The Battle Has Begun!

The Battle of the Books is now underway! Since the beginning of school, our classes have been reading books from an approved list in order to earn a chance to compete in the battle. Well after months of careful reading, small comprehension tests, and a final qualifying exam, we are officially prepared to battle. Our teams have been chosen! Check us out!!!


This morning we marched to the media center to initiate the battle. Unfortunately, our two teams were pitted against one another right from the get-go. The competition was fierce. So many books! So many authors! So much information! Our classes wowed the crowd with their extensive knowledge and team spirit! Each team displayed a valiant effort, but Miss Hoffmann's homeroom left victorious.



The battle continues June 4 when we challenge new teams, and we will be pumping iron (reading and reviewing books) until then!!! What did you think of the first leg of the battle? Were you surprised by the questions? Stay tuned for more updates from the battlefield!

The Gravity of the Situation

And we're off! Inspired by our unit on force and motion, we are beginning to construct our Gravity Racers! These cars will be sent down a ramp, powered only by the force of gravity. Our racers have one goal in mind...make it at least 100 cm beyond the end of the ramp! Can they do it?!? We are already encountering problems and making adjustments. Is a cardboard milk carton the best body for our cars? Is bigger better? Which wheels are the best? So many questions, so little time! If you have concerns about your car, leave a question as a comment and your classmates and I can respond with advice!

Social Studies...Meet Readers' Theater

Recently in social studies, we have been studying the Great Depression. This was a period of extreme suffering in the United States. Many Americans lost their jobs and savings and were forced to live in small shantytowns often referred to as "Hoovervilles." It wasn't until FDR became president and put into place his New Deal, that the fortunes of the American people began to change. Our class recently acted out a scene from their social studies text in which citizens discuss the pros and cons of the New Deal. From struggling mothers to small business owners, opinions differed on the benefits of government involvement and regulations. What do you think of the new Deal? Are there any specific programs you think were especially beneficial?

Grid Race!

Coordinate grids can be tricky, but we are getting pretty confident in class! Here's some extra practice if you're interested). Remember, you have to go into the building (walk or moonwalk) before you ride the elevator (up or down)! Happy gridding! Also, check out Coordinate Grids under the Math is Cool sidebar!

The Science of a Dynamic Duo

This blog is primarily about math and science topics, but as a lifelong reader I felt it necessary to press pause and celebrate the recent visit of Pamela Duncan Edwards and Henry Cole. This author/illustrator team have worked together to create fabulous stories such as The Worrywarts and Clara Caterpillar.



Take a look at the slideshow below, marking their fabulous day here at Chets Creek! They were truly a hilarious duo, one it would be impossible to forget!

We've Got Those Good Vibrations!!!

We are in the midst of our unit on SOUND!!! Take a look at us here, as our lovely singing voices cause salt to bounce on the lid of this Pringles can. Why is this happening? Does the pitch or loudness of our voice change the way the salt reacts? This is an awesome experiment to try again at home! Little brothers and sisters are sure to enjoy!
If you want to learn more about sound click here, or on the link Sources of Sound under Science Rocks!

"Cell"ebrating Science!

We are wrapping up our unit of study on plant and animal cells. Since we can't create an actual cell in class, we created cell cookie models! Not only was this a highly enjoyable and informative activity...it was also delicious. We constructed our cells while completing a labeled diagram of the different parts of cells. We never thought we would have so much fun talking about cytoplasm and chloroplasts! If you would like to recreate this activity at home the list of supplies needed are:

1 sugar cookie (animal cell)
1 pop tart (plant cell)
frosting (cytoplasm)
Pull-n-Peel Twizzlers (cell membrane)
green M&Ms (chloroplasts)
Raisinets (nucleus)
pretzel rods (cell wall)
Hot Tamales (other organelles)

Can you remember which parts are only present in plant cells? Check out the "Cells Alive" link under Science Rocks! for more fun with cells!