Winter Survival at Foster Woods

We had a beautiful day at Foster Woods last week!  Most of our groups "survived" but we did have a couple of groups that didn't make it!  However, a good time was had by all.  Thank you to Justin Rediger and Nicole Harmsen who went along to help chaperone for our class.

Writing--Persuasive Letters

With the start of the new quarter, we have a new purpose for writing. .  .to persuade!  Thus far, we have taken a strong look at mentor texts to identify the characteristics of persuasive writing.  These include:  identify a specific audience, state a strong position, use powerful words and phrases to influence the reader, use facts and evidence to make a case, and suggest solutions and action.  We brainstormed several topics we could write about and evaluated each of them to determine which topic to move forward with.  Excited to see these develop! 

Math Update

With the end of the second quarter, we brought our current study of fractions to a halt.  On Tuesday of this week, we started Unit 7:  Exponents and Negative Numbers.  This unit includes exponential notation, order of operations, and addition and subtraction of positive and negative numbers.  I have not been sending homework to go along with these lessons.  We make the most of our practice time at school and use WIN time to hone these skills as well. 

Science--Mixtures and Solutions

The past couple of lessons centered around concentration.  Students observed and compared soft-drink solutions that differed in the amount of powder (water held constant) and in the amount of water (powder held constant) in order to develop the concept of concentration. They made salt solutions of different concentrations and compared them, using a balance to measure weight in grams and a graduated cylinder to measure volume in milliliters.

5th Grade Fitness Mixer

For the past few years, all 5th graders have met at the Wellman Y for a "Fitness Mixer" as we call it.  We not only get a little exercise, but students are mixed with students from other schools and have a chance to meet new faces and friends.  You are welcome to join us if you'd like!  Just remember that you must be on the approved volunteer list.  We will gather from 9:00-11:00 on the morning of February 14th.  Please let me know if you plan to join us!!

Makerspace Challenges

Our Makerspace challenges continue!  Most recently, students chose their own groups and are all working on different challenges.  Some of these are requiring "tech" such as Dash or the Sphero, and some are building challenges that use the Legos or K'nex.  My hope is that we can move the students through all of the challenges so that they can experience them all.  Our Wellman Elementary PTO purchased several new materials for our Makerspace.  Some of these things include Squishy Circuits, Chibi Circuits, copper wire, LED lights, batteries, etc.  We are so grateful for this generous gift and our many little hands are putting these things to great use!