Assignments Wed. April 18/07

Yesterday in Science we were discussing how aircrafts fall into two categories: those that float and those that fly. Demonstrations and talks began with concepts related to why aircraft such as hot-air balloons and blimps float. We explored how we can make air less dense by heating it up, causing the molecules to expand or move apart. Furthermore, we talked about how gasses, such as helium, are also less dense allowing objects such as helium to float upward.

In relation to why objects fly, we were experimenting with Bernoulli's principles as to how moving air above the wing of an aircraft will create less pressure on it and how the underside with stationary air or not moving air will exert a higher or greater pressure causing lift. Due Thursday, students were to draw labelled diagrams and write explanations, with vocabulary given, on an experiment for each concept taught.

In Math, students continue to explore concepts about geometry. Students were learning about 3D shapes using a variety of nets that they were constructing in class. Another Sir Cumference book was read to also help solidify there understanding. Students were also given practice sheets, due Wed. for review. Rainforest Math is an excellent web site for practicing concepts about geometry. On this site students should explore both the 2D and 3D sections. There are a variety of subsections that they can practice that will also help for them to better understand concepts taught in class. For both science and math students should be taking there books home for review on a regular basis.

Wed. April 11/07 Assignments

Students were read a story "Sir Cumference and the Great Knight of Angleland". The story helped students to better understand concepts such as: right, straight, acute, obtuse angles. They also learned about degrees, perfect circles, parallel lines and how to use a protractor. After reading the story students were asked to draw a picture that showed a variety of angles and vocabulary discussed. The picture is due for tomorrow and students should be able to explain vocabulary embedded in the picture.

Students were also experimenting with air and water over the last two days. The experiments are helping students to better understand properties of air, such as air takes up space, expands when heated and contracts when cooled, hot air rises and cool air will drop. These factors must be considered for flight.

First drafts of persuasive letters are due Thursday and good copies are due Friday. Please see yesterdays blog for a "meeting" exemplar and the targeted outcomes for this assignment.

April 9/2007 Work in Progress

Students are currently working on a persuasive letter voicing their opinion about if we were to adopt school uniforms, which side they would take and why. Besides the two articles given, they are expected to support their argument from at least two other sources of information. They were given several exemplars at various levels. From these exemplars we discussed what criteria were needed and together we established a persuasive letter rubric that would help them complete their task. This assignment is due by Friday April 13/07.
In Social Studies the Prime Minsters Time line and Power Point presentation are passed due. The students must reflect on a self-evaluation prior to handing it in.
In Math we are discussing inverse operations, angles, and measurements which is also being integrated into our flight unit.
A reminder to please return school registration forms, plant fundraiser forms, and report envelopes and slips. Another reminder for students to practice #40 for Band.