Geological Timelines

This week we began our unit on fossils.  The point was to try to fathom how old fossils are. Using geological timelines, students plotted a variety of fossils according to the Epoch of the fossil.  Fossils ranged from 11.8 million years old to over 500 million. A great start to our fossil unit.

Science Conference

In science this week, students were informed about a "Science Conference" we will be holding in mid-February.  Starting after Winter Break, students will create their own investigation on something that they are interested in.  Modeled each step of the way in science class, students will carry out their Science Inquiry Project and write up a proposal to present it in our 5th Grade Science Conference.  An agenda will then be created where students can rotate through sessions to hear presentations from peers on topics they are interested in.  This will be required for all 5th grade students.  Presentations can take place using Powerpoints or Science Fair Boards. 

If students wish to move forward with their project and be judged, they can then enter it into the school's Science Fair the following week, as criteria will be the same.  Science Fair is not required.

I wish to encourage the joy of science through this activity.  Allowing students to celebrate the science and knowledge they learn through doing their own investigation in an inquiry-style fashion.

Floor Hockey

We began our unit in P.E. on floor hockey this week.  Students will learn the skills associated with the sport and then put their skills to use in several weeks during scrimmages on the basketball court. 

In science we have moved away from tie-dye to looking at plant and animal adaptations.  We will be shifting even further at looking at how individual differences within each species help it to survive.

In math we have begun our unit on measurement and fractions.  We have taken it slow at first, using many manipulatives to help students visualize what  is taking place. Within the next few weeks, students will learn formulas and shortcuts for comparing fractions and adding and subtracting them with like and unlike denominators.

Tall Tales

This past week, with half days, we decided to write tall tales. Some people had to adjust their stories because tall tales cannot have fantasy. We started to get some ideas of tall tales the week before by reading 6 tall tales. Then we spent 20 minutes a day on each half day going step by step over our story. We started with our brainstorms to get magnificent ideas on how to start. Then the next day we began writing it. The next day we continued this, but on the last day we got to partner up and share our spectacular tall tales with each other. That is what we did with tall tales during conference week.         

Written by a student in Dr. Brock's class-