Math/Science Update 9/02/2014

Math:
This week students will continue with unit 2 in Math.  We will explore different methods of subtraction and continue practicing making magnitude estimates when adding, subtracting, and multiplying.  Students will review vocabulary associated with chance events and learn how to use the probability meter.  Students will practice making magnitude estimates when adding and multiplying.  For example 2,895 + 5,022 is about 8,000 or 11 * 608 is about 6000. Students will work on different estimation strategies and decide whether their final solution is reasonable.   We will practice multiplying using the partial products method as well as the lattice method. Students at this level should have automatic recall of all the multiplication facts up to 10X10.  There are several apps on the App store that will provide practice and reinforcement for your child.  Math Fact Master by TicTapTech is a great app and would be a great tool for your child to use in the car for a few minutes a day. Unit 2 of the  Mathletics program has been assigned.  Your child should be completing their tasks at home.  We recommend  3 to 5 tasks per week.  

 After-school math help starts today, Tuesday, September 2nd in Mr. Ro’s room.  After-school math help is reserved for students needing extra help in math.  If your child had difficulty with the unit 1 math test, after-school math is a great place to revisit those difficult concepts.  Please make sure your child knows how to get home following the after school activity.


Science:

Some of the questions we have been answering in science class include:  what are cells, how living things are made of cells, and why cells have different jobs.  Students have been reading from the science book, looking at cells in microscopes, and playing a game called Cell Mates to learn more about cells. Important vocabulary covered this week: cell, microscopic, organism, cell membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, and mitochondria.

Students will demonstrate their knowledge of cells through the creation of a plant and animal cell model.  After the creation of their models. students will need to explain to their teacher all of the structures found in their cells and their functions.  Students will refine their scientific observation skills in comparing plant and animals cells.  Students will work on a blog post this week comparing their cell to an everyday object. Instructions will be shared in class.

We will then learn how cells forms tissues and tissues work together in organs and organs work together in systems.  The first system we will learn about is the digestive system. We will begin our study of the organ systems in the human body. We will first  learn how tissues are formed of similar cells and how tissues work together in organs and organs work together in systems.  We will model the process of digestion in our bodies. During this time, students will become more familiar with the digestive system parts as well as their functions.  Here are some questions to ponder over the next few weeks:  What do you think might happen if the muscles of the stomach did not contract properly?  How are villi like the roots of plant?