their amazing costumes was outstanding.  They presented twice throughout the day, with the showing at 2:15 being the busiest.  Many students said they only had five or ten seconds of not talking between presentations during that showing.  I am very proud of all my students.

Museum Day, Art BBQ, and Book Report

This Friday, May 6th the school is holding its art and picnic BBQ.  Families are welcomed to attend.  Students' artwork will be displayed outside each classroom.  You are welcome to purchase the BBQ food from the school or bring your own picnic lunch.

Next Tuesday, May 10th is the 5th grade Museum Day.  We have been working hard researching historical figures, using internet, encyclopedias, and books to put together a three minute speech about the character.  We will begin dress rehearsals Friday.  Please help your child create a costume to fit their character.  Their homework this week is to begin practice memorizing their speech.  They will also have time Thursday, Friday, and Monday to work on memorizing it and practicing it.  You are welcome to attend the showing on Tuesday.  We will have one showing from 9:30-10:00 and one from 2:15-2:45.

Our next book report is due on May 20th.  Students can choose any genre they like.  There are two components to this book report. First, fill out the standard book report form.  The second component is to create a board game using the characters, setting, plot, etc. from the book.  Criteria is attached to the book report form.  These games will be played in class on May 20th, so they need to be designed so that anyone can play them, even if they haven't read the book.