Science and Social Studies
Science and Social Studies Update (11-20-19)
Students have been doing some amazing work in science class for the past few weeks. We were fortunate to have Mr. Cox join our class to do some oil spill simulations. Students took on the role of environmental engineers to address some problems facing different ecosystems. First, they helped determine what pollution sources were effecting the fictional community of Greentown. They conducted pH tests and made claims based on the evidence they collected. They then used the engineering process to help them effectively clean up an oil spill. The teamwork and problem solving skills used by students was amazing! Students have just completed a write up to share all that they have learned through their work as environmental engineers.
Students are now transitioning into a unit called Watery Planet. During this unit, they will be learning about the different spheres of Earth. They will also look at connections between the spheres (specifically the hydrosphere and biosphere) to determine the causes of the Dust Bowl.
Students are now transitioning into a unit called Watery Planet. During this unit, they will be learning about the different spheres of Earth. They will also look at connections between the spheres (specifically the hydrosphere and biosphere) to determine the causes of the Dust Bowl.
Science and Social Studies Update (10-23-19)
Students have been working hard on their Geography projects. I am proud of everyone and the research they have done. The creativity and dedication to learning that I saw during this first project was absolutely amazing! Most students presented their projects last week. However, students will continue to finish their presentations this week. We have begun to shift our focus away from social studies and more to science in the past week. We will continue to learn about social studies topics through read alouds on early settlements.
Students have eagerly been participating in our first Mystery Science unit. It is called "The Web of Life." Within this unit, students have been creating a biosphere that will support their food needs for two years. Students have considered food chains when creating this biosphere. They have also been adding plants and decomposer based on what they have learned in the lessons. Students will be able to use the work they have completed on their post assessment for this unit, which is scheduled for October 31st and November 1st. After we complete this unit, we will begin an engineering simulation that extends from our knowledge of ecosystems.
Students have eagerly been participating in our first Mystery Science unit. It is called "The Web of Life." Within this unit, students have been creating a biosphere that will support their food needs for two years. Students have considered food chains when creating this biosphere. They have also been adding plants and decomposer based on what they have learned in the lessons. Students will be able to use the work they have completed on their post assessment for this unit, which is scheduled for October 31st and November 1st. After we complete this unit, we will begin an engineering simulation that extends from our knowledge of ecosystems.
Science and Social Studies Update (9-22-19)
This past week students have been diving deep into their studies of scientists. They have learned that anyone can be a scientist. They have also looked at some young scientists and the characteristics present in them. They also learned about how scientists analyze and research different topics. They learned about the Big 6 Research Guidelines that they will be expected to use when conducting research in the classroom. This work on looking at scientists is leading into our first Mystery Science unit. Students will explore a few mini mysteries before diving into their first unit, which is expected to start in the beginning of October.
In Social Studies class, students completed their first map test. Students will have the chance to retake the test this Thursday if they were not as successful at locating the continents and oceans. Students have begun to think about the struggles of immigrants and why people migrate. They will continue to explore cultures around the world during this week. They also will continue their work with maps during this week. Last week, they learned about the different types of maps and how to read them. This week they will get to dig into various maps on their own or in small groups. They will also start to create US regions maps as they learn about the various regions and their characteristics. Their regions/states maps will be due on October 4th. Their test will be the following week.
In Social Studies class, students completed their first map test. Students will have the chance to retake the test this Thursday if they were not as successful at locating the continents and oceans. Students have begun to think about the struggles of immigrants and why people migrate. They will continue to explore cultures around the world during this week. They also will continue their work with maps during this week. Last week, they learned about the different types of maps and how to read them. This week they will get to dig into various maps on their own or in small groups. They will also start to create US regions maps as they learn about the various regions and their characteristics. Their regions/states maps will be due on October 4th. Their test will be the following week.
Science Update (9-11-19)
This week we started to explore the brain. We have learned about the power of mistakes and learning from them. We have also learned the difference between having a fixed and growth mindset. We will be learning about what each part of the brain controls. We will also be learning about neurons and the signals they send. |
Social Studies Update (9-11-19)
We have begun to explore our place in the world. We are starting at the macro level by focusing on continents and oceans. We will then move into the regions of the united states. While exploring geographic areas, we will be looking at the characteristics that define it. These include climate patterns, topographic features, and cultural elements. As we dive deeper into understanding our place in the world, we will evaluate what it might be like if we lived elsewhere in the world. This unit will focus heavily on introducing students to other cultures to help students develop a better understanding of cultural differences. It will also draw connections to the mentor text used in reading class.
A few important dates in the first portion of this unit include: September 17th -Student world maps are due. September 20th - Student continents and ocean test will be on this date. Students are not graded on spelling. Students will be asked to use their map skills and memory to locate and name the continents and oceans. |