Science Test Tomorrow

The science review sheets were sent home yesterday. We reviewed in class yesterday and again today. Our science test is tomorrow, May 1st.

Magnets Can Make Things Move Video

Letters to Dr. Parker

The students wrote letters to Dr. Parker to ask for some changes around Long School. We invited her to our class and each student had a chance to read his/her letter to her. Dr. Parker liked some of the suggestions and she is trying to figure out if she can make a few ideas work. Check out a few of our letters.

Math Test Tomorrow

We've finished up our chapter on fractions and we reviewed today. The test will be tomorrow.

Fun with Magnets

The students enjoyed using magnets to push or pull objects. They learned that all magnets have two poles or ends. After putting the magnets to the test, the students learned that opposite poles ( north and south) attract. They also discovered that two north poles or two south poles repel or push away from each other. They found many things in our room that attract our magnets too. The most fun was finding out that the force of the magnet can pass through air, water, and some solids. Check out some of these pictures.

Science in Motion

We are learning about motion. We're talking about pushes, pulls, and force. We're learning about gravity and friction too. On Monday, the students used blocks and a golf ball and tried to show different ways to make them move. They built several different structures to show the golf balls moving in straight lines, around a curve and back and forth. They really enjoyed putting the golf balls in motion. Check out these photos:

Fun with Fractions

We've been working on fractions the last few days.  The students have been learning to identify, model and record fractions that represent 1 or more equal part.  Today, the students learned to identify the fraction for the whole.  They used StoryKit to show what they've learned. Check out their learning by following these links.
Fractions - 1
Fractions 2
Fractions - 3
Fractions 4
Fractions - 5

Writing

We've been working hard over the last week and writing opinion papers. First the students wrote what they thought is the best pet to own. The students organized their reasons before writing about the best pet. Then last Thursday they wrote persuasive letters to their parents about getting a pet. Some of the letters were quite convincing too! On Friday, they wrote me a persuasive letter trying to convince me to get a class pet. Many students wrote about getting fish, a hamster, or even a hedgehog for the classroom. All of those pets are quiet and won't disturb the class as the students mentioned on their letters. However, I'm not planning to get a class pet.
Yesterday was Earth Day so the students wrote about ways they can care for our Earth. Overall, my students are great writers! Their writing has a main idea, supporting details and their voice! Check out some of our writing!

Sound

The students have been learning about sound. They've learned that sound is caused by vibrations that can be heard. They've learned that sound travels through solids, liquids, and gases. We had an activity on Friday that showed that the loudness and pitch of a sound can be changed. We will be reviewing in class and I'm sending review sheets home tomorrow. The Chapter 12 Science test will be on Friday, April 19th.
Check out a few of the pictures from our activity.

Even More Mad Science

With just air pressure, Ella is riding the hovercraft.

More Mad Science

We learned about how air pressure helps planes fly. If there is high air pressure on top of something, it will fly like a plane. Check out this experiment.

Mad Science Assembly

We're watching some Mad Science activities. The students were trying to pull them apart but air pressure wouldn't allow it. The other pictures show more air pressure fun.