pH tests
metals
bacteria
temperature
All about water quality
pH tests
metals
bacteria
temperature
The Oso Landslide
What do we know about land and water that can help us understand what happened?
F-3 represents the 12th Man!!!! Go Hawks!
On February 2, the Seahawks won the Superbowl! On February 5, the city of Seattle threw a huge parade. Twelve kids-- yep- 12- were out of class that day representing F3. Those of us still at Maple that day also had a terrific time too! We watched the parade and the rally on the big screen. We also celebrated a moment of LOUDNESS at 12:12 pm.
We've been having a ton of fun in F3 lately. Our unit on Colonial Boston is coming to a close, and soon we'll be writing out own class constitution. We're working with iPads almost everyday in science in our Land and Water unit and learning about the affects that water and land have on each other. In math we are multiplying fractions-- which we thought was easy until we started multiplying mixed numbers. We'll hang in there though and figure it out.
Right now our episodes on KOF3 have been about traveling in a time machine. We're also in the middle of a major writing project-- we are writing a narrative from the perspective of out colonial character on what it was like to be in Boston during the "Boston Massacre".
As you can see, we've been super busy and are having a great time in F-3.
Our Care Packages Arrived in Afghanistan!
Here is the thank you letter from SSG Nelson:
Dear Ms. Ventura and Class,
Thank you so much for sending the care packages. We just
received them last night which would have been your daytime. There seemed to be
something for everybody in the packages. We really appreciate your support. I
read some of the letters and pictures from your students. They were great!
My name is Staff Sergeant Mike Nelson. I am the
Non-Commissioned Officer in charge of nursing here at the 2nd Forward Surgical
Team. As our Any Soldier page says, we are a specialized surgical team. Helping
Soldiers and other service members including our Afghan counterparts when they
are critically wounded and in need. I may have published on our page that we
have a 97+% survival rate if they show up and are still alive. We are not at a
regular hospital as we are far forward attached to a Special Forces team.
We had some rain last night that turned into snow so all
of the mountain peaks are white. We share the small camp, which is probably
smaller than your school grounds with approximately 70 personnel including the
Afghans. I consolidated all of the candy into one large box and put it in the
chow hall for everyone to enjoy.
Our unit is from Fort Carson in Colorado Springs
Colorado. We are supposed to be back there in early March. I have a wife and 5
children, 4 boys and 1 girl. My oldest is 22 and my youngest is 10. My oldest
is in college then 2 in high school, 1 in middle school and the youngest in
elementary school. It is tough on them because over my ten years in the Army I
have missed 4 christmas' and lots of birthdays.
With the fighting season over and the drawdown now in
high gear it is pretty boring. We went out to the range to keep our shooting
skills sharp. We did have a scare the other day that our camp may be attacked
and the enemy chickened out. We are always ready in case something happens.
Most of our patients thus far have been Afghan Soldiers and Police.
If you remember in the news a couple of months ago about
a school bus that the Taliban hit with a bomb, we helped those patients. It was
a little nerve racking when kids started showing up for surgery. We helped save
some of their lives.
Afghanistan is a strange and mysterious place. There are
a lot of people just like us. They want to live their lives, go to work, go to
school and live peacefully. Then there are the people who side with the
Taliban. They want to treat women like property instead of people and are
simply ruthless when it comes to violence. Hopefully we can stabilize this
nation enough that when we leave it won't fall back into the hands of these
barbaric people.
If you would like to follow our unit our facebook page
is: https://www.facebook.com/#!/2ndForwardSurgicalTeam
. I have attached a couple of pictures. The first is of the whole team. We have
had a couple of doctors and nurses come and go since but pretty much the same
basic team. The second picture is of my section, from left to right is Me (SSG
Nelson), SPC Ben Clarke, SPC Lauren Connelly and our Chief Nurse Major Rachel
Stratman. The Facebook page has a lot more pictures including some from back at
Fort Carson.
I think I have kept this email G-rated enough to share
with your class, feel free. Again, thanks for all of the support that you and
your class give us. We chose to be here b ut do it for you and the love of our
country. If you are still allowed to say the pledge of allegience, do so
proudly because you know there are people out there that defend what it stands
for... Freedom.
Sincerely,
SSG Mike Nelson
2nd Forward Surgical Team
Camp Peppers, Afghanistan
The Gettysburg Address!
yesterday, the class recited the Gettysburg Address aloud in the office in honor of the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's great speach. We got lots of compliments! We will post an audio version soon, but for right now, here is a great version:
F3 Fall Update and.... the 2014 Global Reading Challenge!!!
The day has come! The Seattle Public Library has released the titles for the 2014 Global Reading Challenge! Fifteen students in F3 have signed up and are excited to get their hands on the books.
What else is happening in F3? We're nearing the end of a beloved science unit, Models and Designs. Starting next week students will learn about Earth, Moon, Sun and the stars. Students have had a great time being engineers and coming up with excellent designs and running exciting experiments.
KOF3 Radio has started off very well. This year KOF3 will be almost entirely student run as we have students that will be in charge of uploading all of the episodes to our class website. So far we have had episodes on the themes of Camp Seymour and "F3 goes Exploring". The next theme will be "Scared".
KOF3 Radio has started off very well. This year KOF3 will be almost entirely student run as we have students that will be in charge of uploading all of the episodes to our class website. So far we have had episodes on the themes of Camp Seymour and "F3 goes Exploring". The next theme will be "Scared".
Learning about Native Tribes now AND before 1492
Go to Delicious and find a tribe that you would like to learn more about. Is the tribe still in the same place now as it is shown on the map above? What does the tribe do now according to its website?
Welcome to Fifth Grade in F3!!
Hello! I am Marcia Ventura, and I will be your child’s fifth grade teacher this year. I have taught in the Seattle School District for 14 years, and this is my seventh year at Maple, and I love it here deeply!
Fifth grade is a very exciting year for students. At this moment they are one year from starting middle school, and as such, it is critical that throughout the year, students become academically and socially ready for that transition. Instruction, especially in the areas of reading, writing, and math, will be rigorous to ensure that readiness.
What will students learn this year? In science, they will work with microscopes, learn about erosion and ground water, and use engineering skills throughout the year. In social studies, your child will learn about early US history and the principles this country was founded on.
This year we will be working closely with the LIFE center at the University of Washington this year. Doctoral students will be working with us to learn all about human impact on water in our world. We will be doing investigations inside and outside the classroom using traditional scientific tools as well as the Zydeco app deveolped by the University of Michigan.
Homework will be given Monday through Thursday. Students should be spending about 30 minutes on homework, and thirty minutes reading a book of their choice.I expect homework to be done completely independently. If your child is asking for help often with the homework, please let me know. All homework given in class will be directly related to what was taught during that school day.
Fifth grade is a very exciting year for students. At this moment they are one year from starting middle school, and as such, it is critical that throughout the year, students become academically and socially ready for that transition. Instruction, especially in the areas of reading, writing, and math, will be rigorous to ensure that readiness.
What will students learn this year? In science, they will work with microscopes, learn about erosion and ground water, and use engineering skills throughout the year. In social studies, your child will learn about early US history and the principles this country was founded on.
This year we will be working closely with the LIFE center at the University of Washington this year. Doctoral students will be working with us to learn all about human impact on water in our world. We will be doing investigations inside and outside the classroom using traditional scientific tools as well as the Zydeco app deveolped by the University of Michigan.
Homework will be given Monday through Thursday. Students should be spending about 30 minutes on homework, and thirty minutes reading a book of their choice.I expect homework to be done completely independently. If your child is asking for help often with the homework, please let me know. All homework given in class will be directly related to what was taught during that school day.
Coming up very soon will be fourth and fifth grade camp!! Most of the students are already signed up and paid for. If you are not, you'll be receiving a phone call from me very soon :). Camp is very exciting and will be taking place at Camp Seymour in Gig Harbor from September 25-27. More information about camp can be found in the links on the right side of the screen.
Please visit the blog often! Also, the kids will get started on podcasts soon. They will be heir reading stories over "the air" and you will be able to listen to their weekly KOF3 radio shows.
Cheers!
Ms. Ventura
Learning about NASA
Today we are going to learn about NASA! Representatives from the Johnson Space Center are coming to Maple on Tueday afternoon, so we are going to take this morning to get ourselves acquainted with this government agency.
Check it out!
Check it out!
F-3 Goes to City Hall!
On April 25th, 2013, we visited City Hall! We had a great time. First we visited Judge Bonner's courtroom in the Municipal Courthouse. Judge Bonner introduced us to the city prosecutor, three defense lawyers, the court bailiff, the court recorder and the probation officer. We met so many people involved in the Municipal justice system! Thanks so much to Principal Hunter's son, Louis Hunter, for taking us around.
Next we got to meet Mayor McGinn at the Mayor's office.We asked about any bills that he has vetoed, as well as questions about issues such as teen drinking and driving. Thanks to Allison at the Mayor's office for taking us around.
We also visited the Legislative Branch. Dan took us to Council Chambers where we learned all about the plans for the GIANT park that will be above the new tunnel downtown.
We saved the best for last: we went to the Marshal's office in the basement of the Municipal Court. That was fun.
It was a fantastic trip!
How Does a Bill Become a Law?
How does a bill become a law? Today we are going to learn all of the steps!
Learning about the US Constitution
For the next few days in F3, we'll be focused on the Constitution. To start, let's look at the PREAMBLE:
We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
Next, let's take a look at how the constitution was written:
Congress for kids
We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
Next, let's take a look at how the constitution was written:
Congress for kids
Micros in F3!
This week, students will be responsible for documenting a health issue in their home or community. Using this form, they can use a camera or draw a picture and write about this health issue. We will be talking about various health issues at school. Later on in the month they will be using these pictures as well as research on that chosen topic to present to the class. There are so many topics to choose from!
On the Cusp of Independance
Now it's time to move on to the beginning of the American Revolution. The Committee of Correspondence has gotten the attention of the other colonies and now we will be fighting for our independence. This week we will be learning about the revolution through websites linked to this blog, videos and read alouds.
Lexington and Concord
The Battle of Bunker Hill
The Declaration of Independence
George Washington Crossing the Delaware
Famous Voices of the American Revolution
A Very Wonderful Thanksgiving
We sent 23 car packages out to Lcpl Elizabeth Gill and her unit on Friday, November 23rd and they arrived ON THANKSGIVING!!! How awesome is that? Here is her thank you letter to the class:
Miss Ventura,
I want to thank
you and your students for all the things you've sent us. The luck we had with
receiving them led them to be opened on Thanksgiving. It is wonderful to
receive care packages such as these at any time, but during this day when one
starts to miss ones loved ones, it is an amazing surprise and it lifts the
spirits of all the Marines who receive a gift.
To Valena, thank
you for the the sweets, snack foods and hygiene products. We're going to make
the food last because of what a treat it is over seas. As for cavities, you
don't have much to worry about. We have
toothbrushes and extras thanks to you and your classmates. :-)
To Kayla, I've
never played basketball. Is it fun? I was a swimmer in school.
Mussie, you'll
be happy to know that my entire squadron knows about your boxes and every shop
has been able to get something out of them. I'm glad to here about what you
want to be, but before you decide, make sure you really want to join an armed
force group. You have to feel it in your heart if you want to be a Marine and
then you have to earn the right to call yourself one.
Ahmed, I have
to tell you, when my Staff Sergeant saw
the raisins you packed, he was so excited. He said they reminded him of what he
would make his sons when he's home. Don't worry, my teammates always know if
they want something that no one else has or if they didn't get something that
day to come to my shop because people like your teacher, classmates, parents
and yourself care enough to give us things that we really don't have access to
out here.
To Alex, thank
you so much for the games. We have a Marine out here with an XBox but for some
reason, he only brought one game. So
thank you for giving us more options.
For Jaden, I
give a big thank you to since some people were looking for something specific.
You and your partner, Bailey, took the time to write them all down which helped
us get the boxes distributed faster. We all hope our deployments are safe, but
my squadron is with the jets so we don't venture out the wire like the
Infantry(grunts as we call them) and the Combat Engineers (They blow up bombs)
do on a regular basis. When I see them, I try to give them things that you and
others send us.
Bailey, again
as I said for Jaden, thank you for the list. It just helps us with time. As for
color I have three; black, gold, and scarlet. If you are still interested in
the military and would like to know a
little more, write me either an email or a letter and I will try to
answer every question you have and do my best to explain the military life.
Hannah, we had
everyone trying to get your cookies. That's the one thing everybody here has
with their families during Christmas. We decided to keep them in the tins until
it's closer to that time before we split all of them in half and share them as
a Squadron. We might be away from our
loved ones, but the Marines are very close-knit and we become a second family.
Trail mixes are amazing gifts because they really don't go bad and they have
little goodies in them while we're working on whatever we do. As for your dad,
I'm sure you are very proud of him. Mine
was a Marine and Grandpa was in the army. Tell him my squadron also says thank
you for his service to our country and the gifts he helped with.
To Sherrdonna,
thank you for the snacks. The stuffed animals you sent we don't keep. I give
them to the grunts so they can be given to the children they meet. And as for the toothbrushes, noted.
Nallelie, Thank
you for the candy and all the hygiene products we found in your box. It really
does help us all out when we get stuff like that.
Linda, granola
bars are the best. They are the ultimate snack food. They can be eaten anytime,
anywhere and they give us some of the
nutrition we need on a regular basis. The mashed potatoes arrived right on
Thanksgiving. Give you a guess what my shop is sharing tonight.
For the first
graders' drawings, we would like it if you would tell them thank you from us.
We have them hung across our hanger so everyone can see. Thank you for adding
color to the desert.
Finally, to
Christy. In your letter you thanked us
for serving the fishes and animals. Granted, me might take care of them we
don't serve them. When you enlist to become a soldier, airman, seaman, or
Marine, you take an oath to serve and protect the United States of America and
her people. We serve the country and, in turn, serve you and the rest sitting
in the classroom to the left and right of you.
Thank you all
so much for these gifts. even if it seemed weird as a school project it still
makes a difference out here in the middle of a combat zone for those who
received it.
Sincerely,
LCpl Elizabeth Gill
Semper Fi!
Getting Back into the Swing of Things!
Now it is time to get back into the swing of things. On Monday, we will get started with doing just that. With one day left until the 2012 Election, we will go over ballot measures and the Electoral College. We will make final predictions to get ready for the big day.
Also, we will get started with Global Reading. There are 14 slots available for kids who want to be a part of Global Reading this year. Check out the Seattle Public Library link to get started.
We'll also discuss Maple's annual care package drive and talk about continuing the F3 tradition of being the leaders of this drive.
Lastly, we'll discuss upcoming parent teacher conferences and talk about how YOU will be getting ready for the conference by setting up goals in reading, math and behavior in these next two weeks.
Can't wait to see you guys!!
Learning About the Election
This was the electoral college map in 2008. Here it is in 2012. See the difference?
29 or more- red
15-28- orange
9-14 yellow
4-8 green
3- pink
Welcome to F3!!
Hello! I am Marcia Ventura, and I will be your child’s fifth grade
teacher this year. I have taught in the Seattle School District for
twelve years, and this is my sixth year at Maple, and I love it here deeply!
Fifth grade is a very exciting year for students. At this moment they are one year from starting middle school, and as such, it is critical that throughout the year, students become academically and socially ready for that transition. Instruction, especially in the areas of reading, writing, and math, will be rigorous to ensure that readiness.
What will students learn this year? In science, they will work with microscopes, learn about erosion and ground water, and even become engineers. In social studies, your child will learn about early US history and the principles this country was founded on.
Homework will be given Monday through Thursday. Students should be spending about 30 minutes on homework, and thirty minutes reading a book of their choice.I expect homework to be done completely independently. If your child is asking for help often with the homework, please let me know. All homework given in class will be directly related to what was taught during that school day.
Coming up very soon will be fourth and fifth grade camp!!
Most of the students are already signed up and paid for. If you are
not, you'll be receiving a phone call from me very soon :). Camp is very
exciting and will be taking place at Camp Seymour in Gig Harbor from
September 28-30. More information about camp can be found in the links
on the right side of the screen.
Please visit the blog often! Also, the kids will get started on podcasts soon. They will be heir reading stories over "the air" and you will be able to listen to their weekly KOF3 radio shows.
Cheers!
Ms. Ventura
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