5P at SES

Hello Everyone!

I cannot believe it is already almost February!  This year is flying by so fast!

This week in math, we are going to continue to learn more about decimal numbers.  Last week, we learned how to round decimal numbers using both place value understanding as well as using the number line.   This week, we will learn how to add, subtract and multiple decimal numbers using both a written method as well as a visual representation on the place value chart.  Students will also continue their own independent studies on Khan Academy.  Students will have access to Khan on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays during the math workshop for about 20 minutes.

In reading, we have begun a new research project on the American Revolution.  Although this is a history themed unit, the students are continuing to learn good reading habits that promote research skills.  For example, students are learning how to synthesize information across texts and compare and contrast how different texts provide information on 1 topic.   Additionally, this unit is a continuation of our unit on argument.  Students have chosen a research question ( see below for the options) and will eventually have to form a claim and support it with reasons in order to answer it.  Students will then work in teams to present their findings to the class.

Questions:
Was the Revolution justified?
Were there good guys and bad guys? ( Who were the good guys and bad guys?)
Who were the true heroes?
Which army was truly the strongest?
Which battle had the largest impact on the war?

In writing, students are finishing their argumentative essays on chosen topics.  This week, I will work in small groups to tailor instruction to the needs of the kiddos.  We will also be learning about good editing habits, specifically rules about commas and strategies to check for spelling.

Last week in science, we wrapped up our series of sound lessons.  We culminated this study with a design challenge in which students had to construct a pair of headphones that would absorb sound waves. See below for some fun pictures!!  This week, we will begin to learn about light energy!  We will learn about the different ways light interacts with objects through a series of centers.  In these centers, students will explore concepts such as reflection and refraction.


Have a great week!
Ms. Phillips