TEAM  6 – 1  NEWS

Language Arts

To complement the study of ancient Greece, we will be exploring Greek mythology.  What fun it will be to connect these heroic tales to today's literature and language! Students will be actively engaged in mythology projects such as writing their own myths, designing a travel brochure of Mount Olympus, creating a 3-D mythological theme park, or constructing a myth museum.

In English, students will be writing descriptive narratives.  To stimulate imagination, students will be reading the book The Mysteries of Harris Burdick by Chris Van Allsburg.  The book itself has a mysterious background.

Harris Burdick, an author and illustrator, left several drawings with Peter Wenders, a children's book publisher.  Wenders became very interesed in publishing the illustrations and stories that went with them; however, Harris Burdick mysteriously disappeared.  Wenders never received the stories.

Chris Van Allsburg came across the pictures while visiting Wenders at his home.  Van Allsburg later reproduced, compiled, and published the illustrations for all to enjoy.  Today both children and adults have the opportunity to use their imagination in creating stories based on these drawings.  However, the disappearance of Burdick remains a mystery even today.

Science  

During the next few weeks, your children will be introduced to the study of matter.  We will begin with the study of atoms learning about the development of atomic theory and our current understanding of atomic structure.  What is the Periodic Table?  In 1869, the known elements were arranged logically into families and groups.  Students will learn about the modern day periodic table and how the elements are grouped according to their characteristics.

What are compounds?  What are mixtures?  The students will explore and learn about how elements make up compounds and mixtures with differing properties.  By the lend of the unit, they should demonstrate a clear understanding of pure substances, the characteristics of elements, how elements can be identified, the properties of compounds, examples of common compounds, the difference between and element and a compound, and the properties of mixtures.

Social Studies

Currently, students are immersed in the study of ancient Egypt. Using resources from our media center, the students researched their chosen topic in preparation for a written report and visual project. We also enjoyed the captivating presentation by Paulette Morin, the popular “Egypt Lady.” Our unit on ancient Egypt will culminate with a celebration in March. For most of the day, the students will participate in activities such as creating their hieroglyphic name plate on authentic Egyptian papyrus, crafting beaded jewelry, and designing common symbols with colorful mosaic tiles.

Next stop ….. ancient Greece!

Math

We are now working from our Bits and Pieces 2 textbook.  In this unit the students are applying fraction, decimal, and percent concepts in real world situations such as with tax, tip, and discounts.  We have reviewed fraction operations and introduced strategies with multiplying fractions such as the Bow Tie Method.

Some elements of area are also included with mixed number operations to blend new learnings with units they have already mastered.  We will also review for upcoming Mastery Tests and visit important strategies that could help students in their success on these tests.

You can continue to help your child at home by practicing their basic facts, playing online math games with your child to reinforce current units of study, or by reviewing daily assignments with your child and having them teach you what they have learned.

Please feel free to email with questions regarding your child's math learning!