More Fossil Finds

Here are some budding paleontologists finding fossils from the PCS Phosphate mine in Aurora, NC.

More Pentomino Photos

Pentominoes?

Our 3rd grade study groups have been discussing geometry. We began our work by reviewing dimensions - in particular 1, 2, and 3 dimensional measurements. Students took notes about our discussion and have begun working with math tools called pentominoes. I'll let them tell you more later, but I did want to share some snaps of their work.

Technology for Communication

Our fourth grade AIG students used an online service called "Today's Meet" for class communication today. Each students could post to an instantaneous message board. These messages, by the way, are erased after a specified amount of time. At any rate, it was a different way to foster conversation. The students seemed to enjoy it - one pointing out that it would be helpful for keyboarding skills! Content focused on a background assignment for our final work with paleontology. Students were also reminded that any/all web content can be a matter of public record. Remember those online skills that Mrs. Eggett has taught you!

AIG Update

Above is a shot of some fourth graders using loupes as part of an observation lesson.

Here are some notes about our study groups and beyond!

3^rd:  Decoding work (Fat Cat activity) as well as work from “You Be the Jury” (a simulation where students review courts cases) both went home this week. Check it out! We’ll move into some geometry to wrap up the year!

4^th: Hands-On Equations has come to an end. I think students really enjoyed – and better yet got a lot out of- this activity. Student work goes home this week. Check it out! We’ll be talking about paleontology for the remainder of the year. There will even be some hands-on fossil finding!

5^th:  Two of our groups are completing the Great Ocean Rescue. When they are finished, we’ll compile the results and announce the winner – the team that solved all 4 missions for the least money spent. This winning team will work with me to design an appropriate award.

As you know, state testing data for this year won’t be available until the fall. This, along with some changes to how students qualify for AIG services reflected in on-going plan revision, means that AIG services for rising 6^th graders won’t be available at the end of the year. Our district AIG team is working to provide these plans as soon as we are able. There will be further clarification soon for these families.

As we approach EOG testing, please remember the importance of sleep and breakfast. These two factors go a long way to insuring testing success.

Thanks for your continued support for the AIG program!

Simulation Work

Here's some shots of fifth graders working in small, collaborative groups to solve the final mission of the Great Ocean Rescue.