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News from the 5-6 Class

Click here for the March 2009 school calendar.

News from the 5-6 Class

February may have been a short month, but the 5/6 students worked extra hard throughout our days together as they were actively engaged in a novel study on Dealing with Dragons, a poetry unit, and a theme study on ancient China. 

In February, as the students continued their study of ancient China, they learned about the historical background of the Silk Road to set the scene for traveling this famous trade route. The students discovered the Silk Road’s four major geographic features, and displayed their knowledge through a 3-D geography activity. They learned about many products that came to the west from China, and were able to test their advertising talents through their efforts to “sell” Chinese products by designing a billboard.

In March, we will conclude our study of ancient China by having a banquet in celebration of the unit. We will also complete a DBQ, Document-Based Question Assessment, where the students will interpret historical records and express their understanding of the history of ancient China through a well-written essay.  In March, the 5/6 students will also be learning about the scientific method as they prepare for the science fair.  Each student will select a topic to investigate by beginning with a question they have based on their interests and wonders.  Once they have established a theme, they will be asked to make an educated guess, or hypothesis, based on the research they have done on their topic.  Over the course of the next few weeks, the students will perform their experiment, record observations, gather data, and formulate a conclusion based on their results.  The students will display their completed experiments on a display board for all to enjoy at the school science fair.

The month of March is going to be very active for the 5/6 students.  They will be completing an exciting culminating activity to celebrate the conclusions of the novel, Dealing with Dragons, continue to write and publish pieces of poetry, complete a science fair project, celebrate the conclusion of our theme study on ancient China and learn about adolescence and the changing body.

March is going to be filled with a variety of learning experiences.  I look forward to leading the students through this multifaceted adventure.

Lianne Adams