In science, students are continuing their in-depth studies of New England forest ecosystems. They are constructing energy pyramids that show the loss of energy through trophic levels, and discussing where that energy goes and what it's used for (preliminary discussions about the conservation of mass may arise!) Finally, students will use their cumulative knowledge of ecosystem dynamics to solve and provide a solution for a mystery about an unstable ecosystem by creating a complex food web and infographic.
In math, students are continuing their work on algebraic expressions. They have begun reading and evaluating them. Next, they will be learning how to translate word problems into expressions. During this time students become familiar with unit vocabulary to make deeper connections with the content and begin to see connections in their own experiences.
In ELA, students have been preparing for MCAS with a reasoning boot camp in which students focused on the skill of analyzing a passage and providing reasoning to support their claims. They are also learning how to write a narrative by reading the short story “Thank You, Ma’am,” by Langston Hughes and writing their own ending to the story.
In social studies, students started the 4th unit of the year on ancient Egypt. They have been learning about the characteristics of the civilization and what influential factors the Nile River had on Egypt. They have started to learn about the three major time periods in Egypt and the legacy of the pharaohs who ruled during those periods.