Science Fair is Coming!!

Yes it is!!  Students have been learning about the scientific method and how it helps us discover more about the natural world!!  It's time to, "walk the walk!"

Last week, students were asked to write down some ideas that they would like to possibly investigate further in their science fair project through the application of the scientific method.  This week, we'll be asking students to come up with three to five measurable questions to be considered for their project. 

As we mentioned during "Meet the Teacher Night," science fair judging for Beachland will be held on Wednesday, December 5.  Students will also be receiving more detailed instructions in addition to a timeline of when certain components of their projects are due.  We'll also offer students the opportunity to order display boards and adhesive subtitles as we get closer.

We encourage students to use their natural curiosity about the natural world to devise their testable questions for their project.  However, if students have difficulty, there is a really neat resource available online through Discovery Education.

You can visit Science Fair Project Idea Board

As more information is sent home with students, it will also be posted in my next blog!  Have an AWESOME WEEK!

Meet the Teacher Night

I apologize for the delay in between postings.  I left my laptop at school and kept forgetting to bring it home!  

TOMORROW NIGHT is "Meet the Teacher Night."  It will begin promptly at 5:30 in your child's homeroom.  There, teachers will go over important and useful information covering what will be happening this year.  The presentation should last around 45 minutes.  We are all eager to see everyone there!!

Also, we'll have the finals of our spelling bee this Friday beginning at 2 p.m. in the cafeteria. The following fifth graders will be competing in the finals: Kasey Lazan from Mrs. Baker's class, Allison Ho from Mr. Smith's class, Clara Martin from Mr. Kolesnik's class, Maysa Shalhoub from Mrs. Brown's class, and Lea Contillo from Mrs. Eby's class.  Family and friends are all invited to attend and support our super spellers!!

We ALL feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to work with such a wonderful group of students and their families!  Thank you for all of your help and continuing support in making this, their last year in "the cove," their most memorable on yet!!

Students (and parents) can now view and download our weekly vocabulary lists by clicking "For Students" and then "Vocabulary."  Looks like the weather will be great this weekend!  Enjoy!

Wet Wednesday

So much for being through with the rain.  At least it was brief though.  We hope that everyone is having a great week!

Students began taking benchmark tests this week.  These tests will serve as a baseline that we will use to shape our instruction as we begin the academic year.  Today, students took the reading benchmark test (also referred to as the Holistic Test).  They will also take the math benchmark test on computers.  The math test will be given over a two day period.  Next week, students will be taking the science benchmark, which will also be given over a two day period.  Benchmark tests are not taken as grades.  We use them to assess students academic growth and to guide instruction.

In terms of curriculum, in reading we are continuing with students learning how to identify the main idea and supporting details in informational text.  Today, we also began learning how to use graphic organizers to compose a summary by identifying the main idea and supporting details.  We used a new supplemental text in social studies, The USA Studies Weekly, which appears in newspaper format with content related to our standards to apply this strategy.  Students will be writing summaries across the content areas throughout the year.

In math, we continuing our unit on division.  So far, we have covered division related to multiplication, estimation, solving a simpler problem, and ways to divide.  Long division will be the next lesson we will cover.  Students should be proficient in knowing their basic multiplication and division facts.  For additional practice at home, students can visit our "Links" section, which is located under "For Students" on our home page.  Those who have iPhones, can download "Math Evolve Lite" for FREE on iTunes.  This is a highly thought of app that provides great additional basic math fact practice.  You can also purchase the full version for only $1.99.  It is compatible with iPhone, iTouch or iPad.  Those of you with Android enabled devices can download/purchase "Math Fact Ball Lite."

In science, we're engaged in hands on lab activities that go along with our "Thinking Like a Scientist" unit.  Students are learning more about the scientific method and how to apply it to discovering more about science.  Learning about the scientific method is almost like saying that you are learning how to learn. You see, the scientific method is the way scientists learn and study the world around them. It can be used to study anything from a leaf to a dog to the entire universe.  The basis of the scientific method is asking questions and then trying to come up with the answers.

That's a long post, I know, but we just want to keep you informed with what's going on.  

Language Arts Block & Math Block Letter

Welcome Letter for LAB MB

As some of you may be aware, you can receive an electronic copy of our monthly Sharkbytes newsletter via e-mail.  We'll also post it to our website for you to view and download.  Have an AMAZING weekend!!



Sharkbytes Sept 12