Valentine Party Pics and Fun With Mentos!

February is racing to a close, it seems, and we are doing our best to keep up in fifth grade!  Maybe this snow day helps provide a few extra moments to devote to that science fair project, studying for the science test, reading that awesome book that was just checked out, researching the issue for the research-based argument essay...working on the classroom blog...

We are really excited to welcome an education student from Washington University this semester, who is working in our classroom with us.  Miss Konowitz is joining us about twice a week to learn about elementary classroom teaching, and will be helping us with our upcoming American Revolution unit due to her expertise in history.  Maybe you already met her at our Valentine party?

Speaking of our Valentine party, thank you so much for volunteering your time, snacks, and energy to helping us have a fun Valentine celebration!

This week we are wrapping up our time working with Mrs. Hwande in the science lab.  She has been AMAZING, getting us so excited about our science learning!  What better way to celebrate our time together than with chemical reactions?  Specifically, the Mentos and Diet Coke variety...in slow motion so you can really appreciate the full effect...

Of course, why stop at two pieces of candy in a smallish bottle when you can do more?

Our assessment over our Mixtures and Solutions unit will be tomorrow.  The class is well-prepared and ready to show all their learning, but it wouldn't hurt for them to spend some time reviewing today, paying special attention to the ratios of concentrations.  Make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to enjoy your day off, too!  See you tomorrow!

Coming Attractions...
2/29 - Mix It Up Day
3/4 - PTO Movie Night at 7pm
3/7 - Science Fair Projects Due
3/10 - Field Trip: Walk to Wydown Middle School for the Spring Musical
3/11 - Early Release Day
3/12 - District Science Fair at Clayton High School 9:30-11:30am
3/14-3/17 - Parent Teacher Conferences
3/17 - Early Release Day
3/18-3/27 - Spring Break!

Love is in the air...

...because fifth graders LOVE Valentine's Day!

Our Captain tradition is that each student crafts their own Valentine Box.  Typically, students use shoeboxes or something similar in size.  Some students like to decorate it with a theme or character in mind.  Some simply cover their box in red paper.  It is totally up to the individual as long as there is a spot in which to put Valentines and a way to take out the Valentines.  These boxes are placed on top of lockers and at some point during our party day, we will ask students to pass out Valentines.

Speaking of Valentines, if students wish to participate in passing out Valentines, they must choose between handing them out to everyone in our homeroom OR everyone in fifth grade.  I will be sending home class lists so that your child knows how to spell each person's name.

Our party will be next Thursday, February 11th at 2:30.

Fifth graders also LOVE science!  We have really been enjoying our Mixtures and Solutions unit.  Check it out:

The mixture separation challenge!

Carefully preparing the filter paper.  Note the safety goggles.

Removing iron filings using a magnet.

Note-booking all the way!

NaCl (Kosher salt) crystals post-evaporation!

Students are bringing a graded science I-Check home today.  They should keep this to study from in preparation for our assessment.

On the Radar
2/4 - Wydown Principal and Counselor Visit to Captain
2/5 - Wear Red for Heart Health
2/11 - Wydown Course Selection Sheets Due & Valentine Parties
2/12 - No School - Teacher Professional Learning Day
2/15 - No School - President's Day
2/17 - Chorus Field Trip to Clayton High School for Black History Night Rehearsal
2/18 - Black History Night at Clayton High School (chorus members must wear some combination of black and/or white)