In the afternoon we worked to fill our aquariums with elodea, duckweed, algae, pond snails, and mosquito fish. We were excited for these guys!
At the end of the day we fleshed out the final rules and regulations of our Hacker Trail/Oregon Trail simulation. We began setting up our online journals and will begin writing and moving along the trail in the next few days.
** Field trip parent chaperones- I will be getting out official information to you by early next week. I am waiting on a few clearances, but you will hear by May 20th at the latest!! Thank you for being patient during these new clearance procedures that snuck up on us. **
Homework
RELA- Mosq. Fish and Snail readings- annotate, answer questions, one will be graded tomorrow; trail supplies packed and ready tomorrow!!
Vocab- "therm" sentences due tomorrow
Other-planner signed; celebrity day tomorrow (appropriate please)- DONATE FOOD and COINS!
This morning began with the culminating lesson of our nutrition unit- GREEN SMOOTHIES!
For those wondering what my green smoothie recipe is:
1 handful of kale
1 handful of spinach
1/2 scoop of Strawberry BSN Syntha 6 protein powder (we did not use this today)
1 handful of frozen blueberries
1 handful of Dole frozen mixed fruit
1 handful of mixed berry (rasp, black, and straw)
We also looked at how plants grow in our eco-columns.
In math we continued to look at fractions, decimals, and percentages.
In the afternoon, we began our adventure on the Oregon Trail (aka the Hacker Trail for us). We learned about the praire schooners that pioneers used, discussed their reason for traveling, and broke down into our wagon train groups. From there, we assumed new identities for the trail, including gaining a family and livestock. Groups then discussed what would be useful to pack on their journey. Packing the wagon homework is due Friday, please look up and research what is necessary and what is not necessary.
Finally, we saw what happened to Mary Ellen as she packed her wagon for departure in Bound for Oregon.
Homework
Math Garger- SL 8.9
Math Wilson- 7.5
RELA- Bound for Oregon Ch. 2 True and False/Trivia ONLY; wagon packing spreadsheet by Friday
Vocab- "therm" sentences Friday
Other- wear your 5th grade shirt for field day tomorrow; donate food/coins for Friday's celebrity day
This morning we began by setting up our eco-columns for our ecosystems unit. Today we set up the aquarium part and terrarium part. In the terrarium we planted alfalfa, rye, mustard and grass. We should see some growth begin in the next couple days!
In math, we looked at turning fractions into decimals.
In the afternoon, fifth grade came together to discuss our expectations for the end of the year. We discusses perseverance, self control, optimism, social intelligence, and gratitude and how these character traits will help the end their elementary career with great success. We also discussed how if responsibility, compassion, and perseverance are given up on, end of the year privileges will be compromised (field trip, 5th grade event, ect.)
Latin/Greek root of the week: "therm" meaning temperature
We then continued to write our letters to SeaWorld, hopefully these will be completed within the next day or two.
To finish the day, we had an animal assembly come to our school.
Homework
Garger Math- SL 5.6 and 5.7
Wilson Math- 7.3
RELA- read 30 min.; finish TDA
Vocab- "therm" matching
Other- zoo permission slip; green shake permission slip (BY WEDNESDAY!); middle school course selection; Coins of compassion week- donations of food Friday- CELEBRITY DAY
Homework
Other- planner signed; permission slips signed (middle school, green shake, zoo)
** It was brought to my attention that the BSN Syntha 6 protein that I use in my green shake is recommended for those age 18 and older. As a result, I will still be making the green shakes, but they will not have the protein powder in them this year. **
This morning, students digitally presented and took notes on their PowToon macro- micro- nutrient animated films they created. If I am able to publish them, I will post them on the blog!
After, we continued to work on our final TDA of the year in reading. The afternoon was jam packed, so we had to make time where we could.
In the afternoon, we worked with professional artist Michael Albert to create collages using his style of artwork. This was a wonderful and unique experience working with a professional. http://www.michaelalbert.com/
The day then ended with Project ACES with Mrs. Bonk.
What a fun week we have had so far. I will not be in class tomorrow, I am over at district office writing math curriculum.
Homework
RELA- On My Honor assessment due tomorrow
Other- planners signed; permission slips signed
Next, we had a very special Skype session with SeaWorld. In this Skype session we were treated to a 20 minute show on how killer whales are taken care of at SeaWorld and a 15 minute Q&A. This gave us a great reference and real life connection to all of our research that we have collected on the killer whale Tilikum. It was an awesome experience and one that will not be forgotten, no matter which side of the argument you are on.
In the afternoon, middle school representatives came to talk with us about what to expect next year as 6th graders.
We wrapped up the day with a tour of the Knowledge Fair and we began our final TDA of the year.
Homework
RELA- On My Honor: revise final question if you received a 2 or 1
Today began with our "struct" Latin/Greek root assessment.
We then quickly transitioned into PowToon creation mode:
As the day continued, we looked at multiplying fractions using area models for the second time.
In the afternoon, we finished planning our letters to SeaWorld and then began drafting a business letter to them telling them of our opinions on their killer whale Tilikum. We discusses great hooks and introductions that include a thesis.
To wrap up the day, lit. circles focused on author's purpose.
Homework: RELA- On My Honor finished and all questions complete
Spelling- due Tuesday
Other- planner signed; SeaWorld, Popsicle, middle school permission slips signed
(please see yesterday's post for an explanation of the SeaWorld permission form)
