This week in math we started an exciting Interact unit called, "Into the Unknown." In this unit, students will participate in a variety of activities that promote algebraic thinking and reasoning. After setting up our "dive teams" and "water logs" (journal), we started our first underwater adventure - Aquatic Equations!
In this adventure students used pattern blocks to develop an understanding of equations. Using the blocks, they created large hexagons. They then wrote an equation to represent how each hexagon was constructed. These equations were recorded in their "water log." Students now fully understand that an equation is a number sentence containing an equal sign where both sides of the equal sign have the same value. Great work kids!
In this adventure students used pattern blocks to develop an understanding of equations. Using the blocks, they created large hexagons. They then wrote an equation to represent how each hexagon was constructed. These equations were recorded in their "water log." Students now fully understand that an equation is a number sentence containing an equal sign where both sides of the equal sign have the same value. Great work kids!
Reindeer Wanted
During our reading / language arts time this week, we began an exciting persuasive writing assignment. Students were given a copy of the following wanted poster:
reindeer_wanted[1].pdf |
After reading the terrible news, students were instructed to pretend they were a reindeer wanting to apply for the job. Together we brainstormed a list of traits that we thought Santa would look for in a replacement reindeer. Next, students created a brainstorming web indicating which traits they were going to choose to highlight in their letter to Santa trying to convince him that they are the right reindeer for the job. Next week we will begin writing our rough drafts, editing, and moving on to a final copy!