Xylem - the Drinking Straws of Plants

We began our day with a math lesson. Today's lesson was a tricky one. We related linear measures we have been learning about to each other. We used metre sticks and measuring tapes to help us. We began with 1mm. We know that it takes 10 mm to make 1 cm, so 1 mm would be 0.1 cm. We know it takes 100 mm to make 1 dm, so 1 mm would be 0.01 dm. We know that it takes 1000 mm to make a metre, so 1 mm is 0.001 m. Students found that the work was made easier by always referring to their measuring tool.

In language, we reviewed complete subjects and predicates. We learned about these parts of a sentence in term 2. This term we are finding the simple subject (usually a noun) in the complete subject and the simple predicate (the verb) in the complete predicate. Ask your child to tell you a sentence that explains these terms.

We began work on List 31 spelling words - Spell words with prefixes pre, re, im, non, and con: nonsense, prepaid, control, returned, impractical, nonstop, conduct, preview, report, imperfect, nonprofit, refills, construct, immovable, precaution, predict, convince, impersonal, impure,  and reaction. This week's spelling test will be on Friday.

In our inquiry unit on plants and soils, we completed our experiment to discover how  stems function through an experiment with celery, water, and food dye. Students learned about xylem and transpiration. Ask your child to explain these terms to you. We read about seeds. Each students set up 4 beans seeds to germinate so we can observe the germination process and growth in a bean plant. We will be examining our seeds daily. Today students were inquirers by reading to discover how soil is made. We will take up their learning tomorrow.

If you haven't already, please make time to visit the library to find 3 sources for your science fair project this week. Students who have their sources should begin reading and taking notes in their science journals. Remember to complete the bibliography page in your science fair duo-tang for each source you use.

We ended our working on our International Day presentation of Canada. Parents are welcome to visit this Friday between 3 pm and 3:30 pm. Students attended French and gym class today.

Homework & Reminders

• Review list 30 spelling words for this Friday's test
• MMS p. 146 & 147
• Sign tests coming home today
• Term 2 Report cards comment pages are due this week.
• Portfolios and storage binders are due on Friday, April 4th.
• Science Fair: Visit the library if you can to find 3 written sources on your topic. Begin your background research reading and note-taking
• Bring in a box of maple cookies (available at Freshco at $2.50 + tax) for International Day
• Red or white poster board for International Day, research your topic for International Day. International Day is on Friday, April 4
• Scholastic order forms are coming home today. Order forms and cheques are due Friday for those interested
• Look out for a after-school programs letter coming home today