Properties of Matter

Students continue to explore different properties of matter.

Last week, we explored the role of density in water. 

Students determined the mass and volume of a variety of materials.

Then, using the ratio of grams/volume (ml) students determined the density of some objects in the water.

You can see that the items "above" the point of density were all "sinkers" and the items "below" the point of density were "floaters".

 Students investigated some additional properties of matter. Here students are testing thermal conductivity.

 Students are testing reflectivity at this station.

Students are testing to see if the objects are magnetic.

 Students are thinking about what might be in the "mystery box".

Next, we are testing the role of solubility and trying to understand that even if something dissolves, the matter is still present.  Keep on finding out what matters with matter!

Modeling Mixed Numbers

Students were asked to construct a model of one and three-fourths using math tools or by making a drawing.

 Students use a circle model to show 1 3/4. 

 Here you see a dozen of donuts, with 12 being how many parts in the whole.

Students were given a mixed number that they had to model on a poster for the rest of the class to guess. They could not represent the mixed number using symbols or numbers.  Many students noticed that it was important to define the whole and how many parts made the whole.

Next, students worked to match a model with a mixed number and its corresponding improper fraction. 

Students revisited the different combinations made throughout the math session to generate a "rule" on how to convert a mixed number into an improper fraction and vice versa!

CPS Fine Arts Extravaganza

All fifth grade students across the district was able to see the diversity of course offerings that will be available to our students as they move to secondary school.

We had a great day! So many choices!

Civil War Research Center

Students have started rotating through a variety of "centers" to research, investigate, and inquire about the civil war.  Working in small groups, students are spending time with a variety of resources such as primary sources, photographs, audio and video, real objects from the Missouri State Museum, maps, and many books!

Deep in thought! Students are looking at the following lenses when learning about the civil war: geography, civics, economics, culture, history, and synthesizing all of these ideas to understand how this war is similar or different from the American Revolutionary war.