Measurements and Microscopes
Posted by Colleen Noyes
In 5th grade science we have been using tools to enhance our learning. Students learned how to use a triple beam balance to measure a variety of items. As they mastered the apparatus, students were given challenges during our unit on Matter. From finding volume and weight to seeing if something like a gas can be measured. It can! In addition while studying photosynthesis, students used the brand new fantastic microscopes to look at the stomata on leaves. It is incredible to look closely and see the intricate patterns and systems of tiny entities.
Eco Printing
Posted by Sarah Raggio
In solidarity with the Umpqua Community we are learning about in Indian No More, the Grade 5 students took a break from reading to create some art, using plants and leaves we found in nature. The Native American community in our book demonstrated their love and respect for the natural world they lived in, which inspired us to stop and appreciate the beauty around us. The students created designs on muslin fabric with the plant material and learned about bundle dyeing with an iron mordant. This Master Class was taught by our very own Makerspace teacher, Mr Casey, who has a lot of experience in dyeing. A special thanks to Mr. Casey for the fun collaboration!
Zhōng Qiū Jié Kuài Lè – Happy Mid-Autumn Festival
Posted by Carina Blackwell
It’s that time of the year again! Our Mandarin 3-8 students worked hard to make mooncakes for the entire school for a special lunch dessert. In mainland China, the Mid-Autumn Festival represents the reunion of families and it is tradition for families to dine together that night. After a feast dinner, mooncakes will be served as dessert. We are grateful to share this culture with our Mandarin learners. We hope everyone enjoyed mooncakes at lunch. Zhōng Qiū Jié Kuài Lè – Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!
Estimation Skills!
Posted by colleenjacques
Students in 5th grade math have been working on a unit on Whole Numbers and the Four Operations. While practicing multiplication by two-digit numbers, students used estimation skills to determine if their answers seemed reasonable. Great job by students helping each other use estimation to find potential errors. Don’t forget to check your work!
Can You Solve the Cube?
Posted by Lloyd Mitchell
Each year, I kick off my 5th and 6th grade Tech classes with an “unplugged” activity. This year, we tackled working with an algorithm to learn how to solve the Rubik’s cube. Now, cubing is not something new to Unquowa, as for many years it has worked its way into our math curriculum and now into the tech world. As we started, there were lots of “I can’t do this!” and “This is hard!”, but after just two short classes, we started to see the success of our efforts. Cubing will continue to be an activity that students will come to enjoy during FLEX and free time. I was so impressed with the perseverance and determination all the students showed to master as least one step. Great job by all!
Strengthening Our Bond in 5th
Posted by Sarah Raggio
Would you choose Vanilla or Chocolate? Fiction or Nonfiction? Money or Fame? Read the Book or Watch the Movie? There is no right or wrong answer, it’s just your preference. A quick game of “This or That” was such a fun way to connect with our classmates in literature class today. A simple choice, a toss of the yarn, and a wrap around your wrist confirmed which classmates agreed with your choice. In the end, we learned that we have shared preferences with many of our classmates and the bond in our 5th Grade Community is strong.
