Week of September 22-26

In math this week, we wrapped up Unit 2: Patterns and Estimation for Multi-Digit Multiplication.  We began Unit 3: Strategies and Properties of Mutli-Digit Multiplication.  The parent flyer link with the video to explain the concepts in this upcoming chapter was sent in this week's newsletter.  It is also under the Parent Flyers and Video tab on the main page of this blog.  As we begin this chapter on multiplying multi-digit numbers, it is important that students are fluent with their multiplication facts. I will be sending home multiplication flashcards this week for homework.  Please have your students practice their multiplication facts each night.

During science, we began our two week unit on Marshmallow Flyers!  Students will be working in pairs to use the knowledge of force and motion to construct a flyer that will launch their marshmallow the greatest possible distance.  On Friday, students began using their knowledge to begin experimenting with their materials to build their marshmallow flyers.  Here are some pictures of students experimenting with their materials to begin building their flyers.

Week of September 15-19

Hello!  This week in math, we began Unit 2: Patterns and Estimation for Multi-Digit Multiplication. We spent a majority of the week working on multiplicative comparison problems.  Multiplicative comparisons focus on comparing two quantities (ex: Deb ran 5 miles.  Karen ran 5 times as many miles as Deb.  How many miles did Karen run?).  A simple way to remember this is, "How many times as much?" or "How many times as many?".  Your child learned the strategy of using a bar model to solve these types of problems.  Below you will see an example of a multiplicative comparison problem using a bar model to solve.  The students seemed to find that the bar model was a helpful tool when solving these types of problems.  If you would like more examples of these types of problems, you can click the Unit Flyers and Videos tab on top of the main blog page to access the Unit 2 video.  It has great examples of how the bar models are used.  I suggest challenging your child to look at the model below with you and asking them if they can tell you how many cards Meredith has and how many cards Ashley has?

We also discussed multiplying by multiples of 10, 100, and 1,000.  Students were given the following problems: 2 X 3, 2 x 30, 2 x 300, 2 x 3,000.  Students were asked to solve all four using multiple strategies as well as noting any patterns that they noticed among each problem.  Students already seemed to know the "trick" of simply counting the number of zeros and adding that to the end of their product (or answer).  However, very few students were able to understand why that works.  We had a very deep discussion of why that "trick" works.  The anchor chart below was very helpful for students to understand why that "trick" works.  For example, when multiplying 2 x 30, we have 2 groups of 30 or 2 groups of 3 tens which is a total of 6 tens or 60.

This week in science, we wrapped up our chapter of "What are some forms of energy?"  Students learned a lot about heat this week.  Below is a picture of a pair of students rubbing an eraser on a piece of paper. Students observed that the friction of the paper and eraser caused the heat of the paper to rise.  We also talked about how heat flows from warmer objects to cooler objects.  In addition, students studied poor conductors of heat and good conductors of heat.  Try to ask them to give you an example of each!  Students took their energy test on Friday.  Their scores will be sent home on their progress alerts on Monday. Have a great weekend!

Week of September 8-12th

This week in math, we wrapped up Unit 1: Place Value, Addition, and Subtraction to One Million.  Students took their Unit 1 assessment today.  Their scores will come home in their Wednesday Folder.

On Monday, students learned strategies to compare and order large numbers.  Students used wiki sticks to compare and order numbers on their marker boards.  One of the strategies that students learned to compare numbers is to line the numbers up according to their place value.  They also learned to use a number line to help compare numbers.

We spent Tuesday and Wednesday adding and subtracting large numbers.  Overall students did very well with adding large numbers.  However, some students seemed to be struggling when subtracting large numbers, especially when regrouping is involved.  We did a lot of extra practice with this.  I pulled the struggling students in a small group to work with them.  It would be helpful if they practiced solving subtraction problems at home as well. I suggest that you make up subtraction questions that your child can solve.

Thursday was spent reviewing for the place value assessment that students took on Friday.

During science this week, students learned about 3 different forms of energy.  They learned about light, electrical energy, and heat.  I love how enthusiastic they are about discussing science topics.  When investigating light, students observed a paint brush in a cup of water.  We discussed why the paintbrush appears to look bent in the water.  Ask your child to explain why to you in their own words.  They should be able to explain to you that it is actually the light that is bending when it hits the water, also known as refraction.  Below are a couple pictures of the students observing the paint brush in water.

Students were also introduced to STEM fair projects, also know as Science Fair projects.  We discussed what good topics may be. A STEM fair timeline with due dates and more information will be going home with your child on Monday.

I'm so lucky to have such an eager group of students!  I enjoy working with all of your children!  Have a great weekend!

Week of September 1-5

Wow!  We've had a great first three weeks of school.  I've really enjoyed getting to know all of your children.  We spent the first two weeks building our "math community" within our classroom.

This past week we began Unit 1: Place Value, Addition and Subtraction to One Million.
We practiced reading and writing numbers to one million.  Students learned 3 different ways to write numbers.  Here is an anchor chart that we created as a class.

Students had fun writing numbers in expanded form.  We blew up balloons to make the connection that when you write a number in "expanded form" you are expanding the number and writing the value of each digit just as a balloon expands when you blow it up.

We ended the week learning about estimating and rounding.  Students were able to apply their estimating/ rounding strategies to real life word problems.  For example, we solved a problem where students had to estimate the height of the Sheikra roller coaster at Busch Gardens.  Students were excited to watch a video clip about the roller coaster and share their schema about riding the roller coaster.  Students learned the strategy of using a number line to help them round.  Using a number line to round really builds a deep conceptual understanding of rounding and is a great tool for students to use!  Below you will find some rounding anchor charts that we created in class.  I hope that you find these helpful when assisting your child with rounding at home!

During Science, students have been learning about energy and different forms of energy.

Feel free to contact me if you ever have any questions regarding what your child is learning in class!