Science—This term in science students were fully engaged in learning all

about the African dwarf frog, the fiddler crab, and the millipede.  With

actual habitats on their desks, students were able to view what the animals

 natural habitats might look like and what these animals would need to

survive.  Not only did the students learn about the individual habitats,

 but they also learned about the animals themselves.  Through direct

observations students looked at each animal specifically for structural

and behavioral adaptations that help each animal survive.  Students found

out that the male fiddler crab has one large claw (structural adaptation) that

 he uses to defend himself or bang on the ground to attract a mate

(behavioral adaptations).  Students also discovered that the African drawf

 frog has lungs but lives completely in water.  The frog must surface to get

air, or burble.  Throughout this unit, students encountered many surprises.

 

Presently, students have begun a Rocks and Minerals unit.  Not only will we

 be studying rocks and minerals, but students will be using technology

throughout this unit.

 

Please be aware that considerable attention will be given to the 5th Grade

 MCAS Science exam given in May.  Work will be done both in school and

 at home.  Thank you ahead of time for your help at home.

 

Math—The most difficult math of the year is on the horizon—long division problems.  Our students who have not yet mastered the multiplication facts will struggle.  Please review at home.  We will also be fitting in extra math classes whenever the schedule permits so that we will be better prepared for MCAS testing.

 

English—In English we ended our study of sentences by practicing various ways to correct run-ons.  Our unit on Nouns and a study of related words which included synonyms, antonyms, and words with multiple meanings was also completed. 

 

Students on the Orange Team have also been studying sequencing, text organization, how to use graphic aids, and story structure.  We have also worked on finding main ideas, as well as the importance of topic sentences and supporting details.  After reading a passage, students highlighted the above ideas and then concentrated on writing summaries.

 

During the days before Christmas, students were involved in writing holiday couplets.  One holiday couplet appears on this page!

 

Technology Invades 217—This marking quarter in reading class the students of Homeroom 217 have been working on a research project.  Each student chose a partner to work with and a country to research.  France, Switzerland, Mexico, Egypt, and Israel were a few of the countries students had to choose from.  Each student had 3 tasks to complete in their project.  First, they needed to research their country looking for things such as the capital, climate, language, interesting facts, animals native to their country, jobs, and natural resources.  For the second task, the students were required to research their country’s “winter holiday” whether it was Christmas, Hanukah, or Kwanzaa.  Each partner needed to find out information on customs, food, different “Santa’s”, songs, and decorations.  When the written part of their research was completed, they were able to create a PowerPoint presentation.  Each student needed to create two slides.  The first slide consisted of information from their country and the second slide consisted of information from their holiday.  They were graded with a rubric for their PowerPoint presentations and were able to achieve points for each area completed.  Different style fonts, colors, backgrounds, animations, clipart, transitions, and timing were some of the areas evaluated.  Spelling, grammar, and organization were also graded.  The students did such a fantastic job on their PowerPoint presentations that we will have a special presentation at the next CMS Open House for everyone to see.  We hope you will take the time to stop in and watch.