December 2016

December 2016

Important Dates

Thursday, December 8, 2016, EDM Unit 3 part 1 test(1/2 of the test)
Friday, December 16, 2016: Science Fair Packets are due. (See Science Fair section)
Tuesday, December 20, 2016: Final Draft of Feature Article due date
Wednesday, December 21, 2016: Economics Comic Strip due date

Forget Me Not Dates

Thursday, December 8, 2016: Book Fair Parent and Tech Night 5:30 PM
Thursday, December 22, 2016: Winter Break Celebration, 3:00- 3:40 PM
Friday, December 23, 2016: No School, Winter Break Begins
Monday, January 9, 2016: School resumes,
Monday, January 16, 2016: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, No school!
Friday, Jan. 27, 2016: Winter Survival, All day field trip outdoors, 9:30- 2:00 PM

Subjects at a Glance

Math: Unit 3 is somewhat of a longer unit. Therefore, I have decided to separate the test into 2 parts. The numbers will be out of order however, this strategy will aide better results in a longer and difficult unit.
Language Arts:
Writing: Students are working on Feature Articles, informational article writing. Students select an expert topic. Students learn how to follow a time line while write using voice in second person.
Reading: We are studying the structures of Informational Text: Description, Sequence, Compare    and Contrast, Cause and Effect, and Problem and Solution.
Word Study: The entire fifth grade team will officially begin word study this month.
Poetry: We will learn about alliteration, similes and metaphors.
Social Studies: This month we will study Economic and the beginning of European Exploration. The economics will culminate in a product and supply chain project of one of their favorite projects.
Science: We will graph data for Project Lead the Way.
Project Lead the Way: Students are beginning a new segment using color LED sensors and solving the real life problems with our robotic cars.


EDM Unit 3: Fraction Concepts, Addition, and SubtractionOutcomes
Part I

• 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.

Part II

• Use visual models to add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers.
• Solve fraction of fraction problems
• Use visual models to solve division number stories with fractional answers. (Retest)

EDM Unit 3 Vocabulary

fraction       numerator          denominator                 benchmark           remainder
mixed number                       (improper) fraction       equivalent fractions         conjecture
resonable                               fraction of a fraction

Science Fair

Science Fair Forms are to the school by Dec. 15, 2016. Puma Thinkers may have partners within in A7, but partners are not required.  I would like all students to complete a scientific method project; however, if you would like to complete a research project that is fine. In January, there will be a handout with a detailed time line for assignments.

New Schedule Again

Last week, I gave a paper copy of the newly revised schedule. The new schedule will remain in effect until Jan. 23, 2016.

Prepare for Cold Weather Recesses

I am noticing many students are not ready for recess. Students in Ann Arbor Public Schools go outside daily excluding frigid temperatures with negative wind chills. Boots, snow pants, gloves and hats are recommended.

Winter Survival

Our Winter Survival Field Trip Friday, January 27, 2016. The class is divided into groups of their own choice. These groups plan a meal with each member committing to a few items.  Students build a fire like early pioneer settlers; then, prepare the meal. The catch is to keep warm while gathering wood and preparing the meal. The groups will be created in January. If you would like to chaperone for Winter Survival, please let me know as soon as possible.

Ms. Hubbard