Expedition this week held two very interesting, but very different, experiences for the students. The first was a series of experiments that helped them learn basic energy concepts, especially how energy can be transferred from one form to another. Parent helpers did a fantastic job of demonstrating concepts while students recorded observations and data in notebooks and tried parts of the experiments themselves. (A BIG THANKS to Emily Key, Janice Warriner, Aimee Kramer, Jason Lutton, and Rachel Cucarola.)
The second experience was observing a debate between high school teams. The fifth graders used "note-catchers" to write down their understandings of what debaters do to argue their side. The purpose of this fieldwork was to help students prepare for the debates we will hold next week. They will be arguing different perspectives on our society's use of natural resources for the energy we need.
Math
We studied two different areas this week. First, we practiced gleaning data from tables and graphic displays and then drawing conclusions about the information. Second, we reviewed and expanded our understanding of angles--how to measure and classify them.
Literacy
We continued working on similar skills as last week. In reading, we determined questions about a nonfiction topic before reading and then read with those questions in mind, using techniques such as scanning to find the sections most relevant to our questions. In writer's workshop, we worked on our editorials, of which we will produce final drafts before leaving on break next Friday.
Service Learning
We continued with the Colorado Blue Bird Project. The ladies from the town of Castle Rock came out and guided us through the process of cleaning out the nest boxes so they are ready for use next spring.
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