Even though school got off to a late start this year, our class is going full steam ahead!! Here are some updates:
Math
Students are currently working on multiplication of whole numbers, for example- 129 x 45. We're learning to do the problem using the standard algorithm and then check the work with estimation.
English Language Arts
I'm so excited about our curriculum this year: we are using Engage NY. This curriculum is highly engaging and highly demanding of students. Their vocabulary is growing by the second! We are reviewing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and having excellent discussions about the importance of those rights.
Science
Students are testing out experiments in their model stream tables and learning about flooding, erosion and deposition.
Social Studies
Our F3 Constitution is already on its way to being completed. We'll have Constitution Wednesdays in which we will work on its completion and adding necessary amendments. This week we started learning about the First Peoples of North America, and soon we'll learn about the encounter between these early peoples and the first European explorers.
Also: Remember that Multi-ethnic Dinner Night is October 22nd, and our field trip to the Cedar River Watershed is the next day on the 23rd.
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 9th year at Maple, and I love it here deeply!
Families: come visit often! You are ALWAYS welcome. We are located in Portable 3 on the north side of the main building. Don't forget to sign in first at the office.
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, or is completing homework very quickly, 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 23-25.
Please visit the blog often! Also, the kids will get started on podcasts soon. They will be their reading stories over "the air" and you will be able to listen to their weekly KOF3 radio shows.
Cheers!
Ms. Ventura
F3 2015 Legislation
Over the course of the spring, the government of F3 has been meeting weekly to discuss legislation. The legislation is then signed into law by our class president. First our president was Kim, but then the representatives decided to have term limits, and now our president is D'Andre. He is facing Impeachment proceedings today. Good luck, D'Andre!
CubeSats!!
Here we are getting filmed by the Teaching Channel!
So far, students have begun work on their model CubeSat. Yesterday, they added "solar panels" onto their model, and next week they will learn about their specific missions and put the necessary items into their model. On Wednesday, May 6, all of the students will present their designs to a mock NASA panel. The NASA panel will be scoring the students on their CubeSat model and presentation.
Click on on the links on the right side of the page for more information on what we are learning about satellites! Soon this unit will be available for teachers across the country to teach on the Teaching Channel.
Update: Check out this article on our CubeSat unit!
Sorry for the LOOOOOOONG delay in posts!
Boy have we been up to a lot in F3! Here's a run down of what we've been doing:
We had a fantastic time with our engineering unit. In fact, during the last week, students went through a series of challenges in which they needed to optimize their go-carts to meet certain criteria. For example, students had to make their go cart climb a ramp, or stay between the lines. We had so much fun! Ms. V and Veronica McGowan from the UW LIFE Center are going to a conference in Chicago to talk all about our success with engineering so far this school year!
Next, in things have gotten really fun in social studies. Now that we're all Patriots and are fighting the British in the American Revolution, it's time to think about how we would run our own country. What a better way to do that then to start working on a constitution. We are doing just that! Students are working on ideas of how to run our own classroom here in F3!
Students went home with cameras this week to take pictures of what reminds them of health either at home or in their community. They also did interviews with adults regarding health issues.
What's coming up?!? We'll be taking a look at all of our self documentation of health issues and start researching a health topic. In addition, we'll be doing a unit all about micro satellites called CubeSats in late April! So exciting!
We do also have testing coming up in late April and May. This testing is called Smarter Balanced Assessment. This is the first year of the test, but the students have gotten many opportunities to look at how the test looks on line. If you have any questions or concerns about the test, write an e mail or give me a call. Testing dates will be available soon. I am confident that students will follow the Maple Way and do their best. Students are excited about the fact that the tests (with the exception of science) will be on the computer.
We had a fantastic time with our engineering unit. In fact, during the last week, students went through a series of challenges in which they needed to optimize their go-carts to meet certain criteria. For example, students had to make their go cart climb a ramp, or stay between the lines. We had so much fun! Ms. V and Veronica McGowan from the UW LIFE Center are going to a conference in Chicago to talk all about our success with engineering so far this school year!
Next, in things have gotten really fun in social studies. Now that we're all Patriots and are fighting the British in the American Revolution, it's time to think about how we would run our own country. What a better way to do that then to start working on a constitution. We are doing just that! Students are working on ideas of how to run our own classroom here in F3!
Students went home with cameras this week to take pictures of what reminds them of health either at home or in their community. They also did interviews with adults regarding health issues.
What's coming up?!? We'll be taking a look at all of our self documentation of health issues and start researching a health topic. In addition, we'll be doing a unit all about micro satellites called CubeSats in late April! So exciting!
We do also have testing coming up in late April and May. This testing is called Smarter Balanced Assessment. This is the first year of the test, but the students have gotten many opportunities to look at how the test looks on line. If you have any questions or concerns about the test, write an e mail or give me a call. Testing dates will be available soon. I am confident that students will follow the Maple Way and do their best. Students are excited about the fact that the tests (with the exception of science) will be on the computer.
Having fun and working hard in F3
We are busy as bees here in F3. Students have been recording the lates episode of KOF3 radio in their native language, testing their go carts for speed and distance, reading up a strorm, and getting more familiar with decimals.
On the last math test, students showed a tremendous amount of growth. In fact, the students that have come in for morning tutoring twice a week showed more growth than ever. Congrats!
There are some exciting events coming up soon. First, tomorrow night is our Math, Pizza and Engineering Night in F pod. There will be two workshops that night. One is on bar modeling in math and the other is a engineering design worshop. I'm so excited that so many kids have signed up!
Also, remember that Friday the 30th is a no school day for kids, and on February 12 we will be going to see the play Mwindo at the Seattle Children's Theater.
Next week I'll be sending home surveys to parents about the latest round of KOF3! Make sure you listen :)
On the last math test, students showed a tremendous amount of growth. In fact, the students that have come in for morning tutoring twice a week showed more growth than ever. Congrats!
There are some exciting events coming up soon. First, tomorrow night is our Math, Pizza and Engineering Night in F pod. There will be two workshops that night. One is on bar modeling in math and the other is a engineering design worshop. I'm so excited that so many kids have signed up!
Also, remember that Friday the 30th is a no school day for kids, and on February 12 we will be going to see the play Mwindo at the Seattle Children's Theater.
Next week I'll be sending home surveys to parents about the latest round of KOF3! Make sure you listen :)
Reflections on our amazing work!
Woah!!! We've had a BUSY December and it has been SO much fun.
From building towers to building bridges to graham cracker houses and creations, from learning about the spread of Ebola to sending treats to troops who have helped in West Africa: we have learned so much! This week we've taken time to reflect on all of our work.
And the team with the best reflection is......
Architecture in F3 with the DLR Group!
For now, though-- check out our skyscrapers!
Our care packages have arrived!!
Hi Everyone!
The packages arrived to one of the destinations yesterday: Fort Bliss,
Texas. The soldiers there are in the
middle of their 21 day quarantine after serving in Liberia. As you can see by
the pictures, they were thrilled to receive the treats and letters sent by
Maple families. In all, we sent 19 care packages last Thursday. Nine packages full of candy and letters went to Ft Bliss and the other packages are still on their way to service members working right now in Liberia.
On another note, I took a trip to the White Center Food Bank yesterday
to deliver the canned goods and large boxes of cereal donated. One hundred pounds. I am astounded each year by both the
generosity shown by our community and the gratitude shown by those on the receiving
end.
Have a great Thanksgiving!
Ms. V.
Thank you so much for this great surprise from you and the children of Maple Elementary.
It was so nice to see the Soldiers, Sailors, Airman and Marines read all the notes from the kids. All of us are very appreciative of the thoughts and act of kindness you and the kids did for us.
I was in awe that the team went for the letters just as much as the candy and other items. We posted the letters on the wall for all of us to read in the common area.
The pictures were sent earlier from my roommate. We will send more.
Thanks so much for letting me have the opportunity to talk with your kids via face time. It made my day! I hope they were able to learn more about what we are doing in Liberia.
You are a superstar for teaching the kids about this topic and providing them the awareness of such an important issue.
Every point counts to ensure we keep this virus away from the US and help the people that are sick in Liberia.
If there is anything we can do again please let me know.
Mike
VR,
LTC
Indovina
And another message from Maj Stamm!
Dear Ms. Ventura's Class,
I am one of the servicemembers who have just returned from Africa and are currently at Ft. Bliss, TX. We received your packages the other day, and I just wanted to let you know how thankful we are.
Most of us have been away from home for several weeks, and we have to stay here for a total of 21 days so the doctors can make sure we aren't sick. I can assure you, we aren't. Well, homesick maybe, and we all just want to go home. I want to go home to my basset hound, "Rosebud," who is so lazy she probably doesn't even notice I'm not there. Seriously, the dog is LAZY (see attached photo).
The best part of the day is getting mail, especially when we get packages such as the ones you sent. We have been eating the goodies like we never had candy before. I'm eating some right now.
Please know how happy we are you thought of us. Now, do your homework and get good grades. If you do, then one day you can be like us if you want, traveling the world helping other people. And get to wear camouflage pants.
Thank you again.
Maj. John T. Stamm
US Air Force Reserve
And another message from Maj Stamm!
Dear Ms. Ventura's Class,
I am one of the servicemembers who have just returned from Africa and are currently at Ft. Bliss, TX. We received your packages the other day, and I just wanted to let you know how thankful we are.
Most of us have been away from home for several weeks, and we have to stay here for a total of 21 days so the doctors can make sure we aren't sick. I can assure you, we aren't. Well, homesick maybe, and we all just want to go home. I want to go home to my basset hound, "Rosebud," who is so lazy she probably doesn't even notice I'm not there. Seriously, the dog is LAZY (see attached photo).
The best part of the day is getting mail, especially when we get packages such as the ones you sent. We have been eating the goodies like we never had candy before. I'm eating some right now.
Please know how happy we are you thought of us. Now, do your homework and get good grades. If you do, then one day you can be like us if you want, traveling the world helping other people. And get to wear camouflage pants.
Thank you again.
Maj. John T. Stamm
US Air Force Reserve
Rosetta meets Comet
 |
| Artist's depiction of the landing. |
 |
| A simulated picture of Rosetta launching the probe towards the comet. |
On the journey to meet up with the comet, Rosetta circled the solar system several times, using the gravity of Earth and Mars to boost the spacecraft's speed to match the comet. This video illustrates where Rosetta has been for the past ten years.
 |
| To secure the lander probe, harpoons will shoot into the comet's surface and anchor it. |
Learning about Ebola in F3
We've been following the spread of Ebola. In class we've had conversations about viruses, curfews, and public health workers.
UPDATE: On October 8, 2014, we learned about and mourned the death of Mr. Duncan who dies of Ebola in Dallas this morning. Our hearts go out to his family and friends and to the doctors who treated him.
Another update: On October 15, we learn that the nurses at the Dallas hospital were not prepared, and that is how the virus may have spread to the two nurses.
October 16: And another update on the situation in Liberia. What is it like to be an ambulance worker?
Update: October 29: Following our discussion on quarantines, what do you think of this? How does the cartoonist feel about the quarantine orders?
---------------------------------------------------------
October 31: How is the US Military helping in West Africa?
----------------------------------------------------------
Timeline infographic from the Dallas Morning News
Learning about Ebola involves knowing about social studies and science. What have you learned about Ebola?
Added 11/17: The latest news on Ebola
UPDATE: On October 8, 2014, we learned about and mourned the death of Mr. Duncan who dies of Ebola in Dallas this morning. Our hearts go out to his family and friends and to the doctors who treated him.
Another update: On October 15, we learn that the nurses at the Dallas hospital were not prepared, and that is how the virus may have spread to the two nurses.
October 16: And another update on the situation in Liberia. What is it like to be an ambulance worker?
Update: October 29: Following our discussion on quarantines, what do you think of this? How does the cartoonist feel about the quarantine orders?
‘Don’t Fence Me In?’
October 31: How is the US Military helping in West Africa?
----------------------------------------------------------
"Texas sees first case of Ebola in U.S." from Newsela
"Retracting the Steps" infographic from the New York TimesTimeline infographic from the Dallas Morning News
Learning about Ebola involves knowing about social studies and science. What have you learned about Ebola?
Added 11/17: The latest news on Ebola
Learning about 9/11 in F3
We're going to be taking some time during social studies to learn about what happened in this country on September 11, 2001, and how the events affected people and our government.
We'll being learning about 9/11 through making maps, interviewing our families, and watching two videos: a Nickelodeon documentary and a film called "The Second Day".
We'll being learning about 9/11 through making maps, interviewing our families, and watching two videos: a Nickelodeon documentary and a film called "The Second Day".
Welcome to F-3!!
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 8th 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, or is completing homework very quickly, 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 24-26. 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 their reading stories over "the air" and you will be able to listen to their weekly KOF3 radio shows.
Cheers!
Ms. Ventura
Census Data!
Today we are going to look at Census data from 2010 and compare the data to the 2000 Census maps we have looked at. Then we will be making our own 2020 prediction maps!!!
Check out the maps here!
Check out the maps here!
All About the Judicial Branch AND Getting ready for our Field Trip!
Please check out his page along with the others below so that you can be ready as can be for the field trip tomorrow. Write down any specific questions that you have in your Municipal Government Notebook.
Mayor Ed Murray
Council Member Kshama Sawant
Council Member Bruce Harrell
Council Member Sally Clark
Police Chief Search
Try to think of questions that are about individual rights vs. the common good. We'll be talking more about this in class. Leave room in your notebook to right down what you learn tomorrow, May 14!
Learning about the Executive Branch!
Our Mayor, Ed Murray
The Executive Branch executes the laws! For example, Mayor Murray makes sure that the laws that have been passed by city council are in effect.
Learn more about Mayor Ed Murray!
- What parts of government is Ed Murray most excited about?
- What questions do you have for the Mayor?
Learning about the Legislative Branch
Seattle City Council 2014
The Legislative Branch of government makes the laws!
On May 14, F3 will go to Seattle City Hall and meet two members of City Council: Kashma Sawant and Bruce Harrell. Please go to their council pages to find out:
- what laws do they want to pass?
- what areas of city government interest them?
Learning MORE About the Duwamish
For the next several weeks, we are going to spend our time in science focusing on the Duwamish River.
Here are the focus questions developed by F3 Kids:
1. What does it mean that the Duwamish is invisible?
2. How did the Duwamish watershed lose so many species?
3. What was the purpose of making the river straight and How did they do it?
4. Why were people dumping toxins and other pollutants in the river?
5. What happened to the Duwamish Tribe?
6. If they knew that the Duwamish was an estuary for salmon, why was it changed?
Tuesday, April 8, 2014: What is the EPA's Role in cleaning the river?
listen to stories:
working on the river
living along the Duwamish
how clean is clean?
all about the EPA
Monday, 3.24 The latest news on the Duwamish
Wednesday, 3.19 What does Boeing have to say?
Wednesday, 3.5: Alberto Rodriquez from the DRCC comes to visit
Tuesday, 3.4: From LDWG: The Lower Duwamish Waterway Group
Monday, 3.3: Next let's learn about who is working to clean up the river?
Thursday, 2.27: Let's start out by reviewing its history.
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