Expedition

Case Study Supporting Target:  I can differentiate among igneous, sedimentary, and metamor­phic rocks by referring to their properties and methods of formation.

Students will begin the rock tumbling process this week by choosing two samples from a rough tumble supply.  This four-step, month long endeavor replicates the actual erosion process that rocks that differ on the Moh’s Hardness Scale experience over a period of time.  Students will identify the sample they chose, identify the hardness and other properties the rock exhibits, and create a custom informational card.  This card will then accompany the final tumbled sample, which the students will make into jewelry.  

While refining their Cornell note taking skills in class, our Crew has been examining the differences between a rock and a mineral by observing samples of each.  We compared and contrasted granite and quartz, all the while summoning John Muir, who called these mountains of ours the “Range of Light.” The sparkle and reflection as the sun hits Donner Summit is a true testament to this nickname.  Also, students have crafted the first drafts of their “Grain of Sand” narrative and conducted a peer review with post its (ask them about it), and created a jingle during a jigsaw to build our word wall.  

On the horizon is our Coffeehouse presentation at the Cottonwood.  We are working diligently toward this feat and the tentative date is June 13- hold onto your hats!  More info  and date confirmation will follow.

 

Language Arts

Literature circles are continuing- we have 6 groups!  If there are any parents who would like to join us to help facilitate, it would be much appreciated!  Mondays, Wednesdays, and some Fridays at noon.

Voice and Sentence Fluency are the writing traits we are focusing on right now.  While we continue to peer review and bulid our “Grain of Sand” narrative, students will keep these traits in mind.

After math, students work on their test prep folders for the STAR testing, which happens in May.   

 

Math

5th graders are reviewing for the science portion of the STAR test during number corner for a few weeks.  They are having a blast and always want to cover more questions than we have time for!  After the science review, we go over 4 math questions and I am very pleased with how prepared the students seem.  During our Bridges work, students are learning about decimals and their relationship with place value.  Soon we will delve into operations with decimals (although, I have been reviewing this with the students during test prep and they all seem very familiar).

4th graders are reviewing for the STAR test in math as well.  Each day they review a portion of the released questions and then complete some review for homework.  During their Bridges work they are looking at fractions.

 

****THANK YOU to the parents who came in to volunteer this week!!!!

 

Dates to remember:

May 3-  Yosemite Logistical Meeting (optional)

May 4-  ChicoBag fundraiser ends

Second week of May- STAR test

May 21- Mono Lake overnight (details on May 3)

June 3-6  Yosemite!!

June 13- Cottonwood “Coffeehouse”- tentative

June 15- Last day of school

 

In Gratitude,

 

Julie