Friday, February 28th, 2020

Inquiry

The Arctic

This week we watched some provocations to build on our understanding of the Arctic and ignite our curiosity into the problems the Arctic is facing. After watching the videos, students brainstormed challenges that the Arctic is going to be facing in the next 30 years. We are now going to use design thinking to solve some of these problems. 

Pelly Island is Falling Away

Risk of Ice-Free Arctic

Math

Robotics and Word Problems

This week we used our Wonder bots to solve some Arctic word problems. Students had to solve multiple step addition and subtraction word problems, using Dash and the Blockly coding app. Below are some amazing snapshots of student's code. Of note, it is amazing to see students really developing their understanding of coding and building Functions and using variables (The fruit symbols are variables).

Subtraction with a Number Line

After talking about and reviewing what subtraction is and how it is different from addition, we began with using a number line to show our understanding of subtraction. This step is important to really cement what it means to subtract prior to moving on to double digit subtraction with regrouping.

Writing

We have been using a storyboard template to plan our Arctic stories, by brainstorming, identifying, and sketching our protagonist, antagonist, supportive characters, setting, problems, and solutions. 

Loose Parts

After planning our stories, we used loose parts (manipulatives) to act out and share our story and story ideas with each other.

Art

Arctic Animal Sketches

Students started their first draft of some detailed Arctic Animal sketches. We are going to outline these and then use watercolors.  

Celebration of Learning

Here is the song students will be singing at the Celebration of Learning. Ms. Mann has encouraged students to practice at home: Song to Practice

Date: Thursday, March 6

Time: 6:00-7:00

See you there!