Hello My Name Is

Yesterday we had a lot of fun in science. First we reviewed the science vocabulary that we have learned this year with a little nametag game. Students had to rely on their classmates to help them figure out what word was on their forehead. Next up, the music started and it was time for musical chairs. We are learning all about ecosystems and this was a great way to show the importance of competition in nature.

Ouch!

Free Rice!

Our class tested our vocabulary skills on this great website a couple of weeks ago, called Free Rice, their website address is www.freerice.org. I have been using it for several years, and students really enjoy it. The premise is, for each vocabulary word that you are able to identify the definition, this site will give 10 grains of rice to the U.N. World Food Program. It is totally legit, and totally addicting! It is easy to watch your knowledge and your bowl of rice grow. I believe the story behind the site is a Dad created it to encourage his daughter to study for the SAT. It's a win, win situation!

The Journey Begins!

The entire fifth grade took the field today to start on our Generosity Journey. We all walked one mile. We will tally the miles at the end of each week so we can tell how far we have gone!

I'm not sure what she is laughing about, probably that we are attempting to walk 2,300 miles!



These two did just as much talking as walking!!

Great News of the Week!

A few nice things to share with you this week:

* A woman who is retired spends her time volunteering at Elder Care Services. She drives senior citizens to and from their doctor's appointments. What a selfless person who gives of her time to help others!

* A local church congregation heard about Dr. Grantham's family and donated their offering to help out the family's needs. The money along with cards full of well wishes from our class was delivered to the Grantham's yesterday morning. How kind and thoughtful you all are!

Out the Back Door

It was so beautiful outside last week, we couldn't help stepping out the back door! Thursday was the perfect day for getting some things done in Mrs. Whitaker's class. While half of my class was in the media center learning all about the Apalachee Tribe and their settlement at Mission San Luis, the other half was with me. Some painted their dugout canoes (a main source of transportation of Native Americans), while the others made terrariums. We rotated around until we were all done! We will be keeping an eye on these little ecosystems and see what sprouts up over the next couple of weeks!



We're pretty sure that if the University of Florida had been around during the establishment of Mission San Luis, that the inhabitants would've been Gators!



My young explorers also traveled the world this week to discover the different biomes that cover our planet.

Don't Forget!

Next Thursday we will rotate around as we celebrate Fall and all the creepy and crawly things that come with it! Please remember to send in items for our spider pops: black pipe cleaners, Tootsie Roll Pops, googly eyes, and Tacky Glue! We thank you!

The Wild World of Science

Here are some of the web sites that we have visited recently for projects or class discussions. Have fun surfing!

Land biomes, water ecosystems, and more!

Take a hike through a tropical rainforest!



Amazing pictures from the Hubble Telescope!

Here is a nebula. Isn't it amazing?