A quick look at what is happening in Room 7.
ELA
We are beginning to look at blogging and kids are coming up with ideas for their own blogs. We are starting with paper blogging which will lead into a discussion about online safety, commenting, and design. As we have a handle on these topics we will start our own blog and students will be adding information to their blog regularly.
In addition to blogging today we begin to explore the idea of creating audio books for children's stories. Kids are going to choose a picture book and create an audioscape for the book that will include voices, sound effects, and relevant background music. This project will focus on the speaking and representing portion of ELA.
Ask your child about the topic that they are going to focus on for their blog and what they envision this space looking like.
Math
We are exploring fractions. Right now we are taking time to explore fractions using manipulatives and fraction strips. Our big goal right now is to develop a conceptual understanding of what a fraction means, looks like, etc. We have done some comparing and ordering of fractions and are identifying methods that allow us to do this work.
Science
We just wrapped up our slow marble race as part of our design work. Students were asked to build a machine that was less than 40 cm tall. We then timed to see how long they could keep a marble in motion. It was interesting to watch the different approaches used by different groups. It's also interesting to observe science attitudes and how students deal with challenges and failure.
A huge shout-out goes to Olivia, Sara and Emily who designed a machine that kept the marble moving for 39 seconds. They put in work outside of class time - breaks, lunches, and more. They were constantly making changes to allow for additional time and were motivated to work through any challenges. These girls shows excellent science thinking!
Social Studies
We are looking at Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Indus Valley. Our focus right now is architecture. Students are replicating a piece of architecture from that time frame and doing some research to supplement their designs. These projects should be posted online sometime next week.
Reminders:
Let me know if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.
ELA
We are beginning to look at blogging and kids are coming up with ideas for their own blogs. We are starting with paper blogging which will lead into a discussion about online safety, commenting, and design. As we have a handle on these topics we will start our own blog and students will be adding information to their blog regularly.
In addition to blogging today we begin to explore the idea of creating audio books for children's stories. Kids are going to choose a picture book and create an audioscape for the book that will include voices, sound effects, and relevant background music. This project will focus on the speaking and representing portion of ELA.
Ask your child about the topic that they are going to focus on for their blog and what they envision this space looking like.
Math
We are exploring fractions. Right now we are taking time to explore fractions using manipulatives and fraction strips. Our big goal right now is to develop a conceptual understanding of what a fraction means, looks like, etc. We have done some comparing and ordering of fractions and are identifying methods that allow us to do this work.
Science
We just wrapped up our slow marble race as part of our design work. Students were asked to build a machine that was less than 40 cm tall. We then timed to see how long they could keep a marble in motion. It was interesting to watch the different approaches used by different groups. It's also interesting to observe science attitudes and how students deal with challenges and failure.
A huge shout-out goes to Olivia, Sara and Emily who designed a machine that kept the marble moving for 39 seconds. They put in work outside of class time - breaks, lunches, and more. They were constantly making changes to allow for additional time and were motivated to work through any challenges. These girls shows excellent science thinking!
Social Studies
We are looking at Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Indus Valley. Our focus right now is architecture. Students are replicating a piece of architecture from that time frame and doing some research to supplement their designs. These projects should be posted online sometime next week.
Reminders:
- Monday, November 6th - Picture Retake Day
- Tuesday, November 7th - Grade 7 Band Demonstration Concert at 7 pm (only for Grade 7 Band Students)
- Wednesday, November 8th - Author Visit from Eric Walters from 9 - 10:30
- Thursday, November 9th - Parkside's Remembrance Day Service will be held at 11:00 am in the Gym
Let me know if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.