2/19 Newsletter

What's Happening in Science?

This week we have begun discussing Matter.  Students have realized that even though they can describe the differences between a solid, liquid, and gases, they need to fully understand the properties of each state.  We also have discovered that we need to understand "What is matter?"  This week we will use BrainPop and Study Jams to understand properties and the states of Matter.  Students will be given time to independently learn about Matter.  See Google Classroom Science to see their Independent Learning Activities.

What's Happening in Math? 

In Module 4: Multiplication and Division of Fractions and Decimal Fractions, we are in Topic E where we are multiplying fractions by whole numbers and fractions by fractions.  This week we will be completing Lessons 15-19.  Students are highly encouraged to model with rectangle fraction models.  Most students can solve without the use of the model but if you find inconsistencies with your child's work, please make sure they try the model to help them.  See what is expected in the Eureka Math Newsletter for this topic in the "Math Newsletter" section of this blog. tape diagrams to interpret division word problems.  Students need the most help applying the concepts in the word problems.  Please encourage your child to read, draw, and write their answers to the word problem.  This will ensure that they understand the problem and can explain their answer to the problem.

This picture is what is displayed in my classroom for students to read what it means to "Read, Draw, Write".


Things to Review (Ask your child example problems like this to see what they may need extra help on):

• How do you simplify fractions? (Example: 6/12= 1/2 because you can divide the numerator and denominator by 6)
• How do you find equivalent fractions? (Example: 3/4 = 9/12)
• What is a unit fraction? (A fraction that has 1 as its numerator. It names 1 equal part of a whole)
• How do you multiply a fraction times a whole number? (Ex. 3 x 2/3 is 3 copies of 2/3. Repeated Addition 2/3 + 2/3 + 2/3 or (3x2)/3)
• Review Word Problems in Lessons 13-19 Problem Set and Homework

What are Sprints?

We use Sprints in certain lessons.  They are a part of our fluency practice which is like a math warm up.  Students are given 1 minute to answer as many problems on Side A as they can.  Afterwards, they check their work and identify the number they got correct.  This is their goal to reach or beat for Side B. These are all located in their math workbooks.  Review your child's sprints with them.  You may even have them complete Side B with you at home. 

Sprint Champions for the Week

Lesson 14: Multiply a Fraction and a Whole Number (Side A)
Block 1: Micah Lovett (master), Lucas Diggins, Baye Lewis, Carter Rankin
Block 2: Joshua Flores (master), Aaron Rogers, Elijah Berry, Madison Derrick

Homework Help: Please see your child's math journal, lesson problem set, and/or the Math Newsletter for the Module.

School Supply Wish List:

We are in desperate need for dry erase markers!  We use these often.  If you could donate, that would be great!!

Upcoming Field Trips
Information for these field trips has been sent home in Family Folders.  You may pay for these online or send in money to your child's homeroom.

Starbase: April 8-12 (Permission and Money due March 29th)
Cost: $25

Carowinds: May 31 (Permission and Money due April 12th)
Cost: $50




Upcoming Events:
Thurs, Feb. 21- Golden Eagles Field Study to SC State
Fri, Feb. 22- Interims Sent Home

Make-Up Weather Days Update
The School Board has waived the last two days from the ones missed int he fall due to the hurricane.

February Birthdays 
Elijah Berry

Cool STEM Activities to try at home.  Just click the title.  It will show a link to download the activity! Try these and send me pictures of what you learned!

School of Rock Topic: Geology In this activity, students explore the effects of physical and chemical weathering on various types of rocks. They use abrasive tools to model physical weathering and a weak acid to model chemical weathering's effects on rocks. Addresses: NGSS Level of Difficulty: 2 Grade Range: 6-8

Weathering Cubes Topic: Weathering, Surface area to volume relationship In this activity, students will model the weathering of rocks by shaking sugar cubes in a container. They will make observations and draw conclusions about the relationship between surface area, volume, and weathering. Addresses: NGSS Level of Difficulty: 4 Grade Range: K-8

A Rocky Test Topic: Geology In this activity, students explore the effects of physical and chemical weathering on various types of rocks. They use abrasive tools to model physical weathering and observe the effects of a weak acid to model chemical weathering's effects on rocks. Addresses: NGSS Level of Difficulty: 2 Grade Range: 6-8