Some Great Looking 5th Graders

Hi there....here are some pictures from our field trip yesterday.  Thanks to Mrs Moore for the profuse number of photos!  We had another whirlwind day today, beginning with Alice In Wonderland.  Great acting from Andrew, Denisse, Khylee, Jacqui, Jordan, Tyler, Sam and Bella.  That after-school program is wonderful.  We finished watching the Red Headed League and finished reading The Speckled Band.  More Sherlock Holmes to come.  Students are working on their own mysteries, as well as their class copy of The Jabberwocky.  We sure have some talented folks in this class!

We are slowing the pace in Algebra a little to be absolutely certain that everyone has a firm grasp on solving equations.  Expect a few practice sheets to keep your minds working over Christmas break.  "A problem a day keeps the cobwebs away!"  We've finished our unit on electricity and mangets.  New science to come after the break.  Have you picked your science fair topic yet?  Some way cool science coming soon!!!  January 4th, to be exact!

We are finished with the Glorious Revolution also.  We'll leave royalty behind as we begin to explore...well, explorers!

See you tomorrow!

Love, Mrs Cardinal

A "Capital" Day

Thank you so much to the parents who drove today.  I hope you enjoyed your tour of the capitol.  I did...it was all new to me.  The highlight was running into the governor at the end of our tour.  Everyone got to shake his hand.  Thank you for representating GFA in a positive way. 

Our next field trip is on January 4th...it's here at school and will be an amazing treat.  Please bring $1 before then to cover the cost.  I guarantee you it will be worth every penny!

Science fair is coming soon...please have an idea formed on what you would like to do so you can begin working on it over Christmas break.  We have algae growing in our basement at home for my son.  I bet you parents can't wait to see what area of science your fabulous student is going to explore!  

Thanks again for a great day 5th graders...Love, Mrs Cardinal

Making electricity

Science is so cool!  We made a battery today...it was powerful enough to hear electricity crackling through our headphones.  Just a little mixture of Al, Cu and NaCl.  (A skittle for anyone who tells me what all those mean!) 

Detectives abound among the Courageous Climbers.  I can't wait to see all the mysteries you've written.  We are trying to follow many mysteries right now...Sherlock Holmes in The Red-Headed League and also in The Speckled Band; the Hobbit; and just the mystery of who our Secret Santas are.  Please remember to do a little kindness for your person each day.  On Friday, bring a wrapped gift to give him or her.  I'll keep them safe if you bring them in early. 

I'm ready to tour the Utah State Capitol tomorrow...how 'bout you!  Please be here on time.  Thank you in advance to all our wonderful drivers.  Kids, come prepared to be on your best!  See you tomorrow!

Love, Mrs Cardinal

Coming soon....

January 4th...Science Fair Electrifying Event (please bring $1 to cover it)...It will be an AMAZING event!

Class geography bee...next week.  Winner competes in school around January 9th.

Christmas party...in class...next Friday.  Bring a treat to share.  Also bring your Secret Santa gift, wrapped to give your classmate.

Science Fair...coming soon.  Pick a project now!

Christmas break:  Dec 17-Jan 1.  School resumes January 2nd.

Field trip to Utah State Capitol...next Tuesday, Dec 13th.  Drivers make sure you've given copies of your license/insurance to the office before then!

Algebra

Ok...here's how to do that FUN math homework:

First you want to figure out what that variable equals.  That's called "solving for x." (or whatever letter it is)

Next you want all the variables on one side and all the numbers on the other.  Find the biggest variable.  That automatically becomes the side for the variables.  If there is a variable on the "wrong" side, go ahead and do the opposite to get rid of it.  For example, if you want to get rid of a +4y, the opposite is -4y.  If you want to get rid of a -6b, the opposite is +6b.  Now remember, WHATEVER YOU DO TO ONE SIDE, YOU DO TO THE OTHER!

Now you need to see if your numbers are all on the same side.  If you need to get rid of a number, you just do the opposite to it...subtract or add it to make it equal zero.  Remember, WHATEVER YOU DO TO ONE SIDE, YOU DO TO THE OTHER.

Now you should be left with a variable on one side of the equal sign and a number on the other.  For example, it might be 7x=14.  Well, what number times 7 is equal to 14?  It's 2.  You could also divide both sides by 7 to get rid of the 7.  (That's how I'll teach you next time!)

Hope that helps a little.  Good luck with that math.  Remember, field trip permission slips are due!!!!!

See you tomorrow...Mrs Cardinal

You Rule!

We learned about four monarchs today in history...it all started with King Henry the Eighth (don't get me started singing!)  Then there was Edward IV, Mary I and Elizabeth I.  There are many more to go...how do they get it all figured out??? 

I sent home a parent letter today so please look for it...it has information for the rest of this 2011 year.  I can't believe how fast it is coming.  So much to do, so little time to do it!  Please be sure you are signing the planner daily as there is a small but meaningful consequence for your child if it's not signed.  It's the only way I know you are aware of all that is going on at school.  It's a great way to track how productive your student is during school as they are writing all the homework down and then checking it off if it's already finished. We talked about coming up with a system to ensure the planner is signed every day.  My favorites were signing it while practicing spelling with your student and not letting your child get out of the car until you see it and sign it!  Hey...whatever works! 

As we continue to focus on service this month, I ask you parents how I can be of service to you?  Would you like more access to study materials at home?  Would you like to see anything different on my blog?  Please continue to give me feedback and together we can make your 5th grader's learning productive.  Thanks for your attention at home.  Have a great day!

Mrs Cardinal

You Rock!

Hey 5th graders.  I think this was a great week overall.  You accomplished so much.  We had five tests and I am ready to move onto some new material, namely electricity, Sherlock Holmes, Algebra and English rule.  Try to keep your focus next week as we delve into those subjects with vigor and vitality. 

Way to be great citizens this past month.  I am sorry I can only nominate one person for the foundation stone award each month because there were a few of you who showed citizenship every day.  Special thanks to everyone who helped clean up the playground.  Also a high five to Megan for getting recognized as a great citizen both in the classroom and in music!  Keep it up!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend.  Remember to practice service, whether it's helping clean up after the windstorm, or setting the table for dinner.  Next week we'll draw names for "secret Santa."  You'll be able to secretly pass a treat to your person and we'll reveal who you are during our Christmas party.  Which reminds me:  That last week before Christmas break we have a field trip AND a Christmas party.  Parents, I could sure use some support.  Please let me know if you have any ideas for the party and if you want to take over.  I'm looking at 11:00-the end of day. 

Thanks!  Mrs Cardinal

I'm Blown Away!

I'm totally blown away at how generous you 5th graders are.  I loved how you encouraged each other with generous coupons (those of you who wrote them with sincerity, that is.)  There were even a few written to me that sure made me smile!  Thanks.  We'll focus all month on service.  Remember to practice those acts of kindness, not just on your friends in class, but on your family and all you meet.

Great job, making it to school today in spite of the windy weather.  Wow!!  I'm afraid to go home to my neighborhood as I hear it's a mess.  Hope no one had any houses blown away while at school. 

Tomorrow's Friday.  Let's put in one more hard day at school so we can play all weekend.  Love you all! 

Mrs Cardinal