Week of 3/18/13 - 3/22/13

Highlights for the Week of 3/18/13

 in Mrs. Bell's Classroom

Spelling - The VCV Pattern
This week's spelling list will focus on the VCV (vowel - consonant - vowel) pattern. The final test on this lesson will be given on Friday, 3/22. The workbook pages OR challenge work will also be collected that day.

Reading - I Can Identify Fact and Opinion

We will continue our study of how to identify fact and opinion by examining nonfiction passages.  Students will work in small groups, and will read pieces about three sports heroes:  Mark McGwire, Marion Jones & Roberto Clemente.  Students will examine the text to determine where the author used fact and opinion to tell the story of these heroes' lives.  On Wednesday, students will take a QUIZ in which they will read a short biographical passage about Wilma Rudolph, and answer multiple choice questions about how the author used fact and opinion in the piece.

English- Explanatory Writing
Our review of the components of an explanatory essay will continue with a look at how to write a "hook", and using transition words. As a class we will be writing an essay about what makes a dog a good house pet. We will be using a graphic organizer to format our ideas for the essay.

Social Studies - The Southwest

The TEST on chapter 10 in Social Studies is scheduled for Monday, 3/18. A study guide for the test was sent home with students. On Tuesday, we will begin working on the writing project for the SW region.  Students will be creating a brochure that highlights one of the states in the Southwest.  Students will conduct research to find information about different attractions in their chosen state, and will be using Publisher software to create their brochures. 

Science - Simple Machines / Invention Convention

Our new unit this week will focus on simple machines. Students will learn about the different types of simple machines, with emphasis on the lever. We will also begin working on our "Invention Convention" project. The students will be asked to identify a problem in their lives and come up with an invention that helps to solve this problem. Think simply...this does not have to be a complex invention. An informational letter, project time line/calendar, rubric and contract will be handed out in science class on Monday, March 18th. All students are expected to complete this assignment. The contract, or plan, for the invention is due in class on Thursday, March 21st. We will then review each contract to make sure they are on the right track. Once we confirm that they are moving in the right direction, students will be free to begin constructing their inventions. Inventions aren't due until after spring break, and the construction of the invention will be done at home. We will not be giving time in school to work on the project.

Mrs. Bell's Math Class

The TEST on chapter 20 & 21 is scheduled for Wednesday, 3/20. Topics covered on the test will include lessons 1, 2, 3 and 6 in chapter 20, and lessons 1 and 3 for chapter 21. On Thursday, we will begin chapter 22, which is customary & metric measurement.

Students have enjoyed playing a "Basketball Geometry" game in class to practice transformations.  Please click on this link if your child would like to play it at home:

http://www.factmonster.com/math/knowledgebox/player.html?movie=sfw50957
Don't Forget...

March 19, 2013 - Early Dismissal - Students dismissed at 11:00
March 22, 2013 -- End of 3rd Quarter
March 25, 2013 -- Spring Break Begins 

Mrs. Karen Bell