May 9th Update

Happy Friday Room 14 Families! 
I can't believe that we are already more than a week into May.  The time with these wonderful kids sure has flown by.  As most of you are all aware (since you signed the packets), I assigned the Animal Research report this week to the class.  The main book they would like to use for their research is due to be checked with me by next Tuesday (5/13).  We will be spending some time working on research in the computer lab next week as well as in class with the lap tops and ipads but the rest of the report will need to be completed on their own time at home.  The final due date is May 29th.  Please let me know if you have any questions.
Students have been hard at work for the past couple of weeks writing narrative stories based on one of four picture prompts that I gave them.  These stories are due to me on May 20th and I can't wait to read the creative stories that they have come up with.
In reading we are finishing up reading Island of the Blue Dolphins. I will be giving the class a unit test on this book on May 27th,  The rest of the year we will be focusing on reading our National Geographic Explorer magazines. 
In math we are finishing up our unit on plotting points on a coordinate grid.  Next Thursday will be the unit 10 test.  We will wrap up the school year by studying probability and geometry. 
In science we have set up aquariums to study aquatic ecosystems.  We have been having some trouble keeping out poor goldfish alive unfortunately but we still have some aquatic plants to observe as well as several pond snails. 
In social studies we have started a very exciting simulation on the Gold Rush.  Students have formed mining teams have to face different fates, answer questions, and write in a Minors Log in order to earn gold nuggets for their teams.  This is a very fun and hands on activity to get them excited about social studies.  Our field trip to Roaring Camp on Monday will be a perfect tie in to this when students get to pan for gold and go on a fun train ride.  Be sure that your child brings his or her lunch with the on Monday as arrives to school no later than 8:15am so that we can be ready to leave school right at 8:30am. 
I hope that all you moms have a wonderful Mother's Day this weekend!  Your children were hard at work this week creating a little gift for you.
Have a great weeknd,
Jessica Barkve