April 24-28

Our Very Own 

Rock and Mineral Gallery

This Tuesday we will be setting up a Rock and Mineral Gallery in the classroom to celebrate the end of our unit.  Students are invited to bring in their personal collection to display for the class.  Each student will display their collection on their desk, and we will take a gallery walk to enjoy our specimens.  Your child is allowed to bring only what can fit on their desk.  Please check to make sure their collection is suitable.  If possible, please help your child identify the names of their rocks and minerals.  We will be making small name tags wherever possible.

STATE TEST PREPARATION

Last week we took another look at the Smarter Balanced Practice Test.   

http://www.smarterbalanced.org/assessments/practice-and-training-tests/

Testing is only 1 week away!

         English Language Arts Tests - May 8, 9, 10
                   Mathematics Tests - May 18-19

READER'S WORKSHOP

                                  

                                  

Our "matchbook" summaries continued...

Opinion WRITING

Most students are finishing up their first persuasive essay, and many have begun to plan out their second.

This week we will take some time to share our opinions in class.

MATH

This week we nearly finished up our fraction unit as we explored the following concepts:

Equivalent Fractions

 

Adding and Subtracting Fractions

                         

With like denominators
(3rd grade)





With unlike denominators
(4th grade)

Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions

Simplifying Fractions

We will be taking a two-part assessment on Fractions this week.  

Science

Last week we finished up our final mineral test.

Which of our minerals are crystals?

Some minerals are considered crystals.  If the mineral breaks along geometric lines, which provides evidence of an organized crystalline structure, it is considered a crystal.  

If a mineral breaks in no particular pattern, then it is not a crystal. This was the focus of our final mineral test.

This week the students will be identifying the 12 mystery minerals below.           

The main learning goal here was not for the students to be able memorize the names of these 12 minerals, but rather experience the scientific process of examining physical properties, testing minerals, and recording observations.

IMPORTANT DATES

May 8, 9, 10 - Smarter Balance Language Arts Test

May 18-19 - Smarter Balance Math Test

June 1 - Portland Bridge Tour