January 6 - 10

This Week's Activities and Assignments
Monday, January 6   (Blue)
1. Bell Work (Worksheet: Skeletal System)
2. Investigation 2.3 - Naming joints
    (ball & socket, hinge, gliding, fixed)
3. Find and locate joints on skeleton poster
    and skeleton model
4. No homework

Tuesday, January 7   (Gold)
1. Bell Work  (Journal entry)
2. Investigation 2.4 - Comparing bones
3. Investigate "bones in a bag"
4. Student response sheet
5. Homework: Finish student sheet as needed

Wednesday, January 8   (Blue)
1. D.A.R.E.
2. D.A.R.E. report is due Wed., January 15
3. Homework: DARE report

Thursday, January 9   (Gold)
1. Bell Work  (Worksheet: Muscles)
2. Investigation 3.1 - Making a leg model
    - review jump rope
    - discuss moving bones
    - explain role of muscles, tendons, and bones
    - make leg model
3. Homework: DARE report

Friday, January 10   (Blue)
1. Bell Work   (Geography puzzle)
2. USA Weekly #14 - The Road to Revolution
3. USA Weekly Crossword Puzzle
4. Homework: DARE report

This Week's Learning Goals
Monday - Categorize joints of the skeletal system by similarity of operation
Tuesday - Examine a collection of bones and discuss function as related to structure
Wednesday - Identify the 5 W's of reporting bullying
Thursday - Build an operating model of the leg to demonstrate how muscles,
                     tendons, bones, and ligaments work together to move legs and feet
Friday - Examine causes leading up to the American Revolution

D.A.R.E. Report
The DARE report will be assigned on Wednesday of this week. Students will have one week to complete the assignment with the reports due on Wednesday, January 15.  No reports will be accepted after that date, except due to excused absence from school. Of course, reports may be turned in before the due date. Students may also turn in reports by e-mail by sending the completed report to:
ellars.lab@gmail.com

December 16-20

Activities and Assignments for December 16-20
Monday, December 16   (Gold)
1. Bell Work
2. Investigation 2.1  (Looking at thumb joints)
3. Homework: Bone Test Study Guide

Tuesday, December 17   (Blue)
1. Bell Work
2. Investigation 2.2  (Joint tasks)
3. Homework: Bone Test Study Guide

Wednesday, December 18   (Gold)
1. Bell Work
2. Investigation 2.2b  (Naming joints)
3. Homework: Bone Test Study Guide

Thursday, December 19   (Blue)
1. D.A.R.E.
2. Homework: Bone Test Study Guide

Friday, December 20   (Gold)
1. Bell Work
2. Bone Test
3. Challenge: Cut a hole in an index card big enough to step through.
4. Holiday celebration

Holiday Celebration
On Friday, December 20 we'll be having a short celebration of the winter holidays. Your Gold Team teachers have requested that in lieu of a gift exchange, that students simply drop a little in a Salvation Army bucket instead.

Winter Break
This Friday (Dec. 20) is the last day of school before our Winter Break. We'll be back in school on Monday, January 6. Have a safe and restful two weeks.

Video Recommendations
Baby owl spitting up pellet
National Geographic Documentary on Owls  (53:54)

December 9-13

Acuity
The first social studies Acuity Test was last Friday. Lots of concentration and hard work was evident. Effort was off the chart!

Activities and Assignments for December 9-13
Monday, December 9   (Blue)
1. Bell Work
2. Mr. Bones skeleton model
3. No homework

Tuesday, December 10   (Gold)
1. Bell Work
2. Owl pellet investigation  (Investigate and categorize)
3. No homework

Wednesday, December 11   (Blue)
1. Bell Work
2. D.A.R.E.
3. No homework

Thursday, December 12   (Gold)
1. Bell Work
2. Owl pellets continued   (Reconstruct mouse skeleton)
3. No homework

Friday, December 13   (Blue)
1. Bell Work
2. USA Weekly #12   (with question worksheet)
3. No homework

Recommended Video Clips for Home Viewing
1. Bill Nye on Muscles and Bones
2. Human Body Skeletal System
3. Major Axial Bones
4. Major Appendicular Bones

December 2-6

Human Body: Skeletal and Digestive Systems
We've finished up our study of food chains and webs and will be moving on to the human body, specifically the skeletal and digestive systems. This week we're learning the structure and function of the skeleton. We'll be learning the names of important bones in the system and will be observing and studying it's relationship with the muscular system. Later, we'll be exploring the digestive system and how it ties in with the food chain by the way it converts food into energy.

Video Links for Home Viewing
Here are a few video links to view at home. They are directly related to our goals and objectives for this week's learning, but just don't fit into the class time we have available.
Science:
> Bill Nye: Bones and Muscles
> General Skeleton Tutorial  (A lot like like a lecture, but very good graphics.)
Social Studies:
> The Southern English Colonies

Activities and Assignments for December 2-6
Monday, Dec 2   (Gold)
1. Bell Work: Journal entry - What is the function of the skeleton?
2. Lab activity: Observation of how skeleton moves while jumping rope
3. Try to count observed bones
4. No homework

Tuesday, Dec 3   (Blue)
1. Bell Work: Skeleton worksheet
2. FOSS reading book activity: A Marvelous Machine and The Shape of
    Your Shape (with questions)
3. No homework

Wednesday, Dec 4   (Gold)
1. Bell Work: TBA
2. Counting Bones group activity
3. No homework

Thursday, Dec 5   (Blue)
1. D.A.R.E.
2. No homework

Friday, Dec 6   (Gold)
1. First Social Studies Acuity Test (Computer Lab)
2. USA Weekly #11
3. Crossword puzzle for extra credit

November 25-26

Short Week
Thanksgiving break starts early this year. There will be no school in session on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday this week. I shared on the MIS Thanksgiving tree that I'm thankful for this year's fifth graders who come every morning anxious and eager to learn. It's been a fantastic year here at Maxwell!

Anoles
The anoles have found permanent homes. Only one remains in the lab as of today waiting for a Monday pickup. I've had the most luck purchasing small (pinhead) crickets at the Pet Smart in Cherry Tree Plaza at E. Washington and Mitthoeffer Street on the far eastside of Indianapolis. They have a large supply and they're only 11 cents each. The anoles do need to have live food (crickets) as they are sight hunters and need to see their prey moving. With the pinheads, the lizards are perfectly able to eat daily. Just don't put more than one or two in the habitat at a time as they'll actually gang up on the anole if there are too many of them. The anoles get their water by licking drops of water from branches and leaves in the wild as drinking from standing water makes them too accessible to predators (mostly birds). About a ten second spritz of spring water daily should be sufficient. In the lab we were able to maintain their temperature requirements (70's-80's) with an incandescent light bulb. A small thermometer can come in handy to monitor temperature.

Activities and Assignments for the Week
Monday, Nov 25   (Gold Day)
1. Bell Work
2. Checkup of notes and science journal entries on food chains/webs
3. USA Weekly #10  (Focusing on Ben Franklin)
4. No homework

Tuesday, Nov 26   (Blue Day)
D.A.R.E. with Officer McCarley

Wednesday - Friday
Assignment - Have a great Thanksgiving break.
______________________________________________

Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0YbuDqCIOU

The Thanksgiving we celebrate now has only been around about 400 yrs. Native tribes have observed the event for 1000's of years. This is how the Europeans learned of the annual Thanksgiving tradition. http://www.500nations.tv/

November 18-22

Plants
Students have learned that all food chains begin with plants that pass along energy from the sun to primary and secondary consumers. Check out the Bill Nye video on plants:

https://webertube.com/video/19772/bill-nye---plants

Anoles
All students who were selected in the random drawing for anole adoption should have brought a notification letter home on Friday. Pickup will be in the science lab after school on Thursday, November 21 and Friday, November 22. If you arrive before 2:30 please park either on the east side of the building by the gym or south of the white building adjacent to the playground.

This Week's Activities and Assignments
Monday
1. Anole watering
2. Worksheet activity on plants
3. No homework

Tuesday
1. Anole feeding
2. Food chain game
3. No homework

Wednesday
D.A.R.E.

Thursday
1. Anole feeding  (First day of anole pickup)
2. Jeoparday review of food chain module
3. No homework

Friday
1. Anole feeding (Second day of anole pickup)
2. USA Weekly #10  -  Group question activity
3. Flip book on 13 English Colonies
4. Optional homework: USA crossword puzzle for extra credit

November 11-15

Literacy Night
Literacy Night will be held Monday night from 6:30-7:30pm.  Come learn more about our new reading series, why reading instruction has changed, station/independent work, Lexile ranges, as well as ideas and strategies to help support your child.

Anole Adoption
Anoles will be going home with selected students November 21 and 22. This Thursday is the deadline for turning in a permission slip. A copy of the adoption permission slip can be found at the end of today's blog.

Veterans' Day 
Fifth grade celebrated Veterans' Day early this past Friday. All classes met in the cafeteria with a group of veterans to learn about the history and meaning of the day. The program ended with a question and answer session that was enjoyed by both students and veterans. Grateful thanks to all those who have served their country and came to share their experiences with the students who now have a better understanding. Also special thanks to Ashley Greulich and Katherine Ashley for planning and bringing this experience to our students.

This Week's Activities and Assignments
Monday, November 11   (Gold Day)
1. Bell Work
2. Cricket Anatomy Worksheet  (Open note quiz on Friday)
3. Food Chain/Food Web Power Point (Enter notes in Science Journal)
4. Homework: Prep for cricket quiz on Friday

Tuesday, November 12   (Blue Day)
1. Bell Work
2. Feeding Day  (With written observation in Science Journal)
3. Bill Nye - Plants  (With viewing guide questions)
4. Homework: Prep for cricket quiz on Friday

Wednesday, November 13   (Gold Day)
[Fifth grade vision screening today]
1. Bell Work
2. USA Weekly #9 with group question search
3. Begin work on 13 Colonies flip book
4. Homework: Prep for cricket quiz on Friday

Thursday, November 14   (Blue Day)
[Deadline for anole adoption permission slips - see below for form]
1. D.A.R.E.
2. Homework: Prep for cricket quiz on Friday

Friday, November 15   (Gold Day)
[Adoption drawing - Notes go home to parents]
1. Bell Work
2. Feeding Day  (With written observation in Science Journal)
3. Sharing information from Insect book  (Thanks, Chris!)
4. Review this week's learnings
5. No weekend homework 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANOLE ADOPTION

        For the past few weeks, our fifth grade students have observed and studied green anoles, also known as the green American chameleon.  These small creatures are native to the southeastern United States, but can live well in captivity as pets.  We’ve learned that anoles are branch-dwelling organisms that eat only live insects (crickets) because they cannot recognize the insect as prey unless it is moving.  They drink the water they need from drops of dew or rain (spring water misting with a spray bottle) on leaves and do not usually drink from large, stationary water sources such as ponds or lakes.  They need the reflection of light from water droplets to be able to detect the presence of water. 

            As our module on Food Chains and Food Webs draws to a close, we need to begin thinking about homes for our little lizard friends.  Students who have permission from parents will be put into a drawing for one anole.  We will send home a note to those students who receive an anole on Friday, November 15.

            A parent or guardian MUST pick up the anole at dismissal no later than November 22^nd.  Live creatures CANNOT go home on the bus.  In order to properly care for the anole, student families must be prepared with the following:

§  Pick Up Date/time: November 21 or 22  at 2:10 P.M. with a parent/guardian

§  Container with holes to transport the chameleon home

§  Terrarium (Local Pet Store or Wal-Mart)

§  Soil, Gravel, & Branches for the terrarium

§  Live Plants (anoles & crickets eat grass too! A container of cat grass from the pet store works great)

§  Supply of small crickets (Anoles typically eat twice a week)

§  Spring Water for misting the terrarium daily

§  Spray Bottle

§  Keep terrarium temperature between 70 & 80 degrees

§   Visit websites to learn more-- http://www.petuniversity.com/reptiles/lizards/species/green-anole/

*cut & return bottom portion to teacher no later than Thursday, November 14- please keep the top for tips on how to care for the anole

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AMERICAN CHAMELEON ADOPTION

Student Name ___________________________

I give my child permission to enter his/her name in the chameleon drawing. I agree to pick up the chameleon and bring a container to do so, on Thursday 11/21 or Friday 11/22, 2013 at 2:10 P.M. (please circle a date)

Parent/Guardian Name _______________________    Contact Number ______________

November 4 - 8

Conferences
The second round of parent-teacher conferences is set for Tuesday, November 5 from 3:00-7:00.

D.A.R.E.
We started the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program on Thursday. Students met Officer McCarley of GPD, set up their DARE workbooks, and were introduced to the goals and objectives of the program. Officer McCarley will be helping train new GPD officers next week, but our DARE program will resume the following week.

Anoles
Fifth grade students had an exciting week in their science classes as they welcomed the newest addition to the lab - green anoles.

The anoles, lizards commonly found the the southeastern United States, were shipped to MIS this past Tuesday. Mr. Ellars and Mrs. Ashley worked late that afternoon unpacking lizards, crickets, and earthworms from their UPS shipping crates into more comfortable accommodations.

On Wednesday, students had their first chance to observe the anoles and set up terrariums for each lab group. Science classes took the day off on Thursday for our DARE program, but returned to the lab on Friday to transfer an anole from the holding cage to each lab group's individual terrarium. Students completed an observation sheet, fed their anole a live cricket, and created a rainy day in their terrarium with a spray bottle of spring water.

The science goal for Friday was to observe a live animal specimen and to record observed data.

Video clip of male anole showing dewlap and changing color.

Science Thought for the Day
Science is not a "subject," it's a method. It's a methodical, logical way of finding answers to questions. It's an approach to searching for truth that applies to life in general and reaches far beyond the walls of any science classroom. 

Activities and Assignments for the Week
Monday, November 4  (Blue Day)
1. Lab - Observing crickets with data worksheet
2. No homework

Tuesday, November 5  (Gold Day) 
* Feeding day for anoles
1. Reading in the "Food Chains and Webs" book with worksheet
2. USA Weekly #8 with questions to answer
3. Homework: Finish USA Weekly questions if necessary (crossword puzzle for extra credit)


Wednesday, November 6  (Blue Day)
1. Discuss - "What do Crickets Eat?"
2. Vocabulary entries in lab journals
3. Cricket body part worksheet for lab journals

Thursday, November 7  (Gold Day)
1.Lab - Earthworms and decomposers
2. Video - "The Magic School Bus Meets the Rot Squad"   [View the video]

Friday, November 8  (Blue Day)
* Feeding day for anoles
* Veterans' Day program
1. Finish "Food Chains and Webs" booklet with worksheet
2. Lab - Anoles and crickets

October 28-November 1

Conferences
The Parent-Teacher Conferences are coming up on this Wednesday, October 30 and next Tuesday, November 5. We'll be meeting with parents from 3:00 to 7:00 both days after school. If you don't have a time yet be sure to get in touch with your child's homeroom teacher as available times are almost filled up.

Pumpkin Decorating
The PTO is sponsoring an afternoon of pumpkin decorating. Bring along the whole family to MIS this Saturday, October 26 from 2:00-4:00.

DARE
The D.A.R.E. program (Drug and Alcohol Resistance Education) starts this week. Officer Steve McCarley of the Greenfield Police Department will be here on Tuesday for the Blue Team and on Thursday for the Gold Team. Permissions slips are due at the beginning of the week.

This Week's Activities and Assignments
Monday, October 28   Gold Day
1. Bell Work
2. Review what we've done in the Variables Module since the beginning of the year
3. Create a set of review notes
4. Bill Nye video  (if time allows)
5. No homework

Tuesday, October 29   Blue Day
1. Bell Work
2. Checkup over Variables Module   (Open note checkup)
3. USA Weekly history paper #7
4. No homework

Wednesday, October 30   Gold Day
1. Bell Work
2. Introduction to Food Chains and Webs Module
     * Vocabulary: terrarium, organism
     * Review materials and set up procedures
     * Assemble terrariums
3. No homework

Thursday, October 31   Blue Day
1. Bell Work
2. D.A.R.E. program with Officer McCarley
3. No homework

Friday, November 1   Gold Day
1. Bell Work
2. Worm activity
3. Observe anoles and crickets
4. No homework

State Reports

Here are some photos from our State Reports presented last Thursday and Friday. Students had the option of making a suitcase, a coat of arms, or a film scroll showing three or four attractions from the state of their choice.

October 21-25

Fall Break
No school for two weeks. The first quarter is over already and the first of our two week breaks between grading periods is here. School starts up again with the second quarter at the regular time on Monday morning, October 21. If you're looking for something to do during these two weeks, here's a suggestion for the second week of the break.

 Parke County Covered Bridge Festival

Catapults
Last week's schedule called for an investigation of catapults and any variables that might affect their performance. However, neither science class (Mr. Ellars and Mrs. Ashley) were able to get to that area during the week. That will be our main area of concentration in science the week of October 21. Also look for a fun surprise on Thursday. (As long as the weather cooperates!)

Conferences
Parent-teacher conferences begin on Wednesday, October 30 and continue on Tuesday, November 5. If you haven't already made arrangements for a conference time with your child's homeroom teacher for that meeting, please feel free to e-mail during the break.

Activities and Assignments for October 21-25
Monday, October 21   (Blue Day)
 1. Bell Work
2. USA Studies Weekly
3. Homework: USA Weekly question worksheet (if not finished in class) and crossword puzzle (optional for extra credit). 

Tuesday, October 22   (Gold Day)
1. Bell Work
2. Begin catapult investigation: Construct and test.
3. No homework

Wednesday, October 23   (Blue Day)
1. Bell Work
2. Investigate the effect of variables on catapult function
3. No Homework

Thursday, October 24   (Gold Day)
1. Bell Work
2. Outdoor Activity: Investigation on reaction of Mentos and Diet Coke
3. Indoor Activity: Observation sheet and journal entry on outdoor activity
4. No homework

Friday, October 25   (Blue Day)
1. Bell Work
2. Review this week's science activities
3. Short quiz and journal entry on catapults and Mento/Diet Coke activity
4. No weekend homework

Don't forget the Pumpkin Decorating Contest on Saturday, October 26 at MIS

September 30 - October 4

Monday, September 30   (Gold Day)
1. Bell Work
2. Begin investigation with flippers (catapults). We'll be using small craft stick catapults to investigate the effect of different variables on the distance these catapults are able to throw small aluminum foil projectiles.
3. Homework: The state project is due Thursday.

Tuesday, October 1   (Blue Day)
1. Bell Work
2. Today we're testing the effects of projectile size and angle of release on projectile distance.
3. Homework: The state project is due Thursday.

Wednesday, October 2   (Gold Day)
1. Bell Work
2. Mr. Stroud will be visiting class today for a presentation on bullying prevention.
3. Class will also be going over a study guide on everything we've discussed about variables.
4. Homework: The state project is due tomorrow.

Thursday, October 3   (Blue Day)
1. Bell Work
2. A short review game on what we've learned about variables.
3. Students will have time to share their state projects with the class.

Friday, October 4   (Gold Day & Fun Day)
1. Bell Work
2. A little checkup over the Variables Unit.
3. Students will have time to finish sharing their state projects.
4. No homework over the Fall Break, but I will be sending home plans for constructing homemade catapults for anyone who might be interested in making one of their own.
____________________________________________________

Have a safe and restful break...We'll see you back here in two weeks!

September 23-27

Social Studies Assignments -
1. The Northeastern states and capitals test is Friday, Sept 27. Everyone should have a study map.
2. The State Project is due Thursday, October 3. Everyone has an outline of the assignment along with the scoring rubric. See Mr. Ellars if you still need specific details and templates for one of the three optional assignments. (Film Scroll, Coat of Arms, or Suitcase)

Picture Retakes
Picture retakes will be this Friday, September 27. Mr. Ellars has order forms for anyone needing a retake.

Substitute for Tuesday
I will be out Tuesday (Sept. 24) for an annual checkup with my cardiologist. It's been almost two years since my valve replacement and everything is working perfectly, but I still need to visit once a year for a checkup. Unless something changes, Mr. Rutledge is scheduled to be in the classroom Tuesday. The students have worked with him before and understand that I expect the same work and behavior as when I'm there.

Some States and Capitals Practice Games
Your Child Learns
Sheppard Software
Cool Math Games

This Week's Activities and Assignments
Monday, September 23   (Blue Day)
1. Bell Work
2. Group experiments testing different variables affecting flight. (Block 2 will be doing the paper airplane contest.)
3. Homework: Study for Friday's map test and work on state project.

Tuesday, September 24   (Gold Day)
1. Bell Work
2. FOSS science stories activity
3. USA Weekly #4 with worksheet and crossword puzzle
4. Homework: Study for Friday's map test and work on state project.

Wednesday, September 25   (Blue Day)
1. Bell Work
2. Native American Games: Students will create materials needed and play a Native American Game called Man and Snake.
3. Homework: Study for Friday's map test and work on state project.

Thursday, September 26   (Gold Day)
1. Bell Work
2. Finish up Flight Module with review and writing activity
3. Fun Science activity (outdoors if the weather cooperates)
4. Homework: Study for Friday's map test and work on state project.

Friday, September 27   (Blue Day)
1. Bell Work
2. Northeastern states and capitals test
3. The Magic School Bus Takes Flight
4. Homework: Work on state project.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Mr. Ellars' Homeroom Conferences -  Schedule Updated 9/17 @ 4:30 pm

Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled for Thursday, October 24 and Monday, October 28. The fifteen minute conferences on both days will held from 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm. Ten parents from my homeroom have already signed up for the conferences. The available times are listed below. Please let me know as soon as possible what time you'd like to schedule for your conference. Include a first, second, and third choice if possible as times will be "first come first served" and tend to fill up fast.
You may send a note to school with your student, or e-mail me at jellars@gcsc.k12.in.us

This sign up is for Mr. Ellars' homeroom only. Mrs. Knecht-Strong and Miss Greulich will be signing up their homerooms separately.
 __________________________________

Thursday, October 24  (Open times are blank)
3:00 __________
3:15 __________
3:30 __________
3:45 __________
4:00 Reserved
4:15__________
4:30 __________
4:45 Reserved
5:00 Reserved
5:15 __________
5:30 Reserved
5:45 Reserved
6:00 __________
6:15 Reserved
6:30 Reserved


Monday, October 28  (Open times are blank)
3:00 Reserved
3:15 Reserved
3:30 Reserved
3:45 __________
4:00 __________
4:15 Reserved
4:30 Reserved
4:45__________
5:00 __________
5:15 __________
5:30__________
5:45 Reserved
6:00 Reserved
6:15__________
6:30 Reserved

September 16-20

State Project
Even though we're not completely done with the sets of states and capitals (We have the western states test set for Thursday, Sept. 19 and will finish up with the northeastern states on Thursday, Sept. 26.), I'll be passing out the assignment sheet Monday for the project that should wrap up this unit on states and capitals. It's due on October 3 so we can finish up right before the two week Autumn Break. Look for the project assignment sheet to come home in the Gold Folder on Monday afternoon.

Bullying Education
Mr. Scott Stroud, our school counselor, will be presenting a bullying education program to fifth grade students this week.

Activities and Assignments for September 16-20
Monday, September 16   (Gold Day)
(1.) Social Studies: Distribute and discuss State Project Assignment
(2.) Science: What variables could affect the flight duration of our planes? Make a hypothesis and design an experiment to test the hypothesis.
(3.) Homework: Western states test on Thursday / State report due Oct. 3

Tuesday, September 17   (Blue Day)
(1.) Social Studies: Constitution Day / View video clips and create class constitution
(2.) Homework: Western states test on Thursday / State report due Oct. 3

Wednesday, September 18   (Gold Day)
(1.) Science: "Build Your Own Paper Airplane" competition
(2.) Homework: Western states test on Thursday / State report due Oct. 3

Thursday, September 19   (Blue Day)
(1.) Social Studies: Western states test
(2.) Science: The Bernoulli Principle
(3.) Homework: State report due Oct. 3

 Friday, September 20   (Gold Day)
(1.) FOSS Science Stories booklet pgs. 21-28 with worksheet.
(2.) Amelia Earhart video clip    [View video clip]
(3) Homework: State report due Oct. 3

September 9-13

Science Quiz on Monday (September 9)

We'll be having a short quiz on the lifeboat investigation in science Monday....Students will be allowed to use notes and journals. (We created a page of notes today that should be snapped into their binders under the science tab. - It was an old quiz that covers the same information that will be covered on Monday's quiz.)

Students should know:
1. The capacity of the boat and the arrangement of the passengers were variables affecting the number of passengers the boat would hold.
2. Capacity is a measure of how much the boat would hold measured by the amount of water it would hold in milliliters.
3. Boats with greater capacity held more passengers and boats with smaller capacity held fewer passengers.
4. A controlled experiment only changes one variable at a time.
5. How to plot points on a two coordinate graph.
6. How to read a two coordinate line graph.
7. An object in water will float if it can displace an amount of water that weighs as much as the object.
___________________________________

Western States and Capitals (Test on Thursday, September 19)
Students will need to be able to locate the state on a regional map and be able to match states and capitals.

Alaska - Juneau
Arizona - Phoenix
California - Sacramento
Colorado - Denver
Hawaii - Honolulu
Idaho - Boise
Montana - Helena
Nevada - Carson City
New Mexico - Santa Fe
Oregon - Salem
Utah - Salt Lake City
Washington - Olympia
Wyoming - Cheyenne

* Click here for an online states and capitals game
___________________________________

Activities and Assignments for September 9 - 13

Monday, September 9   (Blue Day)
1. FOSS Stories pgs. 10-14 on buoyancy
2. Science quiz on Lifeboat Investigation (See above)
3. No homework

Tuesday, September 10   (Gold Day)
1. Start the airplane and flight investigation
2. Work in lab to build airplanes
3. No homework

Wednesday, September 11   (Blue Day)
1. Create a study map for Western states and capitals. (See above)
2. Finish up work on USA Weekly #3
3. Homework: Study for Western states and capitals test (Thursday, September 19)

Thursday, September 12   (Gold Day)
1. Work in lab investigating variables affecting airplane flight duration
2. Homework: Study for Western states and capitals test (Thursday, September 19)

Friday, September 13   (Blue Day & Gus Day)
1. Celebrate Gus Day in honor of all beautiful black cats
2. FOSS Stories pgs. 15-20 on flight and famous aviators
3. Bill Nye video on flight with worksheet   (Watch video)
4. Homework: Study for Western states and capitals test (Thursday, September 19)

September 3-6

Cultural Understanding through Literature

An understanding of our cultural heritage is incomplete without exposure to the richness of great literary treasures. Throughout the year fifth grade students will get the opportunity to hear several classic short stories from that heritage. This past week, Blocks 1 and 3 listened to the O. Henry story, "The Ransom of Red Chief." (Block 2's turn is Tuesday.) Among the stories scheduled for later in the year are O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi" and "The Diamond Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant.(Click the links below to read those three stories here.)

The Ransom of Red Chief  
The Gift of the Magi
The Diamond Necklace
_____________________________________

This Week's Activities and Assignments

Monday, September 2
No School - Labor Day

Tuesday, September 3   (Blue Day)
1. Science: Bill Nye video on buoyancy
2. Science: Science Jeopardy
3. No Homework

Wednesday, September 4   (Gold Day)
1. Science: Lab - Construct new boats and test for capacity
2. Science: Transfer data to line graph
3. No Homework

Thursday, September 5   (Blue Day)
1. Social Studies: USA Weekly #3 with worksheet
2. Social Studies: Mapping project
3. Homework: Crossword puzzle on page 4 of USA Weekly is optional extra credit

Friday, September 6   (Gold Day)
1. Science: Finish up any work from the week's lab work
2. Science: FOSS Science Stories - pages 10-14 with questions
3. Science: Playing "Will it Float?"
4. No Weekend Homework

August 26 - 30

My apologies for being a bit slow getting this posted, but we've been caring for a sick cat and were at the pet emergency room most of Thursday evening.

Augustus (Gus)  2002-2013

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Congratulations to Julianne. She was elected as Student Council Representative from Homeroom 402.
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This Week's Plans and Activities

Monday, August 26    (Gold Day)
1. Science - Finish up pendulum graph work
2. Science - "Herkle" game - If you like Battleship, you'll love Herkle!
3. Science - Pendulum video clip
       * Pendulum Video Clip
4. Homework: Southern state/capital  test on Thursday
       * Online Practice Games

Tuesday, August 27   (Blue Day)
1. FOSS Science Stories
2. Pendulum checkup (i.e. Easy Quiz!)
3.  Homework: Southern state/capital  test on Thursday

Wednesday, August 28   (Gold Day)
1. Science - Begin investigations on boats
                    (Why some things float and other things don't)
2. Science - Making lifeboats
3. Homework: Southern state/capital  test on Thursday

Thursday, August 29   (Blue Day)
1. Social Studies -Review Southern States and Capitals
2. Social Studies - Map test
3. USA Weekly #2
4. USA Weekly puzzle on p. 4 (Optional for extra credit)

Friday, August 30   (Gold Day)
1. Science - How many passengers can a lifeboat hold?
                    (capacity; buoyancy)
2. Science - Collecting data and graphing results
3. No weekend homework

August 19 - 23

* Four students have turned in paragraphs to be included in the election for student council representative from our Homeroom 402. We'll have the election this week. I'll read each paper (without name), and the class will vote for their choice based only on what was written.

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This Week's Plans and Assignments

Monday, August 19   (Blue Day)
1. USA Weekly - We didn't get much done on this Friday, so we'll finish it up today.
   a. Partner work on an information worksheet
   b. Individual work on a world map worksheet
2.  Homework - The crossword puzzle on page 4 may be done as optional homework for extra credit.

Tuesday, August 20   (Gold Day)
1. In science today students will be making new pendulums with different lengths of strings to test for the length variable. (Last week, students reached the conclusion after testing that the mass of the bob at the end of the pendulum did not affect the number of cycles their pendulums made over a 15 second time period.)
2. We'll be adding the terms "standard" and "controlled experiment" to our word banks.
3. No homework

Wednesday, August 21   (Blue Day)
1. After testing for the Midwestern states and capitals last week, students are moving to learning the state locations and capitals of the 13 Southern states this week.
2. Students will be making a Southern state study guide today. That will be placed in their class binder in the Social Studies section.
3. Homework: Begin study for Southern states / capitals Test scheduled for Thursday, August 29.

Thursday, August 22   (Gold Day)
1. The pendulum data collected Tuesday from the length experiments will be transferred to two coordinate graphs. The graphs will be used to make predictions based on the data.
2. FOSS Science Stories article with worksheet.
3. No homework

Friday, August 23   (Blue Day)
1. The "Hurkle" game is scheduled for today. (A game reinforcing the skill of finding your way around a two coordinate graph)
2. A "Cool-Science" activity (TBA)
3. No homework (Unless you'd like to spend a few minutes going over the Southern states and capitals.)
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Here are some online state and capital games to try:

1. http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/states_experiment_background_noClip10s.html

2. http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/states_experiment_drag-drop_Intermed_State15s_500.html 

3. http://www.coolmath-games.com/0-geography-venture-capital/

August 12-16

Monday, August 12   (Gold Day)
1. Last week the groups worked together to make the equipment needed in our investigation of pendulums. (i.e. the pendulums with string paper clips and a penny) A one penny mass is fastened with a paper clip to the end of a 35 cm. string. - Today, groups with begin experimenting to see how many cycles their pendulums will make in 15 seconds. Results will be recorded in their science journals.
2. Students will use science journals to reflect on today's activity and to speculate on variables that might change the pendulum's cycles over a 15 second time span.
3. Review of mid-western states and capitals for tomorrow's test.
4. Homework: Study for states and capitals test.

Tuesday, August 13   (Blue Day)
1. States and capitals review game.
2. States and capitals test
3. Cool-Science Experiment
4. No homework

Wednesday, August 14  (Gold Day)
Signed assignment books and behavior cards are due today.
1. Today in science students will make hypotheses on how changing the length of the string or the amount of mass will affect the pendulum's cycles and then test their hypotheses by changing those variables. Results will be recorded in their science journals.
2.  No homework

Thursday, August 15   (Blue Day)
1. USA Weekly Social Studies Paper #1 - Cartography, Continents, Oceans, Latitude and Longitude
2. Worksheet on finding information in the paper. (Due tomorrow)
3. Homework: Any worksheet questions not finished in class

Friday, August 16   (Gold Day)
Today is picture day! Fifth grade pictures are scheduled first in the day.
1. Data collected on the pendulum experiments this week will be reported on line graphs. Students will learn to make predictions on future outcomes with graphed data.
2.. Map game if time permits.
3. No homework

August 5-9

Monday, August 5   (Blue Day)
1. We'll be setting up the binder for this class today. Students will use four tab dividers to make sections for: bell work, science, social studies, and the USA Weekly news magazines.
2. Science: Learning about lab/science class safety rules with Sponge Bob and Patrick.
3. Related Arts classes
4.. No homework

Tuesday, August 6   (Gold Day)
1. Science: Variables Module, Investigation 1 (pendulums)
2. Read Science Stories: What Scientists Do
3. No homework

Wednesday, August 7   (Blue Day)
1. Science: Variable Module, Investigation 1 continued
2. Science Journal writing activity (vocabulary)
3. No homework

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I hate the idea of being out of the classroom this early in the year, but my wife's mother in Joliet, Illinois fell and has had hip surgery. We need to be there at the end of this week to take care of some related family business. As a result, I'll be out on Thursday and Friday of this week. I've already discussed with the students that they have the same expectations with a substitute teacher as they do when I'm there.

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Thursday, August 8   (Gold Day)
1. Social Studies: Intro to Geography (Reviewing continents, oceans, latitude, and longitude)
3. Social Studies: Reading maps
4. No homework

Friday, August 9   (Blue Day)
1. Science: Reporting data with a line graph
2. Science: Making predictions with a line graph
3. Social studies: Map work
4. Related Arts classes
5. No homework

Sad News at Maxwell

Everyone at Maxwell was deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of Mr. Todd Heller, husband of fourth grade teacher, Kandy Heller.

Many of our current fifth graders were very close to Mrs. Heller from their time with her last year. If any of our students need additional support in this difficult time, our Social Worker, Mr. Scott Stroud, and the entire Maxwell staff will provide whatever support is necessary for your children.

If you have any concerns about the needs of your children, please contact Mr. Whitaker or Mr. Stroud at MIS.

317-326-3121

Keeping in Touch This Year

1.     Phone:  326-3121

2.       E-Mail:
jellars@gcsc.k12.in.us
(If you haven’t already received e-mails from me, just drop a quick note to this address to have your e-mail address added to my mailing list. There should be at least one posting about every week.)

3.       Weekly Gold Team Newsletter with plans for the following week:
http://apps.gcsc.k12.in.us/blogs/dknecht-strong/newsletters/
(This is on the Maxwell website. Plans and assignments for the upcoming week will be posted at the end of each school week.)

4.       Blog for Mr. Ellars’ Science / Social Studies class:
http://maxsci.blogspot.com/
(Lessons, assignments, and class activities are discussed in greater detail on the blog.)

5.       Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Max.Sci.5
(An opportunity for teachers, parents, and students to communicate on an open Facebook page.)

6.       Homework E-Mail:
ellars.lab@gmail.com
(Some assignments during the year can be turned in by e-mail. This address is what I use for that purpose. It’s for assigned e-mail only and won’t be checked except when homework is expected. If used for anything else, the message will probably be lost.)

Reminder on Meet Your Teacher Night

Reminder - Meet Your Teacher Night on Wednesday, July 24 from 6:30-7:30.  -  For everyone whose calendar is in better shape than mine, sign up sheets for the Fall Parent Teacher Conferences (Thursday, Oct 24 and Monday, Oct 28 from 3:00-6:30 both days) will be available in Homeroom classes on Wednesday.

You can find Mr. Ellars hanging out in room 402.

Welcome to Fifth Grade

Parent Note #1 to start off the 2013-2014 year.
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Dear Parents,

I am delighted to be your child’s science and social studies teacher this year. With your encouragement your child will participate in and enjoy many exciting and rewarding experiences this academic year.

Since lifelong success depends, in part, on learning to make responsible choices. I have developed a classroom discipline plan which guides every student to make good decisions about their behavior at Maxwell. Your child deserves the most safe and positive educational climate possible for growth, and I know that together we will make a difference in this process. The plan below outlines our rules, positive recognitions for positive behavior, and consequences for inappropriate behavior.

Rules -
1. Follow directions when given
2. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself
3. No swearing or any other use of inappropriate language
4. Treat everyone with courtesy and respect

Positive recognition -
1. Oral recognition of good behavior
2. Awarding “Gotcha” good behavior coupons for rewards and MIS drawings.
3. Positive thank you notes sent home
4. Positive phone calls home

Consequences of choosing to not follow rules (per week)
1. First time – Verbal Warning
2. Second time – Stay after class one minute
3. Third time – Separation from learning group and Behavior essay   (homework)
4. Fourth time – Contact parents for conference on behavior improvement
5. Fifth time – Send to office

Severe Disruption bypasses other steps and student will be sent directly to the office.

Be assured that my goal is to work with you to ensure the success of your child this year! Please discuss this information with your child. Save and/or print this page for reference throughout the year.

Jim Ellars
MIS Science / Social Studies