Research Projects

This morning we completed an activity in math where we were given 20 counters and had to separate them into equal groups. We used the sentence starter _____ groups of ______ counters to help us out (some of use ____ of _____ for a shorter way)
Here is how we split the counters:
10 groups of 2 counters
2 groups of 10 counters
1 group of 20 counters
20 groups of 1 counters
4 groups of 5 counters
5 groups of 4 counters

We talked about how when we are making equal groups with numbers we are actually doing multiplication. Multiplication means: putting together equal groups to find a total. When we see the mathematical symbol for multiplying (x) it can be read as "group(s) of"
So with our total of 20 counters we could change our sentences using words to math sentences. For example 10 groups of 2 counters is actually 10 x 2 = 20

We will be reviewing and building our basic multiplication skills over the next week before moving into more complex problems.

We started a new novel called "Mission Mumbai" that is about an American boy named Dylan that goes to India to visit his best friend Rohit. So far Dylan has gotten himself into trouble by hitting a cow with a stick to get it to move out of the road (cows are scared in India and this would be like slapping your mother in the face!) and swimming in a river that was filled with garbage and human waste. We have also talked about the concepts of context cues which are hints the author gives you without writing something directly. For example, there have been clues that Dylan's parents may be getting divorced even though the author hasn't told us that directly. We have also talked about foreshadowing which means when the author gives you hints about what is going to happen next. We talked about how important it is to keep an open-mind and appreciation for other cultures while we read this novel.

This morning we learned about 2 different research projects we will be working on. Our job is to create a presentation to give to the museum board (the rest of the class and Ms. Binks) outlining a new and exciting exhibit that they should put in the museum. Today the India group wrote down their top 2 choices about topics they would like to research to create their project. They could choose either: clothing, food, sports, music/dance. festivals/celebrations or transportation. The Alberta group chose an aspect of First Nations life from the past that they will research. We will be completing this project in 4 sections: researching, gathering, organizing and presenting.
Ms. Binks will be posting more details later in the week.

Reminders:
- We started gymnastics today. Please make sure you are dressing appropriately and remember to tie your hair back or bring an elastic.
- Spelling test is on Monday