Week of 8/31

Hi Everyone,
     This week we have continued to get adjusted to being in school. We had our first homework assignments and I am very proud to say that almost all of the students remembered to complete and return their assignments. See below for subject specific items.
     
Math
     In math this week we have been working on our understanding of numbers and place value. One of our biggest understandings has been that the number in place is ten times greater than the place to it's right. We have learned how to show numbers on the place value chart. Students have also learned how to regroup from one place to another. We have also worked on learning where commas go in numbers and comparing numbers. 
     Students received their first Math Super Stars sheet. Math Superstars is a program that offers students challenge in problem solving. The problems on the sheets require mathematical skill, logical reasoning, and problem solving. Students will receive a new sheet each Monday and completed sheets are due on Friday. Students may find some problems difficult, please help your child with the problems as much as possible without telling them the answer. In order to receive credit for completing their homework students must show that they have at least attempted the problem. Leaving a problem blank or simply putting a question mark does not show an attempt. 
     We will take our first timed quizzes this week. Students will take a timed quiz every other week. Students will receive one multiplication quiz and one division quiz. Multiplication quizzes covers facts through 9 x 9. Division quizzes covers facts through 12 x 12. Each page will have 50 questions. The problems are randomly generated, so students should study and review all of their facts. For the first nine weeks students will get 3 minutes per quiz. During the second weeks the time will drop to 2 minutes and 30 seconds. During the third and fourth nine weeks students will have 2 minutes per quiz. Some websites that may help students practice are:
http://www.mathplayground.com/ASB_GrandPrixMultiplication.html 
http://www.mathplayground.com/ASB_DragRaceDivision.html
http://www.coolmath4kids.com/timernator/Timernator-multiplication.html

More Challenging Practice
http://www.oswego.org/ocsd-web/games/SumSense/summulti.html
http://www.oswego.org/ocsd-web/games/SumSense/sumdiv.html

Science
     This week in science we are learning about how scientist answer questions. So far we have learned a little bit about what science is, what some of the tools of science are, and what is a testable question. Students also completed their first lab, How many drops of water will fit on a penny?

Please see the Fun Websites sections on the right hand side of the screen to find some website links that students can use for more practice with what we are working in class.

Don't forget that there is no school on Monday. Have a Wonderful weekend!!