Website Links for Sun, Moon, and Stars

Here are ten good websites that go along with our module on the sun, moon, and stars:

KidsAstronomy.com
Astronomy With a Stick  (Matches learning goals of Investigation #1)
The Constellations
Make a Starfinder
NASA's Student Website
SOHO (Solar and Heliospheric Observatory)
Mr. Eclipse (Solar Eclipses for Beginners)
The Ulysses Probe (Exploring and mapping the sun)
Moon Phase Images
Welcome to the Planets

Free Astronomy Apps

As we start our science module on the sun, moon, and stars next week I wanted to share some good free apps available. These were all downloaded onto my iPad from the Apps Store. The list shows the name of the app along with its publisher and available platforms.

1. Moon (CDV Concepts - iPad/iPhone/iPod touch)
2. Moon Globe (Midnight Martian-iPad/iPhone/iPod touch)
3. NASA App (NASA-iPad/iPhone/iPod touch)
4. Compass for iPad (Oecoway Inc.-iPad)
5. Commander Compass Lite (Pavel Ahafonau-iPad/iPhone/iPod touch)
6. Interactive Minds Solar System (Vosonos LLC-iPad)
7. 3D Sun (Dr.Tony Phillips LLC-iPad/iPhone/iPod touch)
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** Special Note - Students with any of these apps on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch will be allowed to use them in class at the appropriate time.
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Don't forget to check out our new Facebook page. Some of the crystal projects can be seen along with one of the anoles from first semester.

http://www.facebook.com/Max.Sci.5 


 

Extra Credit Crystal Project

Before Spring Break, students were given a sheet of instructions on growing crystals from Borax. The crystal growing project was presented as a Break Optional Extra-Credit project. Students were told they could receive extra credit if they brought their crystals into class when we return from break.

A new way of receiving credit has opened up since the assignment was given. On the new class Facebook page permissions have been changed to allow picture posting. Now if you grow crystals you can get the extra credit by posting a picture of your crystals rather than bringing them in to class. If you'd rather not have your name published, use "Message" with the picture attached.
(Facebook page)
(http://www.facebook.com/Max.Sci.5)
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 * Here are a couple of other ideas for growing crystals:
> Making a Salt Crystal Garden
> Making Rock Candy (sugar crystals)

April 1 - April 5

Facebook
Check out our new class Facebook page.
Facebook Page

Agenda: Week of April 1
Mon, April 1
- Bell Work: Science Journal > Make a list of anything you can see in the sky during the day.
- Science: Investigation 1.1 "Follow the Sun"

Tues, April 2
- Bell Work: Science Journal > Using the cardinal directions, describe how to get to the lunchroom.
- Science: Investigation 1.1 part 2 "Where's the Sun?" (Worksheet)

Wed, April 3
- Bell Work: Map Practice
- D. A. R. E.  (Lesson 6: Communication Styles)

Thurs, April 4
- Bell Work: Science Journal > Draw and label a diagram of the sun moving across the sky from sunrise to sunset.
- Science: Add vocabulary to Journal. Read "Sunrise & Sunset" in FOSS reader. Worksheet

Fri, April 5
- Bell Work: Science Journal > What is a shadow? Give an example and draw a picture.
- Science: Investigation 1.2  "Tracing Shadows"

This Week's Goals
- Establish cardinal directions and demonstrate using a compass.
- Observe and record the path the sun takes in the sky.
- Determine that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
- Read an expository article to build concepts of apparent sun movements.
- Observe that shadows form when sunlight is blocked by a solid object.
- Identify communication styles and understand how to use them effectively.

Social Health Program

The annual Social Health program for fifth grade is coming up shortly after we return from Spring Break. Presenters from the Social Health Association of Indiana are scheduled to be in our classrooms on Wednesday, April 10. The presentation is gender specific; boys will be in Mr. Ellars' room for the presentation, while girls will be in Mrs. Ashley's class.

The fifth grade presentation  introduces puberty changes that are happening to themselves and to the opposite sex as well; defines sexual reproduction; continues focus on respect for self and others and on seeking help from trusted adults with questions or concerns.

More information is available on the Social Health Association website:
Social Health Association             

Parents, if you do not wish your child to take part in this presentation, contact me either by e-mail (jellars@gcsc.k12.in.us) or written, signed note indicating your choice for non-participation no later than Tuesday, April 9. No action is necessary if you approve your child's participation.

I have personally seen many years of the Social Health Association's presentations and highly recommend the program.

March 18 - 19

Spring Break
As you're aware, Spring Break has been delayed by two days. School will be in regular session on Monday, March 18 and Tuesday, March 19 to make up the two days lost earlier in the winter to bad weather. Spring Break officially begins on Wednesday, March 20. Classes will resume on Monday, April 1.

Biz Town
Maxwell fifth graders visited JA Biz Town this week. The gold team on Monday, and the blue team on Wednesday. Students had a great time in their businesses, shopping, and experiencing the world of work. If you're interested in continuing the experience,Junior Achievement of Central Indiana will be operating Biz Town Summer Camps June 17-21, June 24-28, July 8-12, and July 15-19. The mornings at camp will be spent in large and small groups devoted to entrepreneurial and philanthropic topics. The afternoons will be spent highlighting experiential learning opportunities with the traditional Junior Achievement Biz Town venue. Financial literacy, entrepreneurship, work readiness, and philanthropy are stressed throughout the entire camping experience. For more information and to register for camp visit the Junior Achievement website at www.jaindy.org
Contact Lacia Coons at 317-252-5900 x 102 with any questions.

Letter from Biz Town
Here's a description of her day's work from one of our students who was the CEO of the Lilly Laboratories. It's an experience that adult readers will certainly identify with...We've all had one of those days on the job! But please notice her last sentence!

     While I was at City Hall and then at the bank signing the loan papers, our CFO was printing out checks,  the sales manager went to Fed Ex to get our supplies and materials, and the lab tech was making magnifying glasses. Then I noticed that my researcher was sick and not at work, so I couldn’t believe that I had to do two jobs and then found out that on my break I had to fill in for the lab tech.
     The CFO left on the second break – so three jobs for me!
     Finally it was time for my break, so I got my lunch and was almost out the door when people were saying, “Sign this, please,”  “Can you pay this bill?”  “Do you have time to fill this out?” I said I would when I got back from break. When I got back I had millions of more papers on my desk.
     After I filled out all the papers, it was run this to the bank, give this to the professional offices, go to city hall, go to the mail! Before I knew it, it was time for my next break and I actually got to do some shopping.
     I loved Biz Town and want to go again!

March Madness
The fifth grade has been celebrating March with an attendance contest. The two classes with the best attendance throughout the month will be competing in a dodgeball competition this coming Monday afternoon in the Gym.

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This Week's Agenda

Monday, March 18 (Gold Day)
Science: Super Saturated Salt Solution (Try saying that five times fast!)
               Investigation and practice writing scientific conclusions
Attendance Reward Activity:Dodgeball competition

Tuesday, March 19  (Blue Day)
Science: FOSS reader with stories on Earth's Elements and Decompression Disease
               Close reading with in-depth questions
Related Arts: Regular classes

Science Homework (Optional): Grow your own crystals. (Check this link)
          http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PCPY6HOgZg
          If you grow some crystals over Break, bring them in to show when we return.

March 11-15

ISTEP
Our first round of ISTEP testing was completed this week. Thanks to great attendance all fifth grade students have completed the assessments. We'll be ready for the second round of online testing later in the fourth quarter. Look here later for more details on specific dates and schedules.

BizTown
The BizTown simulation for the fifth grade Gold Team is this Monday, March 11. Students have been busy learning about economics and money management this past month and are anxious to get started with what promises to be a fun and exciting day. The Blue Team will visit BizTown for their experience on Wednesday, March 13.
1. Punctuality is very important Monday morning. The buses will be leaving Maxwell promptly at 8:00 am in order to get us to BizTown on time.
2. Don't forget to bring a sack lunch in a disposable bag.
3. Dress for success. The "business casual" mentioned in the reminder students brought home on Friday would be similar to what your teachers wear to school each day. (Nice jeans would be acceptable. Shorts and T-shirts wouldn't be.) Remember you are working at a business on Monday and are projecting the image of your business by your appearance. Take a look at the JA BizTown Tour video to visit the site and get an idea how students dress when attending BizTown.

BizTown Tour

Social Health Program
On Wednesday, April 10 all fifth grade students will take part in a social health program on human growth and development. The students will participate in the program in different rooms separated by gender. Trained Social Health teachers will conduct this program. Parents will have an opportunity to preview the program this Wednesday, March 13 at 6:30 pm at the Greenfield Intermediate School. Any parent who would prefer that their child not participate in this activity should sign the attached sheet and return it to your child's homeroom teacher before April 10.

Social Health Information and Opt-Out Sheet

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This Week's Agenda

Monday, March 11
BizTown Simulation

Tuesday, March 12
Social Studies: BizTown debriefing
Science: FOSS Science Stories / Read and Write

Wednesday, March 13
Social Studies: USA Weekly #20 / Read and Write

Thursday, March 14
Science/Health: D.A.R.E. drug resistance program

Friday, March 15
Science: Citric Acid Investigation and Edible Mixtures

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Science Chuckle from George Takei

March 4-8

ISTEP
ISTEP testing begins on Tuesday of this week. Plenty of rest and a good breakfast every morning go a long way toward insuring testing success.

Our testing schedule:
Monday - No tests
Tuesday  8:10 - 9:50  (Math 40 min / Language 60 min)
Wednesday  8:10 - 9:10   (Language 60 min)
Thursday  8:10 - 8:40   (Social Studies 30 min)
Friday - Make up any missed tests

Biz Town
Our trip to Biz Town is scheduled for next Monday (March 11). Students will be meeting with their shop groups for some pre-planning on this Thursday afternoon.

American Character: Respect for Human Rights
As part of our study of the founding of our country, students will be exploring the ideas contained in the following short article this week:

     In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson wrote that all people are born with "certain unalienable rights," or rights that can't be taken away. These rights include "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." If all people were born with these rights, didn't that also include the slaves? Weren't they born with the same rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as the colonists were?
     Many colonists didn't believe that these rights applied to slaves. The ideas in the Declaration of Independence gave Americans something to think about when it came to human rights. These are rights that belong to all human beings regardless of race, age, gender, or religion. Not many years would pass before the nation would be caught up in a war over the issue of slavery and human rights.

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This Week's Agenda
(No science or social studies homework this week except for unfinished class work. Use the extra time to get plenty of rest on the nights before testing.)

Monday, March 4:
Social Studies: USA Studies #19 - Why Do We Need Government Anyway? * (see below)
The role of the Federal Government was a hot topic when the Constitution was being created. Many hours were spent arguing over how the state governments and the federal government should divide up governmental powers and responsibilities. That argument continues today in our country, over 200 years later.

Tuesday, March 5:
1. ISTEP
2. Science: Separating Salt from Saltwater  (Group Investigation)
         
          > Take a look at the Periodic Table Song

Wednesday, March 6:
1. ISTEP
2. Science: FOSS Reader - Reading about the history and science of salt

Thursday, March 7:
1. ISTEP
2. Science: Observing Crystals  (Group Investigation)
3. Biz Town Shop Groups

Friday, March 8:
D.A.R.E. with Officer McCarley from the Greenfield Police Department

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* After reading and discussing articles on the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Cotton Gin on Monday students will be asked to respond in writing to the following questions:
(If not finished in class, this would be assigned as homework.)

1.   Find and copy one sentence in “Dividing the Power” that names the three branches of government.

2.  What are the two main responsibilities of the judicial branch of the government?

3.  Find an explanation of “reserved powers.” What does the Constitution say about them?

4.  True or False? The President could make a law changing all automobile speed limits to 45 miles per hour.  Find and describe evidence in the article to prove your answer.

5.  The 535 senators and representatives are part of which branch of the government?

6.  What are some of the responsibilities of a good citizen?  Find and list six of those responsibilities.

7.  The Declaration of Independence said that all people are born with the right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Did everyone believe that was true for all people? Explain your answer with evidence from the article “Respect for Human Rights.”

8.  What was an unintended negative effect of the invention of the cotton gin?

    
                

The Maxwell Shake

ISTEP testing begins on Tuesday, March 5. Your MIS staff knows you're going to do a fantastic job this year. Get plenty of rest, have a good breakfast every morning, and give that test the "shake!"