Number Sense and Numeration- Equivalent Fractions

Equivalent fractions are fractions that represent the same part of a whole or the same part of a set or object.  They have the same value.


Examples of equivalent fractions are:

1/2 is equivalent to 4/8.

1/3 is equivalent to 4/12.

You can practice matching equivalent fractions with Fraction Frenzy.  I also found a fun activity and game that will let you practice some more equivalent fractions.  I hope you enjoy them.

Understanding Matter

My grade 5 students began exploring the concept of matter.  Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space.  We learned the three states of matter: solids, liquids and gases.

Solids - keep their shape unless they are broken.  They do not change their shape and have strength because they are held tightly by particles.  The particles do not flow (move) however, they can jiggle (vibrate) and they keep their volume.

Liquids - do not keep their shape. Instead, they take on the shape of any container.  For example, water takes on the shape of the glass or cup that it is in. The particles in a liquid can flow (move) because they are arranged closely together and keep their volume.

Gases - has no shape, however, they can fill the container that they occupy.  The particles are separate and they can flow (move) quickly and fit into a smaller volume.

We will continue exploring and investigating the differences between the physical changes (reversible) and chemical changes (non-reversible).  However, if you would like to challenge yourself, do so by playing this solids, liquids and gases game.  Good Luck!

Geometric Properties

We investigated angle measures in triangle and learned the following:

ACUTE TRIANGLE

All angles are less than 90 degrees.

RIGHT TRIANGLE

Has a right angle (90 degrees).

OBTUSE TRIANGLE


Has an angle more than 90 degrees.



Can you identify and classify triangles by angles?  Test yourself.   You can also challenge yourself with this game- Triangle Sort.

Understanding Life Systems

Today we began a new topic on the Human Organ System- the Respiratory System.   We learned that the respiratory systems primary function is to supply the blood with oxygen.  The blood delivers the oxygen to all parts of the body through breathing.   As we breath in, we are inhaling oxygen and as we breath out, we are exhaling carbon dioxide.  This process is known as respiration. You can view how the respiratory system works in this video.

You can practice the vocabulary that we learned today by playing Rags to Riches a Respiratory system game.

We will continue to discuss the Respiratory system and the Circulatory System tomorrow.

April is Earth month and April 22, 2011 is Earth Day!

Earth Day is a big celebration where we can pay tribute to our beautiful planet.  It is also a day when we can all bring awareness to some environmental issues that are occuring around the world.  I found some history on Earth day that I would like to share with all of you, just clicking on the following link:  http://www.earthday.org/earth-day-history-movement.  I also found some fun activities and games that you might enjoy.

For the next few days, we will be focusing on how we can make a difference in our homes, schools and communities to help keep our Earth beautiful.   I have attached a video that I hope will get you thinking.  Enjoy!

Welcome Parents

Thank you for visiting my blog!

I have created this blog as a way of inspiring my students to love learning.  As parents, you will find it beneficial as I will be posting regular updates on our lessons, along with some interesting links and resources that can be useful in helping with your child's learning.

Let's have fun learning together!

Welcome to our class blog!

Dear Students:

I am very excited to be in your classroom this term.  I will be working along side your teacher to ensure we have a very fun and exciting learning experience.   I am also looking forward to getting to know each and every one of you.

Please visit this Blog on a regular basis, as I will be providing you with valuable information regarding our lessons and discussions.  As well, I will be providing reminders on some important information and dates for homework, assignments, projects, tests and so forth.

I will also be using this Blog to post some fun and useful links that will help you practice what we have learned throughout the day.

Let's have a fantastic school year!