Earth's Atmosphere

Read about the layers of the atmosphere:
Kids Geo
Science for Kids

Multiplying Fractions

Now try out this step by step tutorial.  Can you find where they should have used cross cancelling?

Take a self-check quiz.

Hydraulic Fracturing -- Scholastic News Supplement

The main article in your Scholastic News talks about earthquakes in Oklahoma due to hydraulic fracturing.  See what else you can learn about it here.

Scholastic Video -- Earthquakes

Science News for Students articles:
Explainer: What is Fracking?
Fracking Waste and Quakes

Fractional Recipe Assignment

Your math homework over the break is to find a recipe with at least 3 fractions in it and post it on Kidblog.  You then need to triple the recipe and cut it in half.  Please make sure that you type the list of ingredients neatly.  I suggest using bullet points or numbers.  I posted a sample recipe for you to look at under my daughter's account.

Don't forget to include the instructions for the recipe and the amount that the recipe makes.  For extra credit, you may choose to make the recipe and post a picture of yourself making it.  (You don't need to actually cook unless you want extra credit.)  Be creative.  This is a good way to share a favorite family recipe.

Iready bonus:  Those of you who complete at least 4 Iready math lessons over the break can claim an Iready bonus from me when we get back.

Multiplying Fractions

Learn how to multiply fractions with the video below:

Plant Review Video

Watch the Bill Nye video below for a review of plant basics:

Be the Plant Professor -- Resources

How did plants develop photosynthesis?

Plant Basics

Why leaves change color

Photosynthesis for kids

What is pollination?

Plant pollination strategies

A Plant Puzzle

Photosynthesis (the big picture)

Fraction Multiplication Basics

Understand the basics of fraction multiplication by watching the video below.  We will be working on this in the upcoming week.

Fractions as Division

More from Khan Academy on this topic.

Line Plots and Fractions

Watch the video above as an introduction to the concept of line plots that we will be going over this week.  Practice with line plots here.
Find out about the basics of line plots here.

Science Fair -- Hypothesis Time!

It is time to come up with your hypothesis for your science fair project.  A hypothesis is an educated guess about what will happen in your science experiment.  A hypothesis should show that you have done some research.  Please post your hypothesis on Kidblog.

What is a hypothesis?

If you are doing a demonstration instead of an experiment, you will need to explain what you are demonstrating before you complete it.  Please show that you did significant research.

Our school science fair is on February 9.  Please make sure your science project is completed and brought to school by February 7.  Check out the science fair directions. 

Esperanza Rising -- CA History Setting

Use this link to find out more about the setting of Esperanza Rising.

Action Verbs, Main Verbs & Helping Verbs

Adding and Subtracting Mixed Numbers Review

Try out this step by step lesson from Math.com.

Now try some practice.

Science Fair

I hope you are excited about the science fair at school.  Our whole class will be participating.  The science fair is February 9.  Check out the science fair directions.

Your first assignment for the science fair is to figure out and write about what project you will do.  What will your experiment or demonstration be?  How will you make it work?  What materials will you need?  What scientific concept will you be exploring?  Please post this information on Kidblog.

Need help figuring out ideas?  Check out these links:
https://kids.usa.gov/science/science-fair-projects/index.shtml
http://www.education.com/science-fair/
http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/projects.html
http://www.parenting.com/gallery/easy-science-fair-projects-kids