Week February 16-19

Math:

This week we made the connection between fractions and decimal numbers. Students learned and practiced to transform a fraction into a decimal number and a decimal number into a fraction. 

We also identified points on a number line, using both fractions and decimal numbers.

Science:

This week we introduced our unit on ASTRONOMY!

First, we brainstormed ideas and vocabulary, watched videos and discussed topics and questions that we will study more in detail through the unit.

Students learned about our solar system and its 8 planets (Pluto is not considered a planet since 2006). They took notes and drew the solar system: Mercure, Venus, Terre, Mars / ceinture d`astéroïdes/ Jupiter, Saturne, Uranus, Neptune

Week February 8-10

Math:

This week (a short one!) we continued to work on improper fractions and mixed numbers. We practiced how to order them - having to convert in a the same form first. Exercises in the textbook were given as well as problems #6 and #7 (due next Wednesday- see VLC calendar for details). 

Science:

Proof and Investigation:
We had a great field trip at the Calgary Police Center on Monday. The YouthLink team received us really well and students enjoyed their experience. 

On Wednesday, students had their unit test on Proof and Investigation (multiple choices - questions chosen from previous Science PAT`s) 

Week February 2-5

Math:

This week we focused on improper fractions and mixed numbers. We learned how to convert from a form to the other. We also reinforced the connection between improper fractions and mixed numbers using drawings. Students practiced to convert those forms (both ways) and also worked on problem solving involving these concepts (textbook).  

Science:

Proof and Investigation:
In preparation to our field trip to the Police Interpretative Center (on Feb. 8th), we are doing a REVIEW of the unit by completing activities related to the study of a crime scene (prepared by the police Center). Students are filling their Police Notebook!

1) How can handwriting samples lead to an arrest?

2) How do we find our suspects? 

We concluded our unit on Proof and Investigation with a vocabulary review activity ('Letter from a detective'). Students were given a study guide in order to prepare for the UNIT TEST NEXT WEDNESDAY.

Week January 25-29

Math:

This week we continued to work on fractions. We learned to order fractions using a number line. Students practiced to draw the number line, divide it correctly and locate the fractions. They also worked on problem solving involving ordering fractions (textbook).  

Science:

Proof and Investigation:
In preparation to our field trip to the Police Interpretative Center (on Feb. 8th), we are doing a REVIEW of the unit by completing activities related to the study of a crime scene (prepared by the police Center). Students are filling their Police Notebook!

1) What are class and accidental characteristics?

2) What are fingerprints and how can they lead to an arrest?

Week January 18-22

Math:

This week we continued to work on fractions. We learned to compare fractions by finding the COMMON DENOMINATOR and using equivalent fractions.   

We also practiced to draw fractions accurately in order to compare them.

Science:

Proof and Investigation:
In preparation to our field trip to the Police Interpretative Center (on Feb. 8th), we had 2 activities specifically related to the study of a crime scene this week.
1) How can bullets relate a weapon to a crime?
2) What is DNA?

 

Week January 11--15

Math:

This week we had the Unit Test on ch.4 - Geometry on Monday. On Wednesday, we started our unit on Fractions/ Decimals/ Percents. We first reviewed and practiced the meaning of 'fraction', 'numérateur' and 'dénominateur' using drawings. We learned about equivalent fractions and practiced by drawing equivalent fractions to 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, 2/3, etc. using circles and rectangles. We also studied the relationship between numerators and denominators in equivalent fractions (both multiplied by a same number) and practiced to find a missing number in equivalent fractions. 

Science:

Proof and Investigation:
This week we learned that different tests can be done on fabrics in order to distinguish them. Students had the opportunity to test different fabrics (cotton, polar, wool, nylon, polyester, etc.) by doing the following experiments: color, feel, extension, liquid absorption, color resistance, folding, microscope observation (type of threading), burning/melting (done in a demo by teacher)

Week January 5-8

Math:

This week we continued and concluded unit 4 in geometry. We reviewed and practiced the types of angles - 'angle aigu', 'angle obtus', 'angle droit', 'angle plat', 'angle rentrant' -, how to measure them and how to trace them using a protractor. We also re-practiced the theorems of the sum of interior angles in a triangle (180 degrees) and in a quadrilateral (360 degrees). Students should be able to find the missing measure of an angle in a triangle or in a quadrilateral using the given information.

TEST on unit 4 will be on Monday.

Science:

Proof and Investigation:
This week we  learned about graphology - the study of handwriting. Students got to observe, analyze, study and reproduce handwritings. We also decompose the ink of different crayons and pen using the method of chromatography.