December 2017

December 2017

Important Dates

Thursday, Dec. 6, 2017: Hashtag expository paragraph is due. (Final due Date)

Friday, Dec. 8, 2017: Quiz for Social Studies Unit 2, Three worlds Meet part 1/ chapter 3, Native American Regions

Thursday, December 21, 2017: Chapter 3, EDM assessment

Thursday, December 21, 2017: Informational writing piece is due. 

Forget Me Not dates

Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017: Pattengill Book Fair Night 5-8 PM/ Tech Night 6- 7:30 PM

Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017: Science Parent permission sheet is due. (Keep the remaining sheets)
Friday, Dec. 22, 2017: Tentative Winter Break celebration 2-3

Friday, Dec. 22, 2017: Winter Break begins @3:59 PM

Monday, Dec. 25- Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018: Winter Break Vacation, Enjoy

Monday, Jan. 8, 2018: School resumes

Subjects at a Glance

Math: We are currently studying factions in Unit 3, Fraction Concepts: Addition and Subtraction. Students will be expected to add and subtract with like and unlike denominators as well as order and compare fractions, convert fractions to mixed numbers and vice versa. Students will write a number story with a fractional answer.

English Language Arts

       Writing: Students will write an informational piece on a self selected topic. Students will research clarifying questions to aid in writing an elaborate piece. Also, students will use 3 structures within the pieces in order to tailor the information to the audience. 

        Reading: Students will be able to identify Nonfiction text structures and the author's rationale for selecting the structure. Students will review different text structures and analyze the features and its structure using signal words and the article's summary. Many Guided reading groups are using nonfiction stories. Another good resource for families is msjordansreads Don't forget that I have placed a link at the top of this blog for questions to ask your child while reading.
Our class is listing to an audible copy of Wonder via my Kindle tablet.

        Poetry: Through poetry, students will identify and explain the meaning of similes and metaphors.
Social Studies: We are concluding our study of Native American Environments and Regions. Students reviewed the geography theme of Human Environment/ Interactions: Humans will adapt to an area or an area must modify in order to accommodate its new habitants. We reviewed landforms. Students also compared and contrasted 2 Native American Regions. Our next study will cover how 3 World met and changed the course of History: Europe, Americas and Africa.
Science: Students will cover Matter as well as review what the scientific method for the Science Fair.

• 5-PS1-1 Develop a model to demonstrate that matter is made of particles too small to be seen.
• 5-PS1-2 Measure and graph quantities to provide evidence that, regardless of the type of change that occurs, when heating, cooling, or mixing substances, the total weight of matter is conserved.(January 2018)
• 5-PS1-3 Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties.
• 5-PS1-4 Conduct an investigation to determine whether the mixing of two or more substances results in new substances. (January 2018)

EDM4, Unit 3 Outcomes, Fraction Concepts: Addition and Subtraction

• Unit 3: Fraction Concepts, Addition, and Subtraction
• Use visual models to solve division number stories with fractional answers.
• Report the remainder to a division problem a fraction.
• Place a fraction on a number line.
• Rename fractions and mixed numbers using the same denominators.
• Estimate answers to fraction addition and subtraction problems.
• Use visual models to add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers.
• Solve fraction of fraction problems

Guided Math Groups

This year marks our 5th year doing Guided Math groups with all 4 Teachers including Mrs. Kimmey. We will be teaching Fractions to small groups. Students took a pretest last week which determined one's placement. These groups will enhance comprehension of fractions.

Cold Weather and Brain Breaks

Students will need to bring a hat, gloves and a colder weather coat daily. The temperatures are dropping and soon there will be snow with rigid temperatures. Our class has at least 1 brain break outdoors daily.

Wishlist

Electric pencil sharpener
basketball
Clorox Wipes
hand wipes
Small trinkets for special bin (erasers, stickers, magnets, lip glosses, mechanical pencils, refillable lead, etc.)

Thank you to all the parents who have donated Clorox Wipes and dry erase markers

Science Fair Projects

Science Fair 2017-2018

Important Dates

Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017: Science Fair Sheet must be signed with a basic idea
Thursday, February 22, 2018: Science Fair Night (Students are not required to attend but it is nice to present your project to our community.)

Science fair is required for all Puma Thinkers; it will be scored using a rubric. PTO donates the boards to all students. Students will receive his or her board upon completing a written draft of all the required parts in January. Each week a draft of the title, investigation question, list of materials, procedural steps, and background research on the topic will be due. A draft shows a student is beginning to plan one's thinking and project. Students should save the draft via in google docs or in a special folder.

Below are the state of Michigan's Science and Engineering Practices for the Science Framework. A science fair project should address and allow students to apply these skills. MI K-12 Standards:

1. Asking questions and defining problems
2. Developing and using models
3. Planning and carrying out investigations
4. Analyzing and interpreting data
5. Using mathematics and computational thinking
6. Constructing explanations and designing solutions
7. Engaging in argument from evidence
8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

Parents are to sign the first sheet of the packet and to begin to plan the project with your child. There will be no partners this year. Students must learn how to execute the Science Framework independently. The signed copy is due Dec. 20, 2017. Our class will have a topic sheet due upon break reexplaining how to do the project in early January.  The project does not need to be completed until February; however, students must begin thinking about it now. Procrastination is never an option.


Below are sample projects.
Sample projects
science buddies

Begin with a question

This layout is important.

Required Parts

Coding

Hour of Coding

This week, on  November 28, 2017, our class participated in an hour of coding sponsored by Thomson Reuters. Our Volunteer was Marsha Skoman, a software designer from the University of Michigan. Ironically, she was an alumna of Pattengill Elementary School having had her fifth grade class in our current computer lab. How remarkable!

From a code crash course, students learned basic coding vocabulary culminating into playing Code Combat. Code Combat allowed players to plan their navigation route via simple functions using simple syntax and strings. Here is the link to CodeCombat, CodeCombat Students will have access to level 1 and more levels of the game with advanced skills.

Our class code will be sent via email.

3-5-ETS1-1 Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost. 3-5-ETS1-2 Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem. 3-5-ETS1-3 Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.

We're moving levels.

I'm a future engineer: I make this look easy.

"Does my function have the correct syntax?"

Marsha, computer software designer, and Pattengill Alumna

Girls can code too. 

I need to navigate this level.

November 2017 Updates

November Updates

Important Dates

Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017: Unit 2, Whole Number, Place Value and Operations
Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017: PLP updates, self assess with teacher assistance

Forget-me-Not Dates

Monday, Nov. 13, 2017: Picture Retake Day, Bring unwanted photo pack
Friday, Nov. 17, 2017: Lunch with a Loved one at Pattengill
Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2017: Report Cards and PLPs, Personalized Learning Plans, go home.
Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2017: No school, Teacher Compensatory Day
Thursday, Nov. 23- 24, 2017: No School, Thanksgiving Break.
Monday, Nov. 27, 2017: School Resumes

Subjects at a Glance

Math: Whole Number, Place Value and Operations: this unit is soon coming to a close. Students were given a practice test prior to Camp. We will review on the Monday following camp. The next unit is rather challenging as it involves fractions. Fraction Concepts: Addition and Subtraction. Students will be expected to add and subtract with like and unlike denominators. Below this section are the full outcomes.
Language Arts:
Writing: Students will begin essay writing after reviewing the concepts of an expository paragraph.
Reading: We will begin reviewing nonfiction and its structure and details. Students will be assessed in their letter writing. Many guided reading groups will read nonfiction text. As a reminder, students should be reading both nonfiction and fiction at home.
Social Studies: We will be reviewing the Native American climates and regions. Our primary focus will be Eastern Woodlands as  point of comparison to other regions. Students must know their shelter, food, animal and vegetation life as well as culture.
Science: Students will learn about Matter. (See a previous post on Matter.)


EDM4, Unit 2, Outcomes Whole Number Place Value and Operations

• Identifies the values of digits in a mutli-digit number
• Write numbers in expanded form.
• Represent powers of 10.
• Explain patterns when multiplying by a power of 10.
• Multiply with U.S. traditional multiplication.
• Divide Multidigit numbers.
• Interpret a remainder in a division problem.

EDM4, Unit 3 Outcomes, Fraction Concepts: Addition and Subtraction

• Unit 3: Fraction Concepts, Addition, and Subtraction
• Use visual models to solve division number stories with fractional answers.
• Report the remainder to a division problem a fraction.
• Place a fraction on a number line.
• Rename fractions and mixed numbers using the same denominators.
• Estimate answers to fraction addition and subtraction problems.
• Use visual models to add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers.
• Solve fraction of fraction problems

Outdoor Recess

In Ann Arbor, students have recess daily. Be sure your child has a hat, gloves and boots. Snow pants are great for protecting the legs when playing outside. 

Science: Matter, Ch-Ch-Changes

Matter

Matter will be one of our new science units this year. Below are the science unit that will be covered:

Robotics and Engineering
Matter, Phenomenal Science Unit, Ch-Ch-Changes
Human Body


The Common Core Standards for Matter are as followed:

• 5-PS1-1 Develop a model to demonstrate that matter is made of particles too small to be seen.
• 5-PS1-2 Measure and graph quantities to provide evidence that, regardless of the type of change that occurs, when heating, cooling, or mixing substances, the total weight of matter is conserved.
• 5-PS1-3 Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties.
• 5-PS1-4 Conduct an investigation to determine whether the mixing of two or more substances results in new substances.

Camp 2017

Camp 2017

The weather was a little chilly; however, we enjoyed ourselves as well over obstacles and learned about nature while having a tad bit fun. Most students were dressed for the weather. Below is just a glimpse of our fun.

The balancing act

I think, I can, I think I can

Great form with archery

The weaving part of the High Ropes

The wobbly planks, Yikes

"Ms. Hubbard, I am not cold."

Wild wonders Tour: These imprints are a trip.

She's was ready to party.

"It's our last night here!"

Just two Puma Thinkers talking.

Learning a new line dance.

Kick ball chain

Watch me whip!

My first snow

Nature at it's best

Shelter building

We fit in our homemade shelter

Crafts and capture the flag

Zip lining and High Ropes

The Ladies were brave while the Men zipped away

Big Papa showed the boys courage

Look at me, I'm 20 feet in the air.

Halloween Costume Guidelines

Halloween Costumes Guidelines

Per our principal, Ms. Alston.

Dear Bryant/Pattengill Families,

This year, Pattengill will allow students to wear costumes on Halloween, Tuesday, October 31st, 2017.  Students may wear their costumes to school or bring them in a bag and change at school.  Any class celebrations will be decided upon by the classroom teacher.  

In an effort to enjoy, celebrate, and assure a fun time for everyone during the fall season respectfully, and in accordance with school rules, we ask that students and families use the following guidelines when selecting a costume:

• Costumes may not be scary-NO MASKS or FULL face paint. Staff must be able to easily identify all students. 
  
  
  
• Fake weapons, blood, replicas or gooey substances are not permitted.  
• Costumes that could be offensive or perpetuate a stereotype of someone’s culture, gender, heritage, or religion are not permitted.
• Costumes should not hinder your ability to participate in your classes, including P.E. 
• Costumes may not disrupt or present issues of safety in the hallway or on the bus. 
• If you have any questions regarding the appropriateness of your child’s costume idea, we encourage you contact the school. Students wearing questionable costumes will be asked to change into normal school attire. If normal attire is not available, a parent will be called. 

Please be mindful that we are a school and what may be appropriate in pop culture or the media may not be appropriate for a place of learning.  We are a commUNITY and we want students to think about how their costume choice may impact others within this community. Thank you for taking the time to help our kiddos understand these guidelines.  Let’s have fun while being respectful of ourselves and others! 

Autumn wishes,

Melita Alston