Science Vocabulary Word List - MST4.LE4

Good afternoon,

As we continue to work through the school year in our science books, there are some vocabulary words students may need to study. Please see the following terms which we are now working on and which you may see on your spelling test!

*I have attached a link as an extension of our lesson on metamorphosis and life cycles, please have a look and enjoy: http://lifecycle.onenessbecomesus.com/

Metamorphosis and Life Cycles:
1. adult
2. angiosperm
3. canopy
4. cell
5. cell membrane
6. cell respiration
7. cell wall
8. conifer
9. cytoplasm
10. egg
11. egg cell
13. embryo
14. fertile
15. fertilization
16. flower
17. fruit
18. fungus
19. geotropism
20. germination
21. glucose
22. larva
23. leaf
24. life cycle
25. metamorphosis

Awesome Arithmetic

Hello Students and Parents,

The past couple weeks of math class we have been focusing on Algebra: Patterns, Relations and Functions.

*The goal of our math studies at the end of this particular algebraic segment is to ensure students are able to:

1. Create and explain patterns of algebraic relationships.
(NYS Standard MST3.05.AL7.07)

2. Create algebraic or geometric patterns using concrete objects or visual drawings.
(NYS Standard MST3.05.AL7.08)

To emphasize the goals above and to practice their studies, I am attaching a link to a that worksheet students may complete as extra credit. This is NOT a homework assignment students will be graded on. Only the students who chose to hand in this assignment will be eligible to receive the extra credit. There are 5 bonus points available from this assignment that will go towards your final grade... good luck!

Worksheet:
http://www.education.com/files/77401_77500/77458/file_77458.pdf

Miss Nazarian

The Secret of Nimh

Dear Students and Parents,

We are now wrapping up our reading of The
Secret of Nimh in class this week.

For those who may not be familiar with this story, it is the tale of Mrs. Brisby as a widowed, mother field mouse, who bravely tries to save her family's home from being destroyed by a farmer's plow. After attempting this on her own, she realizes that she needs the help of the rats who live under a nearby rosebush and came from NIMH, the National Institute of Mental Health. The rats have ways that seem strange to Mrs. Brisby, but they are intelligent, and are the only ones who can help her. And when Mrs. Brisby learns the secret of NIMH, her life could be completely changed. *retrieved May 2, 2010 from www.movies.yahoo.com.

Next week, the class will be watching the animated story in school. Upon finishing both the book and the animated feature, we will be writing book reports on this story where students may share their ideas of what this tale means to them and compare/contrast the story versus the movie.

Although we are watching this in class, I wanted to provide the link to the movie online where it may be watched free of charge. There are also some online links which feature extended reading and games for the students based around finding The Secret of Nimh!

Download movie:
http://www.hulu.com/search?query=The+Secret+of+NIMH&st=1

Online reading resources and games:
Gaming
http://www.nimhmuck.org/
http://www.persuivant.com/ng/game_init2a.htm

Reading
An incredible illustrated story, written and illustrated by one of the most prolific NIMH fan-artists out there, Marcus Lindemann.
http://ntfe.thornvalley.com/

The largest and best collection of NIMH-related, fan-generated stories, as well as a good collection of Jonathan fan-art. Be sure to check out the stories by the late Paul S. Gibbs while you're there...
http://robin.thornvalley.com/

Enjoy! ...As always, please contact me with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Miss Nazarian

Math Madness!

Hello Students and Parents,

As you are aware, the time for state math testing is upon us...this means MATH MADNESS for some!

Please have no fear, I have a useful resource that does not only allow students to practice their math skills at home (in preparation for the exam), but is actually fun to play! The website linked below is called "Internet4Classrooms". By clicking on the link, you have access to dozens of games you may play right on the internet that are focused on strengthening your child's skills in math.

*The best part about this site is that it is very easy to navigate for the student and features each activity catogorized into for specific math skills. The catagories that may be reviewed are:

1. Mathematical Operations
2. Algebra
3. Geometry and Measurement
4. Data Analysis

Since each skill is practiced in the 5th grade cirriculum, this resource is not only useful in studying for the state exam, but also beneficial for the student to practice their skills in math at any time during the school year.

I hope you find this link helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at anytime. I have several other resources available for math review upon your request.

Kind Regards,

Miss Nazarian

http://www.internet4classrooms.com/skills-5th-mathbuilders.htm

Welcome to Grade 5!

Hello Parents and Students,

I would like to take the opportunity to WELCOME you all to our grade 5, classroom blog! Here you will find classroom updates, schedules, homework assignments, etc. The aim of this blog is to keep students and their families connected with the latest news that happens in our class. I invite you to submit any questions, concerns or feedback you may have throughout the year through this blog and I will reply to you within 48 hours of receipt.

To begin my first entry, I will tell you a little about myself. This is my first blog so please bear with me while I get used to the mechanics of writing these! :) I graduated from SUNY Oswego in 2001 with a degree in English, Literary Arts. Upon graduating from Oswego I found a job immediately after at an air conditioning manufacture where I ended up spending the next eight years of my life working in business. My true passion and desire was always to teach since I was a child so I made the decision to go back to school for education at Niagara University. I graduated from Niagara with my master's in teaching which brings me to where I am now in Lockport, NY teaching 5th grade! I could not be happier with my decision where each day brings a new adventure and the brightest, kind faces of my students shine each day.

I am looking forward to an amazing year, thank you in advance for your cooperation and participation!

Until next time... Miss Nazarian