Patterson Update 2/20

With the whirlwind that was the Science Fair, we are almost done with the quarter.  How can it be!?

Much to the children’s delight, we have wrapped up our unit on fractions.  We have added, subtracted, multiplied, divided, reduced and converted SO MANY fractions.  We worked on volume this week.  It was a small unit that will be finished up tomorrow.  Students spent time in class today measuring different rectangular prisms around the classroom and calculate their volume.  We used this hands on approach for their final assessment of the topic.  Next week we will move into converting measurements.  This will take a couple of weeks and will also be integrated into our science lessons.

Recently we have been studying the observable patterns from Earth- moon phases and seasons.  Students have gotten time on the computers to do webquests where they practice finding evidence from text to answer science based questions.  We are working towards our final unit display which will show an understanding of how all these systems are connected.   Please plan to sign up for a student led conference to see their work!

In writing we have started our second opinion paper.  The first was about zoos and whether or not we think they are god or bad.  We watched videos and read articles together and practiced pulling out information that was important to add to our notes.  Students are now working on an opinion topic of choice.  They are doing the research in class this week and will begin writing the rough drafts early next week, with a final draft due by Friday.

Upcoming dates:

Tuesday, February 25th- fifth grade field trip to the Renaissance Festival.  More information to come!

Wednesday, February 26th- Early release day 11:30, no aftercare

Thursday & Friday, March 5th & 6th- Student led conferences.  Click here to sign up 

March 9th-18th- SPRING BREAK