What's New in Class?

5th Grade Math:

Without using a protractor, how could you find the sum of all angles in a quadrangle?

This is the homework challenge question for today for 5th grade mathematicians. Questions like the one above will guide discussions, investigations and analysis of angles, polygons, and polygon properties. Instead of just accepting that the sum of all angles in a triangle equal 180 degrees, students ripped off the edges of self-constructed triangles to visualize the 180 degrees. Then, using their knowledge, students will apply this to practice problems and engaging games.

The Chapter 3 Test will be next Wednesday, November 9th.

Science:

Structures are around us, over us, and among us. What makes them stand up?

Students are questioning how to support structures as they attempt to create the tallest structure they can using only 200 straws, 100 paper clips and scissors. These structures, partially constructed, are hanging from our ceiling in our classroom. Students will measure their structures, then reflect on what worked and what challenged their creations. Soon, we will build (pun intended ☺ ) on our knowledge to see what it feels like to BE a structure and what live load and dead load is.
We have some students who have great family connections to structure expertise. If you or someone you know would like to be a guest speaker for our unit, please let me know. We welcome architects, builders, engineers, interior decorators, etc. Stay tuned for updates on our structures unit!