Wednesday, January 16th

English
Read for 20 minutes
Spelling Lesson #17 test (tomorrow)

Math
2D Geometry test (tomorrow)
The following topics will be on the test...

• Construct and measure angles up to 180 degrees
• Order and classify quadrilaterals according to sides, angles, and lines of symmetry
• Order and classify polygons according to line and order of rotational symmetry
• Construct polygons when given side length or angle measures

Apologies for the late notice.

Science

Inquiry projects are due by next Wednesday.  If you finish early, please just hand it in.

Monday, January 14th

English
Spelling Lesson 17 - Test Thursday

Math
Today we practiced constructing polygons given angle and side measurements.  First we did some questions from the textbook (Chapter 7, Lesson 4, #4-6).  Then in the afternoon I gave the class the following problems...

a) Construct a scalene triangle that has an obtuse angle.
b) Construct a quadrilateral with a 50 degree and a 95 degree angle and a side that is 4 cm.
c) Construct a right trapezoid with a 45 degree angle.
d) Construct a kite with a 25 degree angle and two sides that are 3 cm long.

Finish for homework if you did not show me your work today.

Science
Students had 45 minutes to work on their Science project this morning.

Thursday, January 10th

English
Spelling Lesson #16 - Test Friday
Read for 20 minutes
This week we wrote a draft of a letter about a proposed club at school.  We looked at some examples of other student work, and then paired up to make improvements to our writing.  Due Friday.

Math
Today we learned about line and rotational symmetry.  Students worked in pairs to determine the number of lines of symmetry and the order of rotational symmetry of some regular and irregular polygons.  They were asked to look for any connections between the number of equal sides the polygon had and its line and rotational symmetry.  Finally, they were asked to draw some irregular polygons that had line and rotational symmetry.

Homework: IXL AA.1 (**Note, some of the questions ask for the answer in the number of degrees.  I realize that we did not cover this today in class.  Do your best.)

Science
Students continue to do research on their chosen inquiry topic.  Today we discussed how to break down an inquiry question into a bunch of smaller questions.

Wednesday, January 9th

English
Spelling Lesson #16 - Test Friday
Read for 20 minutes
Magazine cover and contents page (tomorrow)

Math
Today we learned how to classify quadrilaterals based upon side lengths, angles, and symmetry.  Students used a website (link) to learn about the characteristics of the 6 quadrilaterals, and played some math game to solidify their learning.

Homework: IXL Z.1 & Z.7

Science
Students continued working on their Science inquiry projects.  They should all have chosen a topic by now, and they are now in the process of collecting information to become "experts."  Next week we will spend time choosing a format and presenting their learning.

Tuesday, January 8th

English
Spelling Lesson #16 - Test Friday
Read for 20 minutes
Designing a magazine cover and contents page (ongoing in class)

Math
We have just started a unit on 2D geometry.  Students will learn...
- to measure and construct angles up to 180 degrees
- to sort and classify quadrilaterals by symmetry, angles, and side lengths
- to sort and classify polygons by lines of symmetry and order of rotational symmetry
- to construct polygons given angle and side measurements

Homework: IXL Z.2, Z.3, Z.4, plus problems assigned in class, if unfinished

Science
Students have begun an inquiry project on a local issue affecting biodiversity (habitat loss, climate change, invasive species, for example).  They will spend a week learning about their topic, and then next week creating a way to present their learning.  They will also write a cumulative test on the unit after the project.

Here is an interesting page on how plastic pollution is impacting biodiversity