November 5-9

Science

• The anoles (American Southeastern Chameleons) came to spend some time with the fifth grade last week. Student teams have been working on the construction of terrarium homes for the lizards and have successfully been feeding crickets to them. We'll be continuing our study of food chains and webs this week through observation of the anoles as well as some observation of crickets and earthworms.
• Monday: Blocks 1 and 2 need to complete the observation of earthworms and their body parts. After observation, the worms will take up permanent residence in the terrariums. Block 3 will be doing some additions to the terrariums and will add a worm anatomy sheet to their science journals.
• Tuesday: Blocks 1 and 2 will add their worm anatomy sheets to the journals. All three blocks will begin reading in the Food Chain reading book about food chains and webs. Groups will also review cricket anatomy for a quiz tomorrow. (Tuesday is a scheduled feeding day for the lizards.)
• Wednesday: Short quiz on cricket anatomy. Students may use their notes from the science journal for this activity.
• Thursday: Insect video. (Thursday is another scheduled feeding day. Have your student explain why reptiles need less food than warm blooded animals.)
• Friday: More work in the Food Chain reading book today.

This week students will be bringing home a permission slip outlining how they would qualify to adopt one of the lizards at the conclusion of our study.

Care sheet for green anoles:  http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/lizardsaspets/a/greenanolecare.htm 


Social Studies

• Monday and Tuesday: Elections and voting - Homework: Remind your parents to go to the polls and vote on Tuesday!
• Wednesday: Make a study map of 10 major U.S. cities that are not capitals. (New York, Chicago, Detroit, St. Louis, New Orleans, Denver, Los Angeles, Houston, Phoenix, and Miami). A map test on the location of these cities is set for Wednesday, November 14.

Printable maps from NationalAtlas.gov:  http://www.nationalatlas.gov/printable.html
Printable U.S. outline maps from Eduation Place:  http://www.eduplace.com/ss/maps/usa.html


Fifth Grade News

The fifth grade Veterans' Day program is set for Tuesday, November 13 at 8:00 in the gymnasium. Parents and relatives are invited to attend this short program honoring all those who have served our country through military service.