Surface Area

Yesterday, we started to determine the surface area of prisms. The kids caught on so fast!! To determine surface area of a prism, we find the area of each face (side) of the prism and then add all of the areas together. The formula that we will see on our reference sheet is SA= 2bh + 2bw + 2hw. We have been working hard and here is the chart we created together:

Here shows why we multiply each formula (bh, bw, hw) by 2

 

Happy Valetine's Day!!

Made some yummy cookies for my friends! Hope everyone has a nice Valentine's Day!!

Word Walls

I have 2 bulletin boards in my room; I use one for calendar math and another one for a spotlight on science. So this year I had to get creative with my wordwalls. My math one is my favorite. I used tape to make boxes and used pretty letters to give it some color. My science wordwall is on my cabinets. I love this too!!

This is where we put all of the words we have learned that correlate with what we are learning.

Benchmark Tests

Next week, we will take our math and science benchmark tests. This is a very important assessment; I need them to be focused and on point. We have learned so much and I need them to show me now! I will look at this data and see the areas we need to hit extra hard before FCAT. After I get the data back and share it with the kids, I will plan another data night to share it with my wonderful parents!!

On another note, I am so excited for them to take it!! I can't wait to see their growth!!

Moving on!!

Today we wrapped up our force and motion unit. The kids did great!! They seemed to really enjoy all of the experiments and even when we charted about our explorations. We had some really good discussions. I can tell that they enjoyed it; it showed in their work. We took the final test today and they did awesome!! I am one proud teacher!!

What happens to the motion of a set of books when forces act on it?

Today we did an essential exploration where students were testing what happens to the motion of a set of books happens when forces act on it. They had 2 spring scales and a set of 6 leveled readers. They attached a spring scale to each end of the book. For the first 2 trials, they applied the same force. As I was walking around, we discussed what was going on with their exploration. I asked, "What happens when you both apply the same amount of force?" Most replied--the book didn't move because the forces are balanced. We learned yesterday that balanced forces are forces of equal strength that act on an object from opposite directions so that the object’s motion does not change. They remembered!!

But for the last 2 steps, one partner applied more force and they noticed that the books moved in the direction that the partner was applying more force. We discussed that unbalanced forces will cause a change in the motion of an object and can cause an object to move, start, and speed up or slow down. They are so smart!! They said they loved the experiments today too!!

RJ and his partner doing the exploration.

Hali and Natalie recording their data.

Student Made Strategy Charts

Every once in awhile I like to have my kids create strategy charts. I normally use this as an end of unit assignment. Yesterday they made charts for area of trapezoids. They turned out super cute!!