Wasted Water Experiment

Written by a student in our class-

About a couple of weeks ago our teacher, Dr. Brock, was wondering how many gallons of water is wasted a year from the sink. Dr. Brock and our class decided that we should do an experiment to see how much water is wasted in the school from dripping faucets. Some faucets ended up streaming and we had to use a measuring cup instead of counting drops for our calculations. We did the experiment during lunch recess and 2:00 recess. It was really interesting. After we did the experiment, Dr. Brock went online and pulled up a water counting calculator, which did the calculations for us.

We put in the averages for the data we collected in each class. The result for how many gallons are wasted in a year in Dr. Brock’s class is around 3,673 gallons. That’s a lot! We also figured out that in the entire school we waste over 63,000 gallons of water a year.  At least there is a good thing…next year the school will be revitalized and we will have new faucets and won’t be wasting a lot of water.

Written by Anthony

Skull Sketches

Friday afternoon we took some time to discuss shading techniques in drawings.  After analyzing various photos of sketches of skulls, we applied the art technique to our own drawing.  An elk skull was centered in the front of the room with a light shining on it from the side.  Students drew the skull and then accented it shadows.

Events in Our Room

For the next few weeks in reading we will be focusing on identifying two or more main ideas in a reading and then identifying at least two supporting details from the reading to support it.  This week we are working with one main idea and using partners to ensure we have conquered the basics. Next week we move onto more complex reading and identifying more then one main idea in the text.

In science we continue to work towards the Science Conference in February.  Students have completed their procedures and will have completed their hypothesis by week's end.  After this point, they are cleared to begin their science experiement.  We all look forward to the exciting science the discover.

Our student teacher, Miss. Fanning, started last week.  She will be a wonderful addition to our classroom.  The curriculum will be enriched as for the next several weeks we team teach the class, allowing more time with each students since their are two of us.  As she takes over control, I will encourage her to bring in her ideas and mix them with the current practices in place.  This should be a great quarter for students and teachers alike.

The Kids Court field trip is Feb. 9th, and we have plenty of room if you would like to attend.

Report cards will be sent home Friday.  Please sign the envelope that the report card came home in a return it with your child on Monday.

Wild Sheep Show- Youth Wildlife Conservation Experience

For those students who were able to attend the Saturday conference at the Reno/Sparks Convention Center, we had a blast. We learned all about wildlife conservation. One of the most interesting was a presentation by the NV Department of Wildlife who had their wildlife CSI officer come down from Idaho. Our 8:30 to 5 experience has been amazing. Eric simply says it is "awesome." Isaac replies it "is a blast."

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.