email: thompson_d@cneschools.org

Monday, December 17, 2007

Science Test Wednesday

Before the break for the holidays students will have a test in math and science on Wednesday. We will review for the test tomorrow. Here is some helpful information to help prepare for the science test.

Evidence of a chemical change always includes A new substance being formed and may also include one or more of the following: An odor; Bubbles which indicate a gas has formed; an unexpected Color change; a Different temperature; and Energy in the form of light given off. Chemical changes cannot usually be reversed. The key difference between a chemical change and a physical change is that in a physical change no new substances are produced. On Wednesday's test, students will be asked to identify which foods should be on the menu at The Chemical Change Cafe. The Chemical Change Cafe only serves food which has undergone a chemical change. When analyzing whether or not a food can be placed on The Chemical Change Cafe's menu, students must give evidence to support their ideas. For example, trail mix can not be placed on the menu because it is a mixture and has not gone through a chemical change. Trail mix is not a new substance because it can be sorted into its orginal ingredients. Buttermilk biscuits can be served at The Chemical Change Cafe because they go through a chemical change. Evidence of a chemical change in biscuits includes bubbles formed by gas when the biscuits bake, an odor (aroma) produced by baking, and most importantly, a new substance is formed. Once the biscuits are baked, you cannot remove the individual ingredients used in the biscuit batter so the change is NOT reversible.

Are you and your child having trouble with multiplication? Try this site on lattice multiplication. It's not the way I learned multiplication, but sometimes it's easier for those who "don't get" traditional math.

Friday, December 14, 2007

Science is Messy!!


Well, I hope everyone goes home and tells their parents about our outdoor science lab today. It was a great time! We will learn more about the science behind it next week!

Don't forget literature projects are due Monday on Informational Text.

Interims went home today. You may keep them. Please sign and return the Friday Folder.

Our holiday parties are Wednesday afternoon. Please let me know if you can donate anything for our celebration.

Monday, December 10, 2007

Twas the week before Christmas break...

Reading: We are working on Best Christmas Pageant Ever. We will finish the book this week and have a test on Friday. We will work on Learning Contract activities this week and next week.

Spelling: No words until after the new year!

Language Arts: We will work on verb tenses and subject/verb agreement.

Science: We are still working on Chemical/Physical Changes. There should be some interesting demonstrations this week in class you may hear about. For a sneak peek, click here.

Homework: Packets are due Friday. Don't forget literature projects are due next week.

Sunday, December 2, 2007

December already?

How did it get to be December already?!? It is very hard to believe! We are starting one of my favorite novel units of the year for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. We will be working on this book until our Winter Break. We will be having our Christmas party on the 10th. Please look for information on how you can help to come home soon.

Students will have the opportunity to do a little holiday shopping in Santa Shop this week.

Homework and spelling packets are due Friday.