Expedition:

The Brisbin Crew is working hard on their second Case Study:  The Asian Clam Invasion.  Students are exploring the impacts of Corbicula fluminea on the Lake Tahoe ecosystem through research of the periodic table (specifically nitrogen and phosphorous), and learning about the functions and systems of the asian clam.  Working on their final product, a play titled “Pirates of the Big Blue:  Greenbeard’s Curse,” students are integrating their knowledge through written pieces and art throughout the production.  Currently, students are creating an advertisement and information page to construct a life-size periodic table to be posted outside the classroom. Also, students will kick off a mini poetry examination by writing their own poem and designing a collage.  

ELA:

Students are still following the Daily 5 structure after testing, and will have a final DRA and/or Progress Monitoring assessment by the end of the year.  During the Daily 5, students choose a good fit book and respond to their reading in their ISN’s.  Also, the Brisbin Crew has been examining figurative language by crafting a “Metaphor of the Week” which is assessed and graded.  Exemplars are placed on the Metaphor of the Week board to share with others.  Ms. Lobo has come in and is working on a P.E.O.P.L.E project with our crew by tracing their profile and painting with watercolor.  Students will then add their own life “maxim” or metaphor to the piece.  They are looking spectacular!


Math:

Students will wrap up their hard preparation for Star Testing by taking their state tests in math this week.  Afterwards, students in 5th grade will wrap up their Positive and Negative Integer project.  The final units of study for 5th graders will be on Probability, and a mini case-study on music and math titled “MathMusicians.”


Passages:

5th grade students are preparing for their big Passages presentation to be held on June 11 and 12.  The 5th graders present on 3 exemplars from math, language arts, and expedition, and explain the process by which they completed these assignments.  This is a wonderful celebration of learning, and parents are encouraged to attend.


Dates to Remember:

May 20- fieldwork – climbing and water testing

May 24- McIver Dairy event and unveiling of our interpretive sign!

May 27- Memorial Day- no school

June 6- Celebration of Learning

June 10-June 11- Climbing fieldwork overnight

June 11-12- Passages


Proudly,

Julie