30 January 2009

Canadian Shield Brochures due Tuesday

Just a reminder that the grade 5 social studies brochures on the Canadian Shield will be due on Tuesday. The class will have periods 3 &4 on Monday to finish on the computers. After that everyone's brochures will be printed and students will have to do whatever they didn't finish by hand.

In addition, the students had a science quiz today and overall the class did very well, the test will be handed back on Tuesday. Any students wishing will have the opportunity to write a re-test.

Have a good weekend

Friday

Language Arts - We've completed Spelling Idol V and it was the best one ever so the students are really getting good at performing their words, working in groups to accomplish a goal.

Their spelling test is this Friday February 5.
The students have a letter from the Frozen Brains novel to write that is due on Wednesday.

I have favour to ask: As final project to the Frozen Brains novel I'm going to ask the students to create their own endings to the story in film format. The school has only one usable mni-video camera so I'm going to ask if you have a digital video camera at home that you consider allowing us to use it to film the students work.

Please have the Arrow book orders in by next Friday.

26 January 2009

Allow me to introduce myself

Dear Parents and Guardians,

My name is Caitlyn Friesen and I have the priveledge of teaching your child for the next few months. I am an intern teacher completing my final teaching practicum, PSIII. I have been teaching at St. Josephs for about three weeks now and I have been having an absolutely wonderful time getting to know all of the students. In Grade 5 I have been teaching Science, Social Studies and Health. In Science we are learning about simple chemistry and mixtures. We have been having a great time experimenting with mixing different liquids and solids. In Social Studies we are currently learning about the Canadian Shield, this is fitting because I grew up in Canadian Shield. The students are creating brochures for their own imaginative camp held in the Canadian Shield. The brochures include different information about the areas as well as the students are able to invent their own adventure camp such as a hunting camp, cross-country sking or nature camp. In Health the class is working in groups to create information pamphletes they will give to the grade four class about how to live and eat healthy. I have thourougly enjoyed these last three weeks and I have found the grade 5 class to be a joy. I look forward to meeting each of you and working with you in the future. If you have any questions or concerns about anything please feel free to contact me over either at the school, on the phone or over email: caitlyn.friesen@holyspirit.ab.ca. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to teach your children.
Caitlyn Friesen

Science Quiz Friday

Hello Parents,



The grade fives will be having a Science Test on Friday, January 30th. I've sent out a review sheet, but just in case it doesn't reach you I am also posting the information here.
We will be reviewing this information on Thursday.



Science Quiz Study Sheet: Mixtures of Solids and Liquids (Friday, January 30th)

You should study all of the experiments that we have covered in science class so far:
· Sweet & Sour Experiment (mixing lemon juice, sugar and water)
· Mixing Liquids (mixing liquids together)
· Liquid Layers (demonstration done by Mrs. Friesen)
· Designing a Fair Test (dissolving a lifesaver)
· Solution to Recovery 1&2 (mixing liquids and solids)

Definitions to know:
Mixture: a number of pure substances brought together, the molecules or atoms are different
Pure substance: all of the atoms or molecules are the same. Example/ gold, pure water, salt
Solution: a homogeneous (even) mixture in which the molecules are evenly dispersed. Example/ when sugar dissolves in water and you can no longer see it.
Suspension: A heterogeneous (uneven) mixture in which the molecules are unevenly dispersed, very small particles of a solid remain suspended without dissolving. Example/ when we mixed corn starch in water and the cornstarch eventually sank to the bottom.

There are 3 ways (covered in class) of separating solids and liquids:
1. Filter - when a mixture forms a suspension it can be poured into a filtering system. The water will pass through the filter but the insoluble(won’t dissolve) substance will collect on the filter
2. Evaporating - when a mixture forms a suspension or solutions, the solid can be recovered by evaporating the water. The water is lost into the air as it evaporates while the solid remains behind forming a residue
3. Decanting - when a mixture forms a suspension the solid can be recovered by allowing it to settle to the bottom and then pouring off the water and letting the wet residue dry out.

There are 4 ways (covered in class) of separating solids:
1. Sieve - various gauges of sieves can be used to separate different sizes of solid particles
2. Magnets - magnetic substances can be separated from non-magnetic substances
3. Wind - lighter substances that can be moved by a light breeze can be separated from heavier substances that fall straight down
4. Water - floating materials can be separated from materials that sink in water

Scientific Method:
1. Question (what will happen if…?)
2. Hypothesis (make an educated guess of what you think will happen)
3. Materials (what will you need?)
4. Procedure (how will you carry out the experiment?)
5. Observations (what happened?)
6. Inference/ Conclusion (why did it happen that way?)

Questions:
· Why is it important that scientist follow the scientific method?
· How many variables (temperature of the water, liquid) are scientists allowed to change in an experiment?
· Why is it important that scientists share their research and experiments with other scientists?

Grade 5 Band for the week of Jan. 26

Hello everyone,

Because of our professional development day, I won't be seeing the Gr. 5 band until next Monday. I thought I'd update you on what they need to work on over the week:

1. No. 43, 46 49 in their books
2. There will be a test on the "7 note scale" on Monday
3. Slip and Slide, measures 9 to 17
4. Popcorn Prelude, measures 5 to 13

Each band class, I ask the students to indicate whether or not they have practised and I've noticed a trend lately that shows that some are following behind. I'll do whatever I can to encourage them to get their instruments and to help them here at school. I would ask parents to encourage their child to attempt even 10 minutes a day. Thanks for your support!

Ms. Christie

Math Jan 26

No math today. We'll start division and mark the multiplication homework on Thurs.

21 January 2009

Math Jan 21

Double digit multiplication & word problems.
R87 due tomorrow.
Review Skills due tomorrow.

20 January 2009

Tuesday

Hello from Mr. Hakstol.

First I want to tell you I am fine and if all goes well I should be back before the end of the week.

Some of you are probably wondering about the kayaking  this Saturday.  It's still on and hopefully all of you who brought back  your forms will be there.  I'm hoping that students will be able to arrange for transportation to and from Lethbridge.   Of course I will be at the pool to watch and keep things organized.    

Here's the itinerary for this saturday January 24th .

  • 9:45 - Be at the Fritz Sick Pool 420-11th Street South by  so you can get changed and ready.  
  • 10:00 - 12:00 noon - Instruction from High Level Canoes and Kayaks.  
  • 12:45 - As Montana's is still closed I've arranged for us to go to Streatside Eatery 317-8th Street South  for lunch.  They very generously will honour your Montana's minutes for a free meal.  Sorry parents but you'll have to pay for your own lunch.
  • 1:30 - Students are free to go.
 

Math Jan 20-1

R86 is homework.

Math Jan 20

Review skills due Thurs.

In class we're working on multiplying. I've shown them 2 different ways. They can use what works best for them.

12 January 2009

Band - January 12

This week, the Grade 5 Band is working on the first 8 measures of "Slip and Slide" and are also asked to take a look at the beginning of "Popcorn Prelude". These two songs are going to be played for the festival in late March (exact time and date to be announced).

Wednesday, January 14 is a "medal" day so students can choose medal songs to play for me to be marked off on their charts. These are forms of testing.

Students and parents are reminded that they are expected to practise the assigned songs and to record their practising by moving their practise picks at the beginning of each class.

09 January 2009

Math Jan 9

Worked on review skills. Due on Thurs.
Math unit test on Tues.

08 January 2009

Math Jan 8

Finish booklet 6 by Monday. Test on Tuesday Jan. 13th.
Tomorrow we do review skills. They are due next Thursday.

Thursday

Language Arts - As stated yesterday we are working on writing those stories so the kids will have some stories to show you.
Spelling Idol V is under way and students are planning a beginning to formulate plans for the project.
Social - Chapter 4 test on Monday don't forget to review your Amazing Race Questions and the webs you made on Wednesday. License plates will be due on Monday as well.

07 January 2009

Wednesday

Welcome back to school. I've been remiss in getting info out but now that we're into the swing of things I will begin posting regularly again.

Language Arts - Students are working on a story where they are emphasizing the use of descriptive vocabulary to communicate their ideas. I'm looking for a good draft from all of the students by Monday Jan 12.
We are continuing to read the novel "Mystery of the Frozen Brains" so students may be doing a bit of detective work around the house soon.
Spelling Idol V begins tomorrow

Social - Test on Chapter 4 is scheduled for Monday Jan 12th.

Notes and Reminders

Permission slips for the Kyaking field trip should be in by this Friday.
Ski trip forms are out today and please get those in quickly.
Arrow Book Orders will be due in on the 16th of January.

A big welcome to Mrs. Friesen from the University of Lethbridge who will be teaching Science and Social to the grade fives.

06 January 2009

Math Jan 6

Finish I chart question.