4th-5th Grade Explorers 2012-2013
Fall Semester Theme: GETTING ORIENTED: Exploring Points, Lines, Intersections, & Angles
Spring Semester Theme: NAVIGATING: Exploring Systems, Cycles, Spirals, Perspectives & Connections
Monday
9:00
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Weather Data Collection
Students will create a weather station for measuring temperature, rainfall, etc. and record daily on calendar grid. Results used in science/math.
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Create April Weather Data Calendars for recording daily precipitation, high and low temperatures, daylight hours, wind speed/direction for these locations: Asheville, NC, London, England, and Cairo, Egypt.
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9:15
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Centering/Class Meeting
Class Meeting Agenda:
Review World Class Explorers
Positive Discipline Plan for
Individual and Collective Space and Respect
Expectations
Environment
Questions
Quests
Ideas
Itinerary
Self-organization: Homework folder, math and writing journal, field notebook for science and social studies notes; Explorer Book Club reading log and literary analysis; sketchbook
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Goals and Reflections
Circle of stones; class meeting updates and week’s agenda; field trip plans; goals and reflections notebooks
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9:30
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Spelling Quiz (Review Week 20 sentences)
Week 21
Sight words, short o words,
and academic vocabulary
1.can’t
2. matter
3. square
4. syllables
5. perhaps
6. bill
7. felt
8. suddenly
9. test
10. direction
11. adopt
12. bother
13. congress
14. comment
15. monster
16. parallel
17. series
18. charge
19. export
20. import
21. transport
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New Words and Prepositions
Week 22
Sight words, short u words,
and academic vocabulary
1. center
2. farmers
3. ready
4. anything
5. divided
6. general
7. energy
8. subject
9. Europe
10. moon
11. bubble
12. husband
13. funny
14. publish
15. snuggle
16. inflation
17. ration
18. stock
19. depression
20. drought
21. aqueduct
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10:00
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Math Groups
QUIZ or DRILL
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5th Grade: Reviewing fractions and decimals; students will take dictation of word forms of decimals, convert to numerical form on white board, and then show equivalent value as a decimal (3 rounds) as independent practice. Then students will demonstrate mastery on written quiz for portfolio assessment.
Homework:
Interactive
In this interactive, Harry gives an overview of working with fractions, decimals and percents, focusing on how to convert between them. Also included: the mini-game Stop the Pop, a comic video and quiz-show questions.
Grade Levels: 5-6
4th Grade: Review fractions and how to solve each operation.
Homework: Pg 127 (if not done over spring break)
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11:00-
11:55
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Research and Writing Centers
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New Spelling Words
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12:00-1:00
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Lunch & Recess
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1:00-1:30
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Multi-sensory Language Arts
Students will explore different ways of learning, practicing, using language, reading, listening, writing, and speaking (includes vocabulary, spelling, phonics, phonemics)
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Parts of Speech Project: NOUNS
PROPER NOUNS
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PBL (Project-based Learning: individual research, math, and reading projects)
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PLAY PRACTICE
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2:00- 3:00
Computer Lab
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(On-going throughout
Africa Studies Unit)
Students will discuss and draw conclusions about the connections between the stories and the natural world that inspired them.
Revisit Key Unit Questions:
How do the geographic features of a region affect the people who live there?
How can the activities of people affect the local environment?
How do the stories people tell reflect where they are from?
How can stories be used to persuade people to act in a particular way?
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Ornithology
Bird Books
Listening practice
12 new birds
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3:00-3:25
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PE
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3:25-3:30
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Pack up and clean up
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3:30
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Afterschool
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(robin lessons)
Reflections/Goals: THE AFRICA STORY PROJECT:
Due: African story project including characters, setting, story map and outline of plot, audience and purpose; final project in published form due
TUESDAY
9:00
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Weather Data Collection
Students will create a weather station for measuring temperature, rainfall, etc. and record daily on calendar grid. Results used in science/math.
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April Weather Data Calendars for recording daily precipitation, high and low temperatures, daylight hours, wind speed/direction for these locations: Asheville, NC, London, England, and Cairo, Egypt.
The Robin Update:
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9:30-10:00
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Mathlete Training
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OLYMPIC MATHLETE TRAINING
Biceps (multiples of two) and Triceps (multiples of three) and squats (quadriceps) multiples of four
(abdominals) multiples of six
(deltoids) squares and square roots)
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9:45
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Daily Journal & Explorer Publications
Students respond to writing prompt/morning discussion in daily personal journal.
Multi-sensory Language Arts
Students will explore different ways of learning, practicing, using language, reading, listening, writing, and speaking (includes vocabulary, spelling, phonics, phonemics)
Risk-taking; cooperation; literacy, communication, trust
Students will work in teams and independently to conduct qualitative and quantitative research
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Birding with Kevin and Blair!!
Listening Practice: Review new birds and listen to our class song submission to contest
Continue following Robin Spring Migration
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10:00
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Math Groups
Students grouped according to achievement in math with vertical lift
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5th Grade: Math in the Real World:
(independent application in class; finish for HW)
4th Grade: Review homework. Learn how to solve fraction word problems.
Homework: Pages 128 and 131
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11:00-11:30
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SMART BOARD/COMPUTER LAB
Technology
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The Story of Sugar: African Slave Trade
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11:30-12:00
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Literature Circles and Explorer Book Club Reports/Projects
Determine the main ideas and supporting details of a text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.
Ask and answer questions about information from a speaker, offering appropriate elaboration and detail.
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Create Programs for the Play (cast of characters)
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12:00-1:00
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Outside Play & Lunch
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1:00-1:30
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INDEPENDENT READING
Book Groups (assigned texts for reading assessments or
Self-selected texts; individual reading assessments
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Students will practice play on stage with music and props
Formal Dress Rehearsal with K-1 audience
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2:55
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EXPLORATIONS
Around-the-World Adventures (Multi-sensory centers which include: Scientific Inquiry, Social Studies & Science, Cultural Arts & Humanities, Visual Arts, Games and Logic, History, Language, Diversity of Life Exploration)
Students will practice Essential Learning Skills as they complete a set of Explorer challenges pertaining to the context of the geographical region they are “visiting,” virtually.
Students will read a series of myths, legends, and folktales from Africa which include landforms, animals, seasons, etc. indigenous to Africa that appear as characters, symbols, or settings in these stories. (On-going throughout
Africa Studies Unit)
Students will discuss and draw conclusions about the connections between the stories and the natural world that inspired them.
Key Unit Questions:
How do the geographic features of a region affect the people who live there?
How can the activities of people affect the local environment?
How do the stories people tell reflect where they are from?
How can stories be used to persuade people to act in a particular way?
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PLAY PRACTICE with sound effects and music
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2:45-3:20
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Written Reflections (Field Journal Summaries, Analysis, Goal-checks, etc.)
Objectives:
Students will view images of different parts of Africa. examine the human geography of Africa; examine the physical geography of Africa; and understand the relationships between factors such as terrain, population, animal life, and culture.
***Key Unit Questions:
How do the geographic features of a region affect the people who live there?
How can the activities of people affect the local environment?
How do the stories people tell reflect where they are from?
How can stories be used to persuade people to act in a particular way?
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Clean up, prepare for play
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3:20
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CLEAN UP
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3:30
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Afterschool
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WEDNESDAY
9:00
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Weather Data Collection
Students will create a weather station for measuring temperature, rainfall, etc. and record daily on calendar grid. Results used in science/math.
Species of the day:
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April Weather Data Calendars for recording daily precipitation, high and low temperatures, daylight hours, wind speed/direction for these locations: Asheville, NC, London, England, and Cairo, Egypt.
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9:15
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Self-organization: Homework folder, math and writing journal, field notebook for science and social studies notes; Explorer Book Club reading log and literary analysis; sketchbook
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Goals and Reflections
measuring objectives
Cursive Practice: CAPITAL LETTERS
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9:30
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Daily Journal & Explorer Publishing
Students respond to writing prompt/morning discussion in daily personal journal.
Risk-taking; cooperation; literacy, communication, trust
Math Journal: Explorers use math to count, number, name, measure, order, document, analyze, locate, time, compare, predict, etc. Time and Place:
Measurement notes on units of time (millennium to millisecond); Place: Circle Facts for creating compass rose with cardinal directions
Students will use word wall to write a paragraph about how Explorers Use math.
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Birdsong Identification
Listening Practice and Circle of Stones
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To be cont. Thursday
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History Investigations
Students will:
1. pay attention to detail in all types of observations.
2. formulate questions that could be researched or that could lead to investigations.
3. seek out answers to those questions through observation, exploration, and research.
4. record and share information learned.
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Interactive geography of Africa game:
Introduce THEODOSIA THROCKMORTON and the Serpents of Chaos
and write 10 facts from your reading
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10:10
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Math Groups
Promethean Board
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4th Grade: Review word problems homework.
Homework: Comprehensive fractions worksheet. Due Friday.
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11:10-11:55
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Language Arts
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12:00-1:00
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Lunch & Recess
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1:00-2:30
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ART EXPLORATIONS:
Art History and Studio
OVERVIEW
The goal of this unit is to introduce students to the basic elements of art (color, line, shape, form, and texture) and to show students how artists use these elements in different ways in their work. In the unit, students will answer questions as they look carefully at paintings and sculpture to identify the elements and analyze how they are used. Students will also learn about individual artists and their methods of emphasizing the elements of art.
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The Enchanted Lake
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Diversity of Life (Multi-sensory centers which include: Scientific Inquiry, Social Studies & Science, Cultural Arts & Humanities, Visual Arts, Games and Logic, History, Language, Exploration)
Students will practice Essential Learning Skills as they complete a set of Explorer challenges pertaining to the context of the geographical region they are “visiting,” virtually.
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2:30
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Explorer Book Club
Shared origin stories, myths, legends, modern literature, poetry, non-fiction, and drama from the region of the world we are studying.
Students will practice Essential Learning Skills as they complete a set of Explorer challenges pertaining to the context of the geographical region they are “visiting,” virtually.
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Visit tombs virtually (field journal notes)
Theodosia (Chapters 2-3)
Discussion
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3:00-3:25
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ART
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3:25-3:30
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Pack up and clean up
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3:30
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Afterschool
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Reflections/Goals:
THURSDAY
9:00
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Weather Data Collection
Students will create a weather station for measuring temperature, rainfall, etc. and record daily on calendar grid. Results used in science/math.
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AVERAGE THURSDAY
April Weather Data Calendars for recording daily precipitation, high and low temperatures, daylight hours, wind speed/direction for these locations: Asheville, NC, London, England, and Cairo, Egypt.
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9:30
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WHOLE GROUP MATH
Estimation Station
Make Reasonable Estimates
Computational Estimation Goal 6: Make reasonable estimates for whole number and decimal addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division problems and fraction and mixed number addition and subtraction problems; explain how the estimates were obtained.
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Word problems (Whole class reading, logic, reasoning, sequencing lesson to practice solving word problems.)
Examine Egyptian numbers and fractions
Use number translator to translate your age, address, birthday, and grade into an Egyptian number. (HW)
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10:15
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Spanish
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Students will explore different ways of learning, practicing, using Spanish language, reading, listening, writing, and speaking (includes vocabulary, spelling, phonics, phonemics)
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11:00
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MUSIC with River
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12:00-12:55
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Outside Play & Lunch
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12:55-1:30
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Language Arts
Story Circle and Literature Discussion
Shared origin stories, myths, legends, modern literature, poetry, non-fiction, and drama from the region of the world we are studying
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THEODOSIA
Static and Dynamic Characters
Characterization Lesson
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1:30-
2:30
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Science Investigations
Students will:
1. pay attention to detail in all types of observations.
2. formulate questions that could be researched or that could lead to investigations.
3. seek out answers to those questions through observation, exploration, and research.
4. record and share information learned.
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.Introduction to the Scientific Method Projects.
Students will learn how to use the scientific method to conduct accurate science experiments.
More information to come.
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2:30-
3:20
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History Investigations
Students will:
1. pay attention to detail in all types of observations.
2. formulate questions that could be researched or that could lead to investigations.
3. seek out answers to those questions through observation, exploration, and research.
4. record and share information learned.
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Get to know a mummy; plan your afterlife; explore mummies, tombs, and pharaoh gold; and design a message to email to a friend at the Museum of Science
(Pick any 3 activities to do before Monday)
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3:20-3:30
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clean-up and Whole Class Collective Reflections/Goals
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3:30
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Afterschool
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Essential Learning Skills: Self-organization, Communication, Collaboration/cooperation, Use appropriate resources to seek, access, and apply knowledge, Function Independently, Demonstrate Self-Confidence, Make Decisions, Take risks, and Be Present in Mind-Body-Spirit (conscious/conscience)
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Notes:
Materials:
Reflections/
Goals:
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Exploration of Africa Homework resources:
FRIDAY
9:00
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Weather Data Collection
Students will create a weather station for measuring temperature, rainfall, etc. and record daily on calendar grid. Results used in science/math.
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April Weather Data Calendars for recording daily precipitation, high and low temperatures, daylight hours, wind speed/direction for these locations: Asheville, NC, London, England, and Cairo, Egypt.
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9:30
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Centering/Brief Class Meeting
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10:00
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Students will use Essential Learning skills in self-reflection of work (process and product) to select pieces for PassPortFolios. They will write an explanation of their work, what they learned, and why they have chosen this example for their portfolios. They will create a digital archive using the document camera and post to their own individual page on the class blog.
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Self-reflection/Goals
Students will use Essential Learning skills in self-reflection of work (process and product) to select pieces for PassPortFolios. They will write an explanation of their work, what they learned, and why they have chosen this example for their portfolios. They will create a digital archive using the document camera and post to their own individual page on the class blog.
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10:30-11:55
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Portfolio
Independent Reading
Document Camera
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Sound Science Investigations
Students will rotate through stations that examine different aspects of sound and the science behind how it is created.
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12:00-1:00
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Outside Play & Lunch
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1:00-1:30
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Back Porch Time/Bead Reward
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1:30
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SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATIONS
Students will work in teams and independently to conduct qualitative and quantitative research
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Botanical Garden Tree visit
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2:30
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STUDENT OBJECTIVES
Students will:
observe and write about their observations in a science field journal.
pay attention to detail in all types of observations.
formulate questions that could be researched or that could lead to investigations.
seek out answers to those questions through observation, exploration, and research.
record and share information learned.
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Archaeological Dig
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3:00
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Closing and Weekly REFLECTIONS
Students will share self-selected texts and projects from portfolios and discuss goals/reflections for the week, collectively and individually.
Student Jobs, Pack up & Pick up
Leveled readers
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3:30
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Afterschool
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