DARE

DARE

Today, the students start DARE class with Officer Kelly!  The students learned what DARE stands for (Drug Abuse Resistance Education).  They learned about the DARE decision making model.  There are different options that we have when we are presented with a decision.  The students will work through various examples throughout the course of DARE and how they can handle common challenges while growing up.

All students that were in class today were given the book below.  This book should remain in the student's binder for the duration of DARE class!

First Post for the New Year!

Planets!!!!!

It's been a little while since I have posted!  Welcome back to a New Year!  Hopefully everyone had a terrific holiday season and are ready to get back in to their studies!

Currently, the students are working in Outer Space!!!  We are learning about the characteristics of the 8 main planets.  This week, students have been completing research on a planet of their choice.  They are trying to decide if life on another planet is possible, based on comparing their planet to Earth.  We are really working on finding information from multiple sources (several books, our packets, and the internet as a last resort). This is proving to be very interesting!

Later this week, the students will share their findings with the class and each student will take notes on each planet from their peers.  We will use this information to complete a more in depth look at a particular planet (MARS!!!!)

Spelling Bee

Spelling Bee!!!

Yesterday was our 5th grade Spelling Bee.  We had several students that represented our 4 classrooms!  They all did a fantastic job and we have a lot to celebrate!  Congratulations to our representatives!

Natural Disasters

Natural Disasters!!!

This week, the students have been researching different kinds of natural disasters that occur here on Earth.  They are working in groups, based on their interest, and are learning about how they happen, their affect on earth, the tools used for detecting, etc.  Students will also create a survival kit of 4 items that they believe will be helpful if their disaster actually happened.  During our class on Wednesday, next week, students will present their findings to the class and teach their peers about their disaster.  They are really excited about this assignment!

Here are a few of the students working together to collect their research information!

Layers of the Earth-Ooblek

Layer's of the Earth

During the last couple of days of class, we have discussed the different layers of the Earth along with their characteristics.  Today, the students focused on the Mantle of the Earth, which behaves both as a liquid and a solid.  We simulated this idea by creating our own Mantle out of Ooblek (cornstarch and water).  Please see the fun and MESSY pictures below!!!

Science Fair!

SCIENCE FAIR!!!!

Below is information for an optional science fair project I introduced to the students today.  I want you to get accurate information straight from me to avoid any confusion (and last minute panicked requests for science materials!)  Here are a few important things to know about the project:

1.  This is a science experiment project, meaning the principle task is to perform an experiment at home and to present it to the class.  The directions have some links for science experiment websites that may be helpful, or you can Google science experiments for kids to get more ideas.  Students should start with a scientific question:  What type of dog food does my dog like best? or What type of paper airplane flies the farthest?.  They should test the question at home and create a presentation to share with the class.  Students may video tape the experiment, may bring it in to share with the class, may create a Power Point, Google Presentation, poster, or however they can effectively present the experiment. 

2.  Students may work on their own or with up to two partners.  I emphasized that if they work with a partner they should make sure they can find times and places to meet and complete some work outside of school.

3.  The rough draft is due on Friday January 9th.  The final project is due Monday, February 2nd.  I am asking parents to sign the rough draft so you are aware of the project specifics and can discuss any needed materials or other details.

4.  The optional district science fair on Saturday February 7th.  Students who choose to enter (free of charge) will need to register at:  www.nasciencefair.org.    There are prizes for winners at the science fair.  Science fair entries must have a 3 sided poster and must complete research related to their experiment.

Earth and Seasons Quiz

Earth and Seasons Quiz-Friday!!!!

This Friday, students will have a  quiz over the Earth and it's seasons.  Students have been given a study guide today, Tuesday.  Everything that is on the study guide will be found on the quiz.  Please encourage your child to study!!! You can click on the link below to retrieve a copy of the study guide. 

COPY OF STUDY GUIDE