Ruth King Division 3

Hello!

As we get closer to winter, make sure to send appropriate clothing, it’s getting colder and wetter.

In language arts this week we worked on some perspective writing using a RAFTS outline. Students take on a Role, and write to an Audience. They are given a Format (letter, song, poem) to organize their writing. They are also given a Topic and Strong Purpose about what to write about. This week we wrote as an oreo rapping to milk about making a good combo, Britney Spears writing a letter to mango Spears about being jealous of Katy Perry, the Grinch writing Santa a letter about the naughty list. They have been random, but very entertaining.

In math we practiced using the box method to multiply larger numbers. With 84×63, you multiply 80×60(4800), 80×3(240), 4×60(240), and 4×3(12), then add them up 4800+240+240+12 to get 5292. We use a box to organize each multiple.

In social studies we started our new unit, looking into Canadian history, to make a large timeline. In groups, students researched 9 events for their category (residential schools, explorers, provinces, etc). Each student chose 3 of those events to research more. On Friday they finished their first timeline post.

In science we learned about the wedge,  screw, and pulley. With the wedge we practiced cutting things. With the screw we learned how secure they can be. With pulleys, we used a couple and made one on our own. Lots of fun experiments to see how each machine works.

In French, we learned about the days of the week, and months of the year. We also took our oral conversation quiz. Most students seems to be able to make their way through a basic conversation.

Next week we will learn about the standard algorithm for multiplication in math, more RAFTS in language arts, finish our timeline post 2 and 3 in social studies, learn about the wheel and axle and make a wind car in science, and learn about French numbers. Going to be a busy week.

Have a good weekend, and see you Monday.

Hello!

This was a weird week, with Tuesday being a holiday. We managed to get a lot done though!

In math we reviewed our single digit multiplication strategies. We started with drawing arrays, then worked on skip counting,  and finally the break up method. The break up method allows you to make multiplication easier. If you have a harder multiplication question, like 7 x 8, you can break one of the numbers up (7 into 5 and 2), then multiply both pieces by the other number (5×8=40, 2×8=16), then add your pieces up (40+16=56). It works for larger numbers too: 16 x 8 (16 breaks into 10, 5, and 1. 10×8=80, 5×8=40, 1×8=8. Add 80+40+8=128)

In social students students worked on their fish farming project. They then wrote an essay about one of these topics: oil pipelines, clear cutting, mining, or fish farms. They needed to talk about the benefits and controversy of their topic. Some students needed help flushing out more ideas, but most turned out well.

In science we started our simple machines unit, learning that there are 6 simple machines: inclined plane, lever and fulcrum, screw, wedge, pulley, and wheel and axel. We will see doing experiments on each of these machines in the next few weeks.

I also finish recording our paper roller coasters!

Next week will be another short one, with Thursday being a half day, and Friday no school. We will learn about estimating larger multiplication equations in math, finish off our resource unit by completing our booklet and doing a test, and learn about inclined planes and levers in science. Should be a good week.

Have a good weekend, and see you next week.

Hello!

A little late with this post, Friday was just a crazy day!

In math we reviewed rounding and learned about subtraction. Some students needed reminders about how to borrow and regrouping, but by the end did well.

We finished off our novel study, and have started writing the synopsis. By Friday about half the class was finished. We also reviewed and took our grammar test. Students did very well with it.

In social studies we learned about the different types of energy resources, as well as the pros and cons of mining. Students have been working hard on completing their mini projects for each.

In science we learned about different types of energies, specifically focusing on kinetic and potential energy. Kinetic is energy in motion, and potential is stored energy, waiting to be released. We performed a fun bouncing ball experiment to demonstrate energy transfer.

In art we learned about symmetry by creating some pumpkins.

We also carved pumpkins on Friday

Next week (tomorrow) we will review our place value unit with math for a final quiz, write about our halloween and upcoming remembrance day, build paper roller coasters in science, and learn about the forestry industry in social studies. Going to be another fun week.

Hope everyone had a nice weekend, and see you Monday.