Mr. Hubbard's Class: Thursday, April 17, 2014, Week 34 and Day 146

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Thursday, April 17, 2014, Week 34 and Day 146

We started the day by discussing with the students their pros/cons regarding their first SBAC experience. I was mostly worried about how they felt emotionally from the experience. The kids felt that Scootpad did a great job of helping them be prepared for the grammar and language arts section. Many students were shocked by the overall lack of questions however we discussed that this could be a reflection of it only being a practice year? If you have time please ask your son/daughter about their thoughts regarding their first taste of common core testing.

Having finished our Lewis and Clark section, we are working on our closing project related to the Corp of Discovery. The students are each going to choose the 10 most significant events that occurred on their trip. They will then in a few sentences explain why this is one of the 10 most important events. Then they will find where on the map the event occurred. This is asking to do some research from our book and online resources to figure out where they think events occurred and then be able to put it as a point on the map.

We are still working on our fractions and common core type questions. We finally completed our fractions test. Beginning tomorrow those that did not reach 80% will have an opportunity to review and practice fractions more. Others will have a chance to challenge themselves with some of the geometry concepts.

One thing to keep in mind is that I pulled the fraction questions from our newest bank of common core questions that we have in Oars. Some of these questions are unique from questions they have been asked before and it also makes it apparent that I need to evolve my game and show the fraction information in a way that will help them apply the concepts of fractions as they are now going to be assessed.

For example: They may be given a fraction of 2 / 3 then the students are asked to choose scenarios that are really equal to 2 / 3.

Three students only have two apples to share and they must share them equally.

Or Timmy only could read 40 minutes out of the minimum 60 minutes requested of him.

Or 2 divided by 3

So every student will receive a paper copy of the test and their results. All students that finished below 80% will receive an opportunity to retake the test. Students that have been working hard should not lose hope. We are all learning and changing as the “game” is evolving. So I’ll continue growing & improving and they too will continue growing and improving. Provided the determination and perseverance is there, everything will work out.

Regarding our math going forward for the rest of the year, 5th geometry is on the plate. Common Core puts a big emphasis on -- volume (with the assumption that area has to be a pre-known mastered skill) and graphing with X,Y coordinates.

So we began reviewing some basic geometry concepts, watched some Khanacademy, Brainpops and tomorrow we will continue practicing volume.

The discussion on volume also led into a great science discussion. We discussed volume versus mass when purchasing certain items (potato chips or bread versus purchasing milk or soda). This led to a discussion on density. This led to a discussion on density being greater in “regular” soda than “diet” soda. Then we hypothesized, like scientist, what would happen if we tossed unopened Dr. Pepper, Dr. Pepper 10 and Diet Dr. Pepper into a pool. Would all three sodas float to three different levels? Then we asked what would happen if we opened up the can under water? Kids were debating and defending their answers. I’m hoping someone with a pool and maybe a waterproof Go Pro will find out for us.

As discussed in the Tuesday email -- please have your kids continue practicing the 50 states & capitals. Also their homework should be focused on reading for enjoyment, math and on the Dead President report. See below for links that will help with studying the states/capitals, instructions for the Dead President report and tomorrow’s math homework.

Help make PFC some money. How? Check out the on-line auction at www.dublinpfc.org

I’m taking a winner out to Vals for lunch.

Mr. Franklin and I are going to play some kids 2 on 3 in basketball.

May 2nd, just 2 days prior to “May the 4th be with you” Day -- the DES guys (Mr. Franklin, Mr. Holbach and myself) are hosting a Star Wars and Beer (rootbeer that is) viewing in C-5.

Kind regards,

Mr. Hubbard

Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply. They're either speaking or preparing to speak.