This morning we enjoyed Epic Math as we reviewed time, counting money, regrouping, solving for "y" in algebraic equations, drawing and adding fractions, reading and comparing data on graphs, and error analysis. Although it's easier outside, we had a terrific time.
??? Who was on your team?
??? What did you choose to solve?
Small math groups focusing on four ways to show multiplication concepts finished today. Your child should be able to show a multiplication fact (ex: 3 x 5) in the following ways:
- draw the groups (read as: "three groups of five") - ex: 3 circles with 5 in each
- repeated addition - ex: 5 + 5 + 5
- array - three columns of 5 dots stacked (read across then up like on a coordinate grid)
- commutative property of multiplication - ex: 3 x 5 = 15 so 5 x 3 = 15
We began reading the biography about The Beatles from the same series we've been focusing on all year. Why? Ask your child how it connects to our learning. :) (hint: electromagnetism)
After reading about the lives of the four main singers, your child reread and wrote more about the adventure story he/she is creating. The stories are getting so creative.
This afternoon, our child finished applied what was learned in the Flipped Classroom video for homework last night. True to the purpose, no directions were given but safety rules were reviewed. The children explored different items, struggled then cheered when they figured out what made their electromagnet actually work, and truly enjoyed trying to create a magnetic field using the materials that would otherwise not be magnetic. Photos will be uploaded later today or tomorrow.
??? How did you make your electromagnet?
??? What materials did you use?
??? Did it work the first time? Why or why not? What did you have to change?
??? What did you discover?
??? How strong was your magnetic field?
??? How could you make your magnetic field even stronger? What could you change next time?
Your child's electromagnet will be coming home tomorrow. If you allow your child to use an AA battery and tell you the safety rules, perhaps he/she can show you what was learned using the vocabulary we have been working on. They sound like true scientists! Your child has been warned not to hold it for more than a few seconds, avoid all electronics and magnets while using the electromagnet, and to think smart about what is being used to make connections across learning. :)
An email arrived in my mailbox that I thought some families might be interested in trying. It does say grades 4-8, but since our class read about Jackie Robinson and some have a passion for baseball . . . Perhaps they could write the essays and submit them to see how far they get in the process. The experience alone would be beneficial. How the ages are checked it unknown and they can be submitted as typed. :) There's also the irony that of the grade level barriers and the title/topic "Write About Their Barriers". :)
