Building joints

Today we continued to work on our division skills. We learned the strategy of turning a division question into a multiplication question to help us. We decided this would be a great strategy to use since multiplication is much easier for most of us to use and figure out. Here is an example of how to do this strategy:
If I have the division question: 18 / 2 = ?
I can turn it into a multiplication question by changing the = into a x and the / into a =. Then I would have the question: ? x 2 = 18. Using this method I then know my multiplication facts and can figure out the 9 x 2 = 18 so 18 /2 = 9
We did a few examples where the ? were throughout the questions. We will continue to practice this skill next week.

In science today we did an experiment where we were testing the strength of different materials for the joints or connections of the sides of cubes. In groups, we were given straws and either plasticine, paper clips or pipe cleaners. We used these materials to connect the straws together to make cubes. We then tried to balance weight on top of the cube by placing a folder then blocks. We soon discovered that some of the cubes couldn't hold shape or any weight. The plasticine joints were the strongest and the paperclip joints were the weakest. We discussed how builders would need to think of the purpose of their building because having more flexible materials can be helpful in things like bridges, swings or even buildings in earthquake areas.

In social today we reviewed the 3 geographical regions of Peru:
- Costa (coast)
- Sierra (mountains)
- Selva (rainforests)
Ask me to tell you at least 2 interesting facts about each region.

Reminders:
- Please return your orange forms about your plans for next year
- Flower fundraiser forms are due April 18
- Book orders were sent home today. They are due next Thursday
- No school for students next Friday