Science Projects

We have been super busy in Science. We have been learning all about plants and animals.  Here is a look at some of the projects we have done.

 Labeling the parts of a Plant

Making a Backbone for Vertebrate Animals

Identifying the Life Cycle of a Butterfly

Science Bonus Points Project

Science Life Cycles

Bonus Project

Assignment:  Shoe Box diorama

Due by:  Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Reference:  Science textbook, Chapter 3, pages A70-A78.

Each student who wishes to earn bonus points will need to create a shoe box diorama illustrating the scenes of a life cycle of their choice (apple tree, pine tree, butterfly, frog, or chicken).  They may use construction paper, crayons, markers, scissors, glue, etc. (really anything goes…be creative!).

*This assignment is optional and will need to be completed at home; however, the student may earn up to 15 bonus points in Science depending on neatness, accuracy, and creativity!

Studyisland

Studyisland is a wonderful learning tool that reinforces the skills we are working on in class. Students have assignments, which are graded, to work on. I will be giving students assignments, to work on each week.  These can be found under my class on the log in page. They may also work ahead on other skills too. Once a student has mastered a skill, they are awarded a blue ribbon. We will be doing things throughout the year for students who have earned a certain number of blue ribbons. Once a student has reached 75% mastery, the games that go along with the skill are unlocked.

Studyisland can be accessed anywhere there is internet connection.  Visit Studyisland. Your student should know his/her username and password, if not it can be found in his/her planner.  

Multiplication

  **The following letter was sent home with students today!  **

Multiplication is a HUGE part of third grade mathematics.  Our goal is for your student to become accurate and automatic with their facts, 0-12.  Mastery is vital to your child’s mathematical success.  Knowledge of these facts will affect them as they learn and work with decimals, division, fractions, word problems, and more!  I will give each student a multiplication chart with all of the facts, and we will be making flash cards each week in class, please practice these EVERY DAY!!!  You can take these cards with you and practice them wherever you go:  in the car, at the doctor, while cooking supper, before bed, during TV commercials, etc.

We will be working on 1 set per week.  The students will take timed tests daily.  These will not count as a grade.  Every FRIDAY we will take a timed test that will be graded.  Students will have 2 minutes to complete 33 problems.  We will go in order through the facts, but you can keep up with which facts we are on in the planners, on our newsletter, and on the blog. Next week, we will begin with 0’s and 1’s.  Our first test will be on Friday, September 20. 

In addition, later in the year students will be required to complete a math program on the computer called Math Facts in a Flash.  This is timed multiplication drills.  We will not begin this program until a later date, but students will have time in class to work on this.

Once students have mastered all of their facts, 0-12, they will be invited to a free ice cream party!  Thanks for helping us work on this, and all of your support!

Renaissance Home Connect

As you all know, we use a program at school called Renaissance Place.  We use this program for AR, STAR testing, and Math Facts in a Flash.  This program has a feature called Renaissance Home Connect, which you can access outside of school with any computer that has internet connection. It is fun and easy to use.  It allows you to access information about your child’s progress in Accelerated Reader. It even has a feature where you can receive emails showing your student’s quiz or test results. 

To try Renaissance Home Connect click this link and use the username and password your child was given last week.  (This maybe different from his/her username and password at school.) Your child will NOT be able to take any AR test from home. 

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

September 11th

 

Today was the twelfth anniversary of September 11th. We took time as a class to look back on this day and to remember those who lost their lives. 

Yesterday, I gave the students a homework assignment. The assignment  was for each student to interview one adult about September 11th. They were to ask someone what they remembered about that day, where were they, how did they feel, and anything else that was important about that day. I was amazed at the great job each child did. Today as a class we discussed the day and then I let them share some of the thing they had learned from their interviews. They all did an amazing job. We also talked about remembering those who lost their lives, families who lost someone, and also those who were or are serving our country. 

Parents, thank you for your help with this and thanks for all you do! 

Fall Festival

The annual PCES Fall Festival will be Friday, October 4 from 12-3 p.m.  The festival will be held on the track beside PCES.  There will be food, games, blow-ups, art activities, candy, and of course lots of fun! 

Wristbands are on sale now.  They are $7 a piece and it will allow your child to be able to go the event.  Tickets are also on sale for $0.50 a piece.  Tickets will be needed to purchase food or if they want to make a craft. 

Parents we are in need of volunteers and candy.  We are currently accepting donations of individually wrapped candy.  We are also in need of parents to volunteer the day of the event.  We need parents to help set up and to clean up.  We also need volunteers to help run games or the concession stand.  If you would like to help, please let me know.

If you have any questions, please let me know!

 

Box Tops

Again this year, our school is collecting Box Tops for Education.  This is an easy and fun way to earn extra money for our school.  Box Tops for Education can be found on a variety of things.  They are probably found on things you use every day!

All you have to do is cut the box top from the package and send them to the school.  We will do the rest!

Visit Box Tops for Education to see what products have box tops on them or to learn more!

Thanks!!