Balloon Launch

Our Balloon Mapping.... notice where each team started today.

Today we began our Balloon Project!  We do this the last 10 regular days of school.  The class is divided into four teams:  a red, blue, green, & yellow team.  Each team is given a clue sheet with information about what state their team's hot air balloon is flying over.  Once they figure out the state, they have to research the state on Facts4Me and find out fun things to do in that state.  Then they research the day's weather in that state's capital and make a prediction on which state they think they will be flying over tomorrow, based on the wind direction and speed of the day's weather.  The next day is a new clue sheet!  Each team is traveling over different states each day, so no one can "cheat" by looking at another team's research!  Every day each team will share with the class what state they are over and where they think they will be the next day.  We are charting our balloons on a big USA map.  This is a fun end-of-the year activity reviewing our mapping and research skills.

We also had a wonderful Cultural Arts assembly this morning.  The group of performers showed us, through story telling, some of the history behind Greek Mythologies.  It was very entertaining!  The actors did a wonderful job showing how important story telling is and how exciting reading science fiction can be.

Today in Math, we had another fun day with Math Explorations.  We usually do Explorations 1-2 times each unit.  Today we were reviewing symmetry.  Some kids used geoboards, some used pattern blocks, some worked on scrolling and some worked on enrichment math.  The kids had a great time reviewing and challenging themselves.  We also continue to "coach" on our math facts almost everyday.  Enjoy some Math Explorations pictures:

Anna & Keira scrolling 

Geoboards

More geoboards... a hit today!

Sofia & Adriana have been working very hard on scrolling!

This Thursday afternoon we have a team of students coming from Hersey High School to do some great science experiments with us.  Students from these AP classes came last year and my students LOVED interacting with the big kids and learning some cool science.  One of the activities last year was a demonstration of how a real hot air balloon works.  Let's hope it's on the agenda for Thursday!!  I'll send you pics!  

I can't believe there are only 3 weeks of school left.  Let's enjoy lots of learning until the end!!