Year 5 News: How The World Works and More!

The second semester is well underway and we have been doing lots of exciting things in our classroom!  We can't wait to share with you all of the excitment!

How the World Works
We have started the next PYP theme of "How the World Works".  In this unit, we are focusing on physics based topics like force, motion, speed, and Newton's laws.  Each student is working hard on completing a science fair experiment, which they will present to the school and their parents at the end of September.  They are being inquirers and using the scientific method to complete their experiment.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Along with the science unit, we are also reading the book Wonder, by R.J. Palacio.  This book is about a 5th grade boy named August who has a physical deformity.  In the book, he is  overcoming his biggest fear of attending school after being homeschooled for many years.  The book takes us through different characters who are part of August's life as they address different issues such as bullying and starting at a new school, both of which the students can relate to.

Math
Since the students will be taking a test to get into other schools this upcoming month, we have started a "Math Tracker" chart.  Each day, the student's bell-work and exit ticket is a math word problem that they may see on the test.  If they get it correct they get a sticker to mark their progress.  Our classroom goal is to have 80-100% correct work.  This has helped the students focus and get into "test mode".  I am confident that every student is prepared for this test and with everyone's support, they will succeed!