Sierra Scientists Expedition

     Our scientific inquiry block has been SO much fun.  We have participated in daily labs that boost student’s interest in the process of science- from mixing colored liquids to create our own recipe (practicing measuring in a graduated cylinder and recording data), to our final assessment- studying wolves’ sense of smell and finding packmates, all the while making it a silent lab and filling out our lab notes independently, students have mastered the beginnings of learning how to correctly complete lab notes in the Cornell notes fashion.  
     We are looking forward to kicking off our BBK late this week/ early next week after we finish our project proposal for the National Science Foundation’s Kids Science Challenge.  Just ask a Brisbin Crew member about zero waste and animal behavior!
 

  Math

     5th graders are learning about the relationships between division and fractions.  Right now we are working on creating a quilt that has reflective symmetry and tells a story.  Students have been having great fun with that.  Next we practice fractional relationships by working with egg cartons.  The post assessment for this unit is on Wednesday, February 8.
     4th graders are also working on division and multiplication, and have been making some cool origami shapes and working with money!

 

Language Arts

     Literature circles are going great- students are very involved in their books and are starting to integrate the storyline into expedition.  Next week we will be taking a character sketch of a character from their books and creating a narrative based on that character’s beliefs.  We are using the NPR storycore “This, I believe” podcast as the framework for the essay.  Our writer’s workshop on this proved to be very interesting!  Brisbin Crew students are really getting the “gist” of the voice writing trait, and I cannot wait to turn them loose and see what happens! 
     Last week’s spelling test had 6 perfect scores- way to study!
    **** Please make sure that students are reading for at least 30 minutes, minimum at night!
 

Noteworthy News!

     5th grade math assessment on Feb. 8
     Minimum day- 1:00 dismissal on Feb 8
     Cross Country Ski dates are set:  2/29, 3/14 and 3/28 at TDXC, 9-12

Enjoy the remaining days of “Junuary!!”

Julie 🙂