have choices! Soon we will have to purchase a new bookshelf to hold all our new books. In math, students have became masters at mental math. Knowing how to add and subtract quickly using the “plus one, minus one” strategy is actually helping students prepare for algebraic thinking. Students keep calling this strategy a “trick” when actually it is a wonderful form of number sense. Problem solving has not been a problem at all for students because we have practiced using a four step method for tackling those tricky word problems. Hands down, one of students’ favorite homework assignments was to give their parents homework. In class we have completed several of Greg Tang’s math puzzles which require the use of mental math, lots of guess and check, and a bit of luck. These logic puzzles were such a hit in class, students wanted to take the problems home for moms and dad to solve. Many students enjoyed trying to stump their parents and teach them how to arrive at the correct answer. Next month, both grades will move into multiplication and division. Students have been abuzz with excitement in science. We’ve studied closed and open circuits this past month. By experimenting with a Sci-Fi tube (a tube with lights and sounds that work only when encompassed with a closed circuit made with human touch), students were able to see how a closed and open circuit worked. We tested what does and doesn’t conduct electricity by holding different objects in our hands as we stood in a big circle while holding the Sci-Fi tube. Using Christmas lights, a nine volt battery, a shoe box, washers, and paper clips, students demonstrated their understanding of circuits and how electricity moves by making the Christmas lights light up using a switch. Our next unit of study will explore reflection and refraction of light. Social studies was a challenge this past month. Students completed a region research project while working in small groups. The groups were tasked with researching the different regions of the United States. Using the laptops to explore, students collected facts about states within the regions. Each group was encouraged to present their data in a way they felt best represented their region. Some groups made posters or a trifold, while others choose to create a Google Slideshow. Next, we will move into the study of America’s beginnings. 12
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