Building confidence with organizational skills
The students are using their planners effectively to manage their assignments. They also understand the importance of developing a routine that facilitates their time management.
In math the students are learning new methods of solving multiplication algorithms from Everyday Math using the partial-products method and the lattice method. They draw on their past knowledge of the base ten number system and place values to work with extended multiplication facts and scientific notation (powers of 10). They are learning how to break numbers down into prime factors and represent large numbers using exponents. They really enjoy the new Investigations puzzles that require problem solving skills, the use of mathemetical vocabulary, group input and discussion, and cooperation and consensus.
In science the students are working on their in-class assignment, the Planet Inquiry Project. They are learning the importance of doing their best work at each step of the process: note-taking, bibliography, outline, paragraph formatting, first draft, editing and revisions, final publishing, visual aid, and oral presentation. They continue to find interesting information throughout the process, and they enjoy refining their reports and gaining new knowledge about their planet.
Presentations dates for their final reports will be announced when they have completed the assignment.
Posted on September 12, 2006 9:20 AM | Permalink