November 5-9, 2018

Writing- Students are working hard on an expository piece (topic of their choosing). We learned how to write topic sentences, and form paragraphs with a main idea and supporting details.

Reading- Our focus as we read nonfiction/expository this week was identifying the main idea and supporting details. We learned several strategies for determining the main idea of a paragraph, section, or entire article.

Math- We began our unit on fractions. During this unit, students will use fraction notation to represent fractional amounts of length and area models. We'll focus on unit fractions and how they can be put together to make other fractions. For example, 1/4 + 1/4 + 1/4 is the same as 3/4. We explored three different fraction models; area models, set models, and length models (We haven’t done number line model yet, but we will next week). You can find out more about each model from this video link.

Here is another video about fractions on a number line:

Exploring the Number Line Model of Fractions

Science- Experiments with volcanoes, earthquakes, and landslides! We had loads of fun investigating rapid changes to Earth's surface this week. We went outside and built a volcano to explore how the Earth's surface and structures on earth change when a volcano erupts. We also investigated earthquakes using graham crackers (modeling the crust) and frosting (modeling the mantle/ lava). Students also built an earthquake testing pad to see if a structure could withstand the shakes.

Here are the essential questions for this unit:

How do rapid changes affect Earth’s surface?

What are some examples of rapid changes to Earth’s surface?

What forces cause rapid changes to the Earth’s surface?

What are the effects of rapid changes to the Earth’s surface?

Social studies- This week we learned about landforms as part of our science unit. Landforms aren't a science TEK any more, but are still a social studies TEK. We also learned some background information on Veteran’s Day in preparation for the assembly on Friday (pictured below)

Eslot- Kids went to their 4-week rotation group (cooking, technology, design challenge, arts and crafts, lego robotics, or pottery)

Coming up next week:

Field trip on Tuesday!

Writing- We will write an expository piece on what we are thankful for.

Reading- We will learn about different text structures in non-fiction, such as cause and effect, problem and solution, compare and contrast, sequential, and descriptive.

Math- We will continue with fractions. Next week, we will learn about fractions on a number line and use number lines to explore how common fractions are composed of unit fractions.

Science- Students will investigate a landform of their choosing through research. Students will identify the Causes of natural disaster, find out How to prepare for a natural disaster, and the Effects (aftermath) of a natural disaster. They will summarize the information in a presentation of their choosing. The DCA will either be on Friday or next Monday.

Social studies- Heroes in history