Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Useful Soil


We used our math time to finish off yesterday's math lesson on estimating and measuring to the nearest unit in cm and m using rulers and metre sticks. Students were more comfortable using their fingers, hands and giant steps to make estimates before they measured. Students are asked to record measurement in m and cm to the nearest cm.



 

In language, we began a new unit on the second part of speech - the noun. Students reviewed what they remembered about nouns from grade 3 - a noun is a person, place, or thing. We added a fourth item to this list. A noun can also be an idea such a joy, love, or peace. Students practiced writing nouns they see in our classroom and in the world. We continued working on our spelling list. This week's list is a bit tricky and needs more attention than usual.

In our inquiry unit on plants and soils, we finished and took up yesterday's investigation on the uses of plants. We continued this with a brainstorm on the uses of soils. Students worked in small group to generate ideas that they then shared with the class. In today's lesson we focused on the characteristics of plants. Students shared what they remembered about the parts of a plant. They then researched the functions of the plant parts. We focused on identifying the important message in each sentence we read and recorded notes without plagiarising.

As the final project for our inquiry into plants and soils students will be participating in a the Annual SJA Science Fair. This year's science fair takes place on Thursday, May 24.  Each student will individually choose a plant/soil topic to focus on. We began discussing the science fair today and focused on the expectations of this project and the steps in the scientific method. Students are bringing home a Duo-tang with detailed step-by-step information about this project. Please take time to read the science fair letter and schedule (first two pages of the Duo-tang). Any thoughts or work that is done for this project will be recorded in a science journal.

SJA is hosting its first International Day on Friday, April 4. Our class has chosen to represent Canada at this event. Students are choosing one aspect of Canada to represent. They will use a poster board (red or white or both) to represent this aspect. We would love to have items such as flags, music, pictures, food, etc. on display on this day. Family are welcome to visit the class displays from 3:00 to 3:30.

Students attended French and gym class today.

Homework & Reminders

  • Take time to read the science fair letter and schedule
  • Review list 29 words for Friday's spelling test
  • International Day Letter
  • Casual Day tomorrow
  • Report Cards, Portfolios, and storage binders are coming home on Friday
  • Red or white poster board for International Day
  • Begin researching for International Day

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