5P OCS LA/SS 2010-2011

You decide...

2011-06-06T10:40:00.001-04:00

Aside from the abundant fish that many of us enjoy for meals, the ocean is home to another rich resource upon which so much of the world depends. Oil. You can't do much, or touch much, these days without oil having impacted the process somewhere along the way to your use. It powers our vehicles, trains, trucks, and cargoships. It is used in manufacturing of countless items. It lubricates machines.

Many people are more than happy to continue to drill for oil found deep under the ocean floor despite the chance of accidents, without considering alternatives. There is a growing call for ending all oil dependence and using other energy sources, right now.

By what are those risks? Can we afford them now? Should we be using oil while developing more economical alternatives? What alternatives are being offered right now? Are they cost effective, or will they cost families more money to buy necessary food and products? Is our country's infracstructure ready to make the switch today, or when can we be ready?

Your job:
After viewing Modern Marvels: The Alaskan Oil Pipeline, you and a partner will explore recorded oil disasters over time. You will also research everyday items that use oil. Find stats on the use of the Alaskan Pipeline; how are we doing with this investment? What alternatives have been tried or suggested over time? Are any of them being used today? What is the impact on wildlife of the pipeline and any alternative you find? What are the economical impacts of switching to an alternative source of energy? Can we afford it now in today's economy?
oil disasters: http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0001451.html
Alyeska Pipeline information: http://www.alyeska-pipe.com/Default.asp
Alternative energy sources: www.siemens.com/answers; www.ecomagination.com/Energy; www.chevron.com/weagree; www.altenergy.org/
economic facts: http://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.us.htm; http://www.crossingwallstreet.com/archives/2010/10/24-scary-facts-about-the-u-s-economy.html; http://www.worldhunger.org/articles/Learn/us_hunger_facts.htm

These are suggested sites to get you started. Please explore these sites as they will supply most of your answers. You and your partner can choose to use separate computers and both take notes to compare later, or you can use one computer and one will take notes. Use your time wisely as you need to complete a poster sharing your findings and give a presentation to the class by Monday, June 13.

Ocean Night 6/9, 6-8 PM

2011-06-01T08:31:00.000-04:00

Come on out to see our art projects that explain our MARE research paper's animal's place in the food chain. In how many places can you spot the vairous prey and predators?

Memorial Day

2011-05-27T15:11:00.000-04:00

Below are the links for the video clips watched in class today in commemoration of Memorial Day. Remember those who have fought to keep us free.

An Honor to Serve
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=an+honor+to+serve&aq=o

Keepers of the Peace
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uxushV23OM

MARE research paper update

2011-05-18T14:57:00.000-04:00

Many 5th graders are beginning to type their first drafts of their research papers. Some are discovering that they will need to search for more facts to reach their minimum pages. We'll start conferencing individually tomorrow to help with organization and development of first drafts into finished papers.

Thanks to the many parents who have shared the woes of the typewriter. Your students are incredulous that we would actually have to retype a whole page over if we weren't carefully about catching mistakes when they were made. You're shared stories have helped them appreciate the technology we have today.

2011-05-10T21:59:00.000-04:00

MARE research continues for the week as we are learning how to take notes from various sources and site them to give credit to those who've worked so hard to put the sources together. When we follow the directions, we are finding that the process is not too bad after all. And this 4 page paper is not so daunting either! May 26 will be here before we know it!

AgMags

2011-05-02T10:23:00.000-04:00

Access the IL Ag in the Classroom site from the following link: http://www.agintheclassroom.org/060605/teachers/printable/agmags/ag_mags.html

Choose 2 of the AgMags to read. After reading each one, complete a summary of 5 facts learned from your chosen AgMags. You will be sharing your findings, taking notes on presentations, and turning in your work -so be careful not to copy the author!

You will be quizzed on the notes you take from the presentations.

Take your kids to work day

2011-04-28T08:39:00.000-04:00

A reminder that school policy requires a note on corporate letterhead for this day to count as an excused absence. Please bring your notes on Friday. Hope you enjoyed your day!

Iron Pig permission slips...

2011-04-28T08:38:00.000-04:00

are coming home again with a new date for the raindate makeup game. Please return them ASAP, preferably by Friday.

Thanks for your cooperation.

5K: Social Studies Industrial Revolution project

2011-04-26T23:43:00.000-04:00

Choose an American invention of the 1800's. Conduct research in the library using the Internet as well as other sources. As usual, no duplicates in the class will be permitted. Also, you will be sharing the poster, taking notes of the presentation, writing quiz questions, and taking an open notes quiz on the inventions.

Please find out: Who invented it? When it was invented? Where it was invented? What impact this invention has had on America's History? How was it used? Why was it invented? Do we still use it today? If so, has the invention been modified at all?

Remember to document your sources. Write a Bibliography as you search.

Design a poster which advertises your invention and answers all of the above questions. Your poster should be neat with no smudge marks. Erase errors completely. Use lots of color. Your invention should be a major part of the poster.

some research ideas include:

Dr. William Thomas Green Morton: surgical anesthesia

James Bogardus: cast-iron construction

Samuel Colt: revolving pistol

Cyrus Hall McCormick: mechanical reaper

Joseph Saxton: coal-burning stove, hydrometer, ever-pointed pencil

Charles Goodyear: vulcanization of rubber

Peter Cooper: railway locomotive

Jordan Lawrence Mott: coal-burning cooking stove

Joseph Henry: electromagnet design

Eliphalet Nott: efficient heat conduction for stoves and steam engines

John Ericsson: armored turret warship

Frederick Sickels: steam-engine gear and steering device for ships

Samuel F. B. Morse: electric telegraph

Henry Burden: horseshoe manufacturing machine

Richard March: rotary press

Erastus Bigelow: power loom for carpets

Isaiah Jennings: threshing machine, repeating gun, friction match

Thomas Blanchard: irregular turning lathe

Elias Howe: sewing machine

John Deere: self-turning plow

Eli Whitney: cotton gin

Francis Cabot Lowell: textile mills

Robert Fulton: steam engine

Andrew Carnegie: steel

John Rockefeller: oil industry

M.A.R.E. research reports

2011-04-14T09:42:00.000-04:00

Students are beginning to work on finding sources and gathering notes for an Ocean animal of their choosing. Animal choices will be approved before Spring Break, allowing students to hit the library for research if you have the time or inclination to do it now.

I will have a large stack of books in class after spring break for students to look through in their quest for research, but please, feel free to look for more sources.

We will do much of the writing of first and revision drafts in class, but some students will find it necessary to complete work at home.
A complete schedule and report expectations packet will be handed out when we get back from Spring Break. For now, enjoy gathering information.

Hat Day for Japan

2011-04-14T09:38:00.000-04:00

Don't forget tomorrow's Hat Day for Japan. Donations beginning at 25 cents or more will be collected for relief from recent earthquake and tsunami disasters.

Chernobyl still dealing with radiation issues -25 years later

2011-04-10T22:38:00.001-04:00

Ask Mrs. Payne to share the extension to the book I Heal. Our timing in reading this book and its discussion could not have been better. Did you catch the newspaper article that details radiation issues that are still plaguing the Chernobyl region? Check it out on the bulletin board! How long does it take soil to return to pre-radiation levels?

archery team fundraiser

2011-04-10T22:35:00.000-04:00

We will be visiting the library on Wednesday for the used book sale to benefit the archery team. Books and DVDs are being sold at very reasonable prices.

Philly trip permission slip needed!!

2011-03-29T22:54:00.001-04:00

Thanks to everyone who has sent this in already!

For everyone else, permission slips and money are needed by Friday, the sooner the better.

Thanks for your cooperation!

Mrs. Payne

Tricky tray basket

2011-03-29T22:52:00.000-04:00

Hi all!

I'd like to thank everyone who has already contributed great items to the Sports tricky tray basket. For those still considering a donation, we already have a soft-side 46 can cooler, a water bottle, a badmitton set, a sports-umbrella, and portable table top tennis. Please send any contributions to school with your child.

Thanks for your support!

Mrs. Payne

Devastation in Japan

2011-03-16T14:43:00.000-04:00

Students have been talking about Japan for the last few days, discussions that have seemed to only scratch the surface. It is especially encouraging to see that Japan's Nieke markets did not take a nose dive. People all around the world have faith that the Japanese will recover, and we will help them rebuild now (this time with money and assistance, not occupation) as we did at the end of World War II.

Just how bad is the devastation? It's hard to fathom! The google maps on the right side of the attached link - Japan earthquake live before and after Parts 1 & 2- show just how bad it really is. Slide the black bar on the right over to the left to see the before and after images.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/events/japan-quake-2011/

What color do you wear on St. Patrick's Day?

2011-03-16T08:58:00.000-04:00

Are you more inclined to just follow along with the Americanization of a holiday? Or do you go to the holiday's roots and follow its traditions? Many of us honestly do a blend of this, for example, the many ways we celebrate Christmas.
"According to Ancient and Heraldic traditions much symbolism is associated with colors. The colors on the Irish flag, however , have modern symbolism and the Meaning & History of the Irish Flag is as follows:

Green of the Irish Flag - the native people of Ireland (most of whom are Roman Catholic - the Nationalists / Republicans)

Orange of the Irish Flag - represents the British supporters of William of Orange who settled in Northern Ireland in the 17th century (most of whom are Protestant - the Unionists / Loyalists)

White of the Irish Flag - peace and honesty between the people"

So, what are you wearing tomorrow?

Taken from: http://www.flags-flags-flags.org.uk/irish-flag.htm

Have you caught the fever yet??

2011-03-10T14:46:00.001-05:00

Iditarod fever, that is?

5th graders are having a great time keeping up with the current standings on this annual test of wills.

Have they dragged you into this yet? Well, what are you waiting for? We've been learning about metaphors, especially "head games" and how we actually participate in them ourselves.

http://community.adn.com/adn/blog/116441

Keep up with the latest standings here: http://www.iditarod.com/

Vocabulary extension games

2011-03-06T20:40:00.000-05:00

http://www.vocabulary.co.il/

Games that you may play in class include Analogies, antonyms, synonyms, idioms, oxymoron, and hig pigs.

Make sure you have turned in your mountain essay first before playing any games online!

Tricky Tray basket

2011-03-03T13:53:00.000-05:00

The SPORTS themed tricky tray basket needs some help. We have a portable table top tennis game.

We can use donations of baseball/softball bats, gloves, balls, tennis balls, pool toys for games, badmitton racket and shuttle cocks, soccer ball, shin guards, nerf ball, frisbee, beach games, etc.

Please send any donations in before March 31. Thanks!

Which one?

2011-02-25T08:47:00.002-05:00

If you were given a limitless budget, which of the Seven Summits would you climb, and why?

http://www.alpineascents.com/seven-summits.asp

TV research for food commercials debate

2011-02-04T14:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Parents!

I don't usually assign homework that involves watching TV as I also prefer that my own kids were doing something much more active. This weekend, however, I am taking advantage of the Super Bowl being on TV and asking the students to take a tally of the commercials that play during the game and half-time. All other family members and friends can be enlisted in writing down tally marks if your child takes a break from the game for some time.

Next week, we will be beginning a debate about food commericals on TV. We are interested in all commercials so we can create our own stats for our debate. Sides have not been assigned yet as I'd like students to keep an open mind about the information they are gathering at this point. They have been instructed to try to think how each commercial could be used for each side of the debate.

Field trip permission slip -date correction

2011-01-31T18:03:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the error. The Rutger's field trip is Feb. 15. Lunch is provided by Rutger's.

K-Kids 100th project

2011-01-31T18:00:00.001-05:00

Don't forget your contribution of toothpaste for a local food pantry. Can't you help?

Your anticipated participation is greatly appreciated by local families who truly are having a tough time making ends meet.

Deadline is Feb. 10.

Feb. 1 & 2 - home work

2011-01-31T17:55:00.000-05:00

Hi Parents-

Today, your child came home with work assignments in the event that we are not in school for the next 2 days, or any combination of such.
IF we have a DELAYed opening, the assigned work for that day is going to be completed in school.
IF there is NO SCHOOL, the work for that day is expected to be completed at home.

There will be a vocabulary test on Thursday regardless of if we are in school or not over the next 2 days. Spelling will be on Friday as usual, and a current event for social studies will also be due on Friday.

While planning for the worst, I'm really hoping we are in school. It would be FANTASTIC to complete a full week (SOON!)!

Please e-mail if you have any questions. spayne@oxfordcentral.org

Thanks.

5K: Thursday work

2011-01-26T08:46:00.000-05:00

In case there is a snow day called for tomorrow, all students in 5K are being sent home with a Social Studies internet scavenger hunt of the http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/ website. The homework is to do at least 3 pages if we are home all day. They can complete all 5 if they are looking for something to do. There are also fun games on the site.

Fair warning! If you are asked to play coffee bean solitaire, be sure you have a few minutes to play. (It can be addicting!)

If we are in school - even a delay - the work is not expected to be completed and will be completed in a different manner.

Cross your fingers that we can be here tomorrow!!

Celebrate the 100th Day of school K-Kids style!

2011-01-25T21:01:00.001-05:00

K-Kids has teamed with Coupons for Communities in a service project to collect everyday items that cost 100 cents or less. The items are different for each grade level.

5th grade is requested to bring in a donation of toothpaste, costing 100 cents or less, by February 4.

Thanks for your anticipated participation in this worthy service project.

Influential African Americans

2011-01-19T14:29:00.001-05:00

From the following link, select an influential African American that you do not know. The person is to come from only one of two categories: Legal and Political Figures and Scientists and Educators.

http://www.biography.com/blackhistory/people/scientists.jsp

Once you have a selection that you want to research, write that person's name on the back board next to your name. Be sure to check for duplicates. If someone else has selected that person already, find another person to research. No duplicates will be allowed in the grade, not just the class!

Find out:
--where and when he/she was born
--if he died, when
--important contribution(s) to society
--try to find out if there were any challenges that had to be overcome
--was your person the "first" to make their contribution?
--what was their childhood like?
--what kind of education did he obtain?
--2 more interesting facts

Putting it together:
Design a trading card using 2 slides in Power Point
Information will be bulleted. There should be no sentences on a Power Point slide!
Include all of the above information, and a picture, on your trading card
Make sure your information is organized logically and each bullet flows to the next one. For example, don't list the date of birth, his education, date of death, childhood experiences. Put them in a more sequential order
PROOFREAD YOUR WORK!!
When you are done, ask Mrs. Payne to put your slides on her memory stick so it can be printed in color!

week of Jan. 17

2011-01-19T14:14:00.002-05:00

There will NOT be any spelling, vocabulary, or current events homework assignments this week. Students are, however, still expected to read 15 mintues each night.

Preposition Song

2011-01-14T15:03:00.000-05:00

We are learning that prepostitions are a great way to extend our sentences while providing the details we had been missing. A song to the tune of "Yankee Doodle" goes like this:

about        above     across      after     against      among     around     at

before     behind     below     beside    between    by    down   during

except for from in   inside   into   of   on

out   over   through   to   under up upon with

along   aboard   amid   beneath   beyond   but   like   near off   past

since   throughout   underneath   until   unto   within   without

concerning   because of    on account of   in spite of   out of   instead of    according to   toward

Have fun and enjoy singing with your kids!

Take a lesson from Kevin Pearce - ALWAYS Wear a Helmet

2011-01-04T09:51:00.000-05:00

Many of us discovered who Kevin Pearce is yesterday. Sadly, we would have known exactly who he is if he hadn't had a tragic accident last New Year's Eve. He was Shaun White's closest competition and a member of the US Olympic Snowboarding team. We discussed the realities of brain trauma on the larger scale (Kevin Pearce spent 4 months in the hospital) and the more realistic experience that students in 5th grade could encounter (playing rec football, skiing, skateboarding, lacrosse, etc.) We wondered why girls lacrosse does not require helmets, but boys lacrosse does. Several protective boys decided that girls shouldn't play rough sports, to which the girls said they would just put on the helmet.

We also discussed whether it was a good idea for the state of New Jersey to pass a law that requires coaches to get a doctor's approval before playing any student in an athletic game after a good knock on the noggin. Students came to the realization that as science and medicine improve and we learn more about the human body, we really should be protecting our kids.

Brain Facts:

The brain weighs 3 pounds.

There are 100,000 miles of blood vessels in the brain.

You have about 70,000 thoughts each day!

Sibling Visits are POPULAR!!

2011-01-04T09:27:00.000-05:00

So they argue at home, you say. Oh yeah, they also fight, and tease, and push, and dole out lots of silent treatment (or so I've been told!). Not that my brothers and I didn't behave similarly growing up, but mom and dad didn't quite see it that way. I'm sure not a whole lot has changed in the sibling argument compartment of life.

But you might be very surprised to hear that behind your back the most popular weekly Blue Ticket reward, by miles, is the SIBLING VISIT! Most all students who have been lucky enough to have their names pulled at the end of the week have chosen to spend about 30 minutes in the classroom of little brothers and sisters helping out, or actually teaching, sometimes in gym or maybe a shapes math lesson! How cool is that? The feedback from other teachers has been great so this reward will continue.

2010-12-24T09:54:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!! See you January 3rd. Enjoy your time off, and get lots of rest.

week of Dec. 20

2010-12-20T10:54:00.000-05:00

There will not be any spelling words or test this week.

Vocabulary prefixes will be tested on Wednesday. They were handed out on Friday.

No current events this week for 5K Social Studies.

week of Christmas

2010-12-19T13:00:00.003-05:00

There will not be any spelling this week. There will, however, be a prefix quiz on Wednesday.

Run down on tests for the week of 12/13

2010-12-09T22:58:00.000-05:00

Tuesday: 5K Social Studies unit 2 explorers. Study guide went home Thursday and will be checked on Friday for accuracy.

Wednesday: 5K and 5P: Genres- study notes; we will review on Monday

Thursday: 5K and 5P: Suffixes and Spelling

12/7: Spirit Day in Honor of Pearl Harbor Day

2010-12-05T19:05:00.001-05:00

Wear your Red, White, and Blue on Tuesday to honor those servicemen attacked in Hawaii on this date in 1941. "A day that will live in infamy." -President Franklin D Roosevelt

2010-12-05T19:00:00.004-05:00

Vocabulary: prefix Quiz Friday
Monday - 2 examples of prefixes
Tuesday - p. 51 (5P) and p 7 (5K)
Wednesday- p 52
Thursday - p 53
Spelling: Quiz Friday
Mon. - 2nd page of packet
Tues. -3rd page of packet
Wed. - 4th page of packet
Thurs. - 3rd page of packet writing (bottom of page)

Reading: 15 minutes of anything -including comics, magazines, recipes, book, etc.

Writing: as assigned individually, based on progress made in class and lack of probability of finishing the prompt before we have time in the computer lab

5K Social Studies: Current Event -no pictures or sidebar items. Must be an article.

Homework for the week of Nov. 29

2010-12-01T22:11:00.000-05:00

Vocabulary: Quiz Thursday
Monday - sentences on notecards
Tuesday - p. 13
Wednesday- p 14

Spelling: Quiz Friday
Mon. - p 22
Tues. - p 23
Wed. - p 24
Thurs. - p 23 writing (bottom of page)

Reading:
5K: 15 minutes of anything -including comics, magazines, recipes, book, etc.

5P:
Sounder group: one chapter per night -complete one side of recommendations page
Lucy Whipple group: 3 chapters per night - complete one side of recommendations page

Writing: as assigned individually, based on progress made in class and lack of probability of finishing the prompt before we have time in the computer lab

5K Social Studies: none this week - Current Event will be completed in class this week after a lesson in summarizing

Imagine you're a balloon in the 84th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

2010-11-16T21:46:00.003-05:00

We're off to the Thanksgiving Day Parade already! Well, at least we're thinking about what it would be like to be a balloon in the Parade. Using the senses, students will be working on developing descriptive essays. We've explored the history of the Parade and how balloons are made. Interesting links include: http://social.macys.com/parade2010/#/home

Be on the lookout for a French Poodle, Snoopy, a Princess, Mickey Mouse, and many more! Some of us are smelling hot dogs, way to much junk food, cotton candy, gas fumes, and oh yeah, a skunk! Ask your child what they are writing about! They are eager to share.

Homework Expectations - Language Arts

2010-11-16T21:20:00.004-05:00

Reading homework that is assigned is not flexible, and must be completed as assigned. There are other classmates relying on each other to read and do their jobs so that their literature circle can meet and have meaningful discussions. I cannot allow a student to participate in a literature circle discussion if they have not read the assigned chapters as they will have nothing to contribute and will be missing parts of the story line. In addition, students should be coming to class with their job completed.

Any writing assignment that goes home is expected to be completed as assigned. I will have the student write in their agenda book any details I might be looking for. Ie, only 20 minutes of writing, or 2-3 paragraphs. This will vary by student and writing prompt. The goal is to get one writing prompt written, edited, conferenced, and typed each week. It is doable with good time management in the classroom.

I am flexible as to when homework is completed in the areas of Vocabulary and Spelling. While it is hoped that students can do a little each night, I understand that sports and family schedules sometimes get in the way. Repitition will help most all students retain the information longer.

Each Thursday, students will take a Vocabulary test, including parts of speech. Students will be expected to turn in their notecards with a quality sentence written on each card on Tuesday. I am checking to see they are writing a sentence that shows they understand how to use the word in their writing, and that they chose the correct part of speech from the dictionary. They homework for the rest of the week will also distributed. They are responsible for one side on Tuesday night and one side on Wednesday night. We will review their work before the test. Students are encouraged to notify me when they have trouble, rather than wait until Thursday.

Fridays will be spelling test days. The packet is handed out on Monday. The first page is not expected to be completed, but can serve for additional practice if you think it is necessary. The assignment will always be one page per night for 3 nights, but again, that is flexible according to each student's schedule. I am checking for a complete packet on Friday. As with vocabulary, it is best to let me know of issues as they arise rather than wait until test day.

debate research

2010-05-28T21:22:00.002-04:00

As I come across information that can be useful, I'll post it here. Check the page length of documents before printing, and only print what you need to.

http://www.simmonsco-intl.com/files/giantoilfields.pdf Paper about the top producing oil countries and summaries of their activities. Also talks about changes in production.

Join our Debate on Ocean Night

2010-05-28T21:10:00.003-04:00

Check out our campaign posters outside Room 234 and cast your vote on June 14 during Ocean Night activities. After we hold our debate (during the last week of school), we'll find out what the community thinks!

5th grade ponders: Should the US drill for oil?

2010-05-28T20:51:00.003-04:00

We end the year with a thought provoking debate. When students were very quick to answer this question "NO!", they were asked to think of all the items we use daily that run on some form of oil and how they would run that item tomorrow without oil. There are still some who say "NO!", but many others are recognizing that the problem will need creative solutions, and time to figure out those solutions.

Almost every 5th grader knows about, and is keeping informed of, events that are unfolding in efforts to stop the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. We talked about the economic impacts that will be facing them, now and in the future. We lamented the loss of supply of fresh seafood and recognized that world demand won't change overnight even though the supply is certainly changed for decades.

Don't be surprised to be approached about gas rationing and odd and even days to buy fuel. Today, we watched a History Channel documentary on the Alaska Pipeline and learned of its challenges. We especially learned that it took an embargo from OPEC for us to realize we needed to tap into the domestic oil we had first discovered in 1958. We also learned it was BP that spent 10 years drilling dry wells in Alaska before they pulled out. They returned after another company found oil the next year and wanted to buy their leases.

Students discovered that the Exxon Valdez tanker accident took place! It happened almost 11 years before most of them were born! They were surprised at all the safety measures put into place after that incident, and asked why some of the same safety measures were not in place in the Gulf of Mexico. They are also now aware that this country could make decisions about domestic oil production following this current ongoing incident, and that the decisions will affect them directly.

So the debate is on...Should the US drill for oil? If not, what can be cost-effective and take it's place as a source of energy? If yes, do we continue as we are right now, or change the guidelines? They are thinking, and energized!

Character Ed. song for assembly

2010-05-24T10:10:00.009-04:00

5K's verse:

Chorus

C is for Courage, being brave & strong
cause courage will never, ever be wrong.

O is for optimism, having a good attitude;
without it you'll be pretty rude.

R is for respect
It'll make a good effect.

R #2 is for responsibility;
Everyone around has the ability.

E is for empathy. Hearing bad news
you can put yourself in someone else's shoes.

C is for citizenship, following the rules
If you don't, you won't be cool.

T is for trustworthiness, keeping secrets from others.
If you don't you won't be trusted by another.

Chorus
I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be C.O.R.R.E.C.T.

5P's verse:

Courage is about overcoming our fears
stand up tall so everyone hears.

Optimism is the deal
let's get positive and make it real.

Respect the rules of the school
that way you'll be cool.

Responsibilty is about getting the job done
Even if it's not that fun.

Empathy means to share your feelings
so be a friend when a friend has tough dealings.

Citizenship is about helping out
and cleaning up the world- without a doubt!

Trustworthiness is about being trusted
Don't tell lies, or you'll be busted!

Chorus

5K: Social Studies Industrial Revolution project

2010-05-16T21:05:00.004-04:00

Choose an American invention of the 1800sConduct research in the library, using the Internet as well as other sources.
Please find out:
Who invented it? When it was invented? Where it was invented? What impact this invention had on America's History?
Remember to document your sources: Write a Bibliography as you search.
Design a poster which advertises your invention and answers all of the above questions.

some research ideas include:
Dr. William Thomas Green Morton: surgical anesthesia
James Bogardus: cast-iron construction
Samuel Colt: revolving pistol
Cyrus Hall McCormick: mechanical reaper
Joseph Saxton: coal-burning stove, hydrometer, ever-pointed pencil
Charles Goodyear: vulcanization of rubber
Peter Cooper: railway locomotive
Jordan Lawrence Mott: coal-burning cooking stove
Joseph Henry: electromagnet design
Eliphalet Nott: efficient heat conduction for stoves and steam engines
John Ericsson: armored turret warship
Frederick Sickels: steam-engine gear and steering device for ships
Samuel F. B. Morse: electric telegraph
Henry Burden: horseshoe manufacturing machine
Richard March: rotary press
Erastus Bigelow: power loom for carpets
Isaiah Jennings: threshing machine, repeating gun, friction match
Thomas Blanchard: irregular turning lathe
Elias Howe: sewing machine
John Deere: self-turning plow
Eli Whitney: cotton gin
Francis Cabot Lowell: textile mills
Robert Fulton: steam engine
Andrew Carnegie: steel
John Rockefeller: oil industry

5P: Dive series scedule

2010-05-10T14:52:00.003-04:00

You will completed reading book 1 by Tuesday, May 18. Please fill in your packet daily to update your reading.

Be ready to discuss the book according to this schedule:
chapters 1-5 on Tuesday, May 11
chapters 6-10 on Friday, May 14
chapters 11-15 on Tuesday, May 18.

We will begin Book 2 on Tuesday, May 18. A schedule for this book will follow.

Are you a fan of the Warriors series?

2010-05-10T14:49:00.002-04:00

Harper Collins has released a free summer reading program for the Warriors series of books. Ask your parents first before going on a signing up, and enjoy a summer of reading.

Follow the link for details: http://www.readingwarriors.com/

5K: Bill of Rights

2010-04-27T22:24:00.001-04:00

Need some help learning the freedoms guaranteed by the ammendments in the Bill of Rights? Try listening to this catchy rap: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlt6R1KD4E0.

Quiz on Tuesday, May 4.

M.A.R.E. research reports

2010-04-26T22:19:00.002-04:00

Students are working on finding sources and gathering notes for an Ocean animal of their choosing. I will have a large stack of books in class for students to look through in their quest for research, but please, feel free to look for more sources.

We will do much of the writing of first and revision drafts in class, and some students will find the need to continue researching beyond this week.

Reports are due according to the schedule distributed to each class. Please note: If you are talking with parents from the other homeroom, the dates for each class are different since 5K will be missing LA for 4 days during NJ ASK testing.

Preamble

2010-03-30T14:48:00.002-04:00

5K: You will need to memorize the Schoolhouse Rock song "Preamble to the Constitution" by April 12. Be prepared to recite it on that date. You can use the following link to help you:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNb9AoY5XXE&feature=related

Comic strip generators online

2010-03-28T21:29:00.005-04:00

Professor Garfield: http://www.professorgarfield.org/pgf_comics_lab.html

Bone: http://www.scholastic.com/bone/comic_maker.htm

Amulet: http://www.scholastic.com/amulet/makeyourown/

Smile: http://www.scholastic.com/smile/makeyourown/index.htm

Goosebumps: http://www.scholastic.com/goosebumpsgraphix/makeyourown/index.htm

Charlotte's Web: http://www.scholastic.com/charlottesweb/comic/maker.htm

NPS Web Rangers

2010-03-28T21:26:00.002-04:00

You are encouraged to work on this at home on your own time. You can be the next student in 5th grade to earn your National Park Service Web Ranger badge! Are you up to the challenge?

www.nps.gov/webrangers

US Flag sites

2010-03-28T21:20:00.001-04:00

flag etiquette: http://www.usflag.org/flagetiquette.html

I Am the Flag: http://www.usflag.org/iamtheflag.html

frequent questions: http://www.usflag.org/faq.html

historic and current flags: http://www.usflag.org/history/historicflags.html

3/19/2010 homework

2010-03-19T13:08:00.003-04:00

LA: read 45 minutes

SS: none

Casey and Bella writing contest details at: http://www.cuddlybooks.com/
Deadline is April 15, 2010

American Revolution websites for research

2010-03-16T20:40:00.002-04:00

Many different topics: http://edtech.kennesaw.edu/web/amrevol.html

Revolutionary War timeline: http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/revwartimeline.htm

Life in a Frontier Fort: http://www.teachersfirst.com/lessons/forts/index.htm

Revolutionary Period: Jump Back in time: http://www.americaslibrary.gov/jb/revolut/jb_revolut_subj.html

People- Valley Forge and PA campaigns: http://www.ushistory.org/march/people.htm

3/16/2010 homework

2010-03-16T14:15:00.001-04:00

LA: read 15 min. complete 1 block of character traits
Spelling. p 87

SS: complete lesson 8

3/8/10 homework

2010-03-08T14:39:00.001-05:00

LA: read 15 minutes
Spelling p82
begin memorizing the Preposition song

SS: workbook p 34

Spanish: test Thursday

3/5/2010 homework

2010-03-05T10:57:00.002-05:00

LA: Read for 45 minutes

Begin to memorize the Preposition song.

Spanish: verbal test on opposites on Monday.

2/1/10 homework

2010-02-01T15:13:00.002-05:00

LA: Spelling p. 62
Read 15 min.

SS: complete Lesson 2 notes
Lesson 2 quiz Wednesday
Lesson 3 quiz Friday

1/20/10 homework

2010-01-20T14:25:00.001-05:00

LA: 5K: PR group read ch. 2
GWS group read ch 3-7
5P: read 15 min.

spelling p. 59

1/14/10 homework

2010-01-14T14:45:00.001-05:00

Spelling News report

5k: read 15 minutes
5P: finish My Brother Sam is Dead and read "How Much of This is True?" by Wednesday

SS: none

1/13/10 homework

2010-01-13T14:44:00.001-05:00

LA: Spelling p 48
5K: read ch. 11-13 and Journal 5
5P: read ch. 11

SS: none

Any work not completed on time is now due as the marking period ends Friday.

1/12/10 homework

2010-01-12T14:37:00.002-05:00

LA: Spelling- p. 47
Main Idea- finish short stories on both sides of worksheet

5K: read chs. 11-13
5P: read Ch 9&10

5K SS: research remaining slides for colony presentation

1/5/10 homework

2010-01-05T14:01:00.002-05:00

LA: Please read carefully for your class!

All: Spelling p. 43
Study vocab cards for Friday test

5K: Read Ch. 3&4 of Toliver's Secret
Complete Journal 1 for chapters 1&2

5P: Read ch. 1&2 of My Brother Sam is Dead
Complete rough draft for your chosen prompt from MyAccess!
GATE: Go to MyAccess! and select your prompt if you did not do so during class

5K SS: Check current event schedule

12/22/09 homework

2009-12-22T11:39:00.002-05:00

LA: Suffix quiz corrections due
Biography Contracts dues at beginning of class

SS: None - no class tomorrow

Have a great holiday season with family and friends!
See you in 2010!

12/21/09 homework

2009-12-21T15:32:00.002-05:00

LA: Work on biography book contracts. They are due Wednesday at the start of class.

SS: Maps p. 48

Philadelphia Research

2009-12-06T20:17:00.003-05:00

National Park Service Independence National Historical Park: http://www.nps.gov/inde/index.htm

Historic Attractions
http://www.gophila.com/C/X/123/Things_to_Do/211/History/209/Historic_Attractions/12.html

The Liberty Bell: http://www.ushistory.org/libertyBell/facts.html

The Libery Bell was hidden in Allentown, PA. Why?: http://www.libertybellmuseum.org/museum/timeline.html

Virtual Tour: http://www.ushistory.org/tour/index.html

US Mint: http://www.usmint.gov/about_the_mint/mint_facilities/index.cfm?action=PA_facilities

12/3/09 homework

2009-12-03T15:20:00.003-05:00

LA: Book Buddy 4
Spelling -ABC order
Vocab.- prefix quiz

SS: Current events
Explorer and vocab quiz Unit 2 lessons 5-7

Spanish - alphabet quiz next Thursday 12/10

12/2/09 homework

2009-12-02T14:30:00.002-05:00

LA: Book Buddy day 3
Spelling P. 32
Finish Favorite Desert rough draft
Study Vocab prefixes for test Friday

SS: study explorers and vocab - activity workbook pps. 18, 19

11/23/09 homework

2009-11-23T15:30:00.000-05:00

LA: Read 15 minutes

SS: check the Current Events Schedule

11/18/09 homework

2009-11-18T14:32:00.001-05:00

5K & 5P LA: Read 15 min.
Spelling p 40

5K SS: Get test and extra credit assignments both signed and return to class. No extensions will be permitted on extra credit.

11/17/09 homework

2009-11-17T14:45:00.003-05:00

5K & 5P LA: Read 15 Min.
Spelling p. 39
Rough Draft -5K
GATE: Read "Missing Links" story p. 218
5P: US Postal Abbreviation Quiz Friday

5K SS: none

11/12/09 homework

2009-11-12T14:49:00.001-05:00

5K & 5P LA: Read 15 minutes
Spelling -both crossword puzzles

5P only: US Postal Abbreviation quiz

5K SS: US states map quiz Monday
Friday CE will be on Monday

11/10/09 homework

2009-11-10T15:37:00.002-05:00

5K & 5P LA: Read 15 min
Spelling p. 27
study Vocab. words
Selection Test Thursday

5K SS: study for test Friday
US states map quiz on Monday
Current Events- check schedule

2009-11-09T15:53:00.002-05:00

5K & 5P LA: Read 15 min.
Spelling p. 26
words are posted on www.spellingcity.com
Search teacher: Sarah Payne

5P only: US Postal Abbreviations quiz will be Friday

5K SS: complete study guide
Test Friday- Unit 2 Lessons 1-4
US states map quiz Monday

Nov 2, 2009 homework

2009-11-02T10:26:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow is SILLY SLIPPER day. Or you could also wear school colors for Spirit Day instead.

5K & 5P LA: Read 15 min.
Spelling: sentence unscramble

5K SS: re-test of US Postal Abbreviations

10/19/09

2009-10-19T13:17:00.002-04:00

5K & 5P LA: Read 15 minutes.
Spelling -cursive 2xs
any missing work

Spelling City- list is posted. Games are not mandatory, but are an opportunity for additional practice.

5K SS: Study world map for Thursday quiz.
CE Wed.: Daniel, JD

10/15/2009

2009-10-15T14:18:00.003-04:00

5K & 5P LA: Read 15 minutes
Spelling p. 20- test tomorrow
Vocab- study for test
Finish DLR day 4

5K SS: none
Current Events: Lexi, Ally

Words are now in Spelling City!!
Use this link: http://www.spellingcity.com/View-user-profile.html?user=220196
List is vowel sound as in rule, use, off
Poke around and play a game or two!

10/8/09 notes

2009-10-08T13:23:00.002-04:00

No School Monday

Spirit Day Tuesday -wear school shirt or school colors

Dar Hosta book orders due Friday if interested.

5K &5P LA: literature circle reading and job
Spelling write and study for test
Vocab- study for test

5K SS: Study for test

10/6/09 homework

2009-10-06T15:21:00.002-04:00

5K &5P LA: Read 15 minutes -can be literature circle reading and job
Finish DLR day 1 & 2
Spelling ABC order

5K SS: finish vocab from lessons 3, 4, and 5
Test Friday
Study Guide coming home Wednesday night, class review Thursday
Wed. CE: Ashley, Joelle

10/5/09 homework

2009-10-05T14:52:00.003-04:00

Dress for picture day!!

5K & 5P LA: literature circle reading and job
Spelling- cursive 2x

5K SS: none
CE Wed. - Ashley, Joelle

An Interesting Afternoon

2009-10-02T15:57:00.002-04:00

5K & 5P LA: read

We spent from 1:00 - 2:35 out on the basketball court this afternoon. As a result of the evacuation of the school, there are no grade sheets in the Friday folders. Tests that needed to go home are in the folders. Grade sheets will come on Monday.

10/1/09

2009-10-01T13:06:00.001-04:00

5K & 5P LA: Read 15 min.
Spelling write
If not completed in class: Lit circle job, DLR, cursive

5K SS: none
CE Friday: Halee, Scott

9/28/09 homework

2009-09-28T14:43:00.001-04:00

5K & 5P LA:
Read 15 minutes
Spelling - words in cursive 2x each - in lit circle packets

5K SS: none
CE Wed: JDO & CP

9/24/09 homework

2009-09-24T13:14:00.001-04:00

5K & 5P LA: Read 15 minutes
Spelling: writing option - respond to letter on p. 15 OR write about a baseball player. Either way, at least 5 spelling words must be used.

5K SS: none
CE: Ally, Daniel

9/23/09

2009-09-23T09:29:00.001-04:00

5K & 5P LA: Read 15 mins.
Spelling p. 16
Finish rough draft of writing

5K SS- none
Current events Fri.: Ally, Daniel

9/21 Homework

2009-09-21T14:17:00.002-04:00

5K & 5P Language Arts
Read 15 minutes
Spelling P. 14

5K Spanish- complete crossword for Thurs.
cribsheet attached

2009-09-10T13:58:00.002-04:00

5K and 5P LA: Read 15 minutes.
Spelling writing

5K SS: census paper
Book covers for CP, DM, JW, DW

2009-09-09T07:18:00.000-04:00

test post- this should show up on Wednesday

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

2009-09-08T14:11:00.000-04:00

5K and 5P LA:
Read 15 minutes
Spelling pg. 6
Study for Vocab quiz tomorrow

5K SS: none