Thursday, 12/11/2008

Math
Today, we practiced fractions using fraction sticks. We shaded in a portion of the stick so it's equivalent to the given fraction. For example, if you have a stick divided into four equal pieces and the given fraction is ¾, you shade in three of the pieces. It's like your basic fractions, just in stick form. At first it seems tricky but later you'll get the hang of it. The problems that seem a it harder add fractions. If the fraction was ¾+½, you would have two sticks divided into four pieces. Shade in three pieces and you'll have the ¾ done. Shade in two more pieces and ½ is done because half of four is two. Then you have the answer. It's not that tough but it's certainly more difficult than the one before. Sometimes, we do these problems with number stories. Here is an example. Jerry used 3/8 of a cup of normal sugar and 5/8 of a cup of brown sugar. How much sugar did he use in all? As you can tell, the answer is one whole cup. That's the lesson in math class.

Language Arts
Today, we reviewed our open response question from the 4sight test. It was about a man named Louis coming to watch Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech. The question was on characterization skills. We had to least at least 3 reasons why this speech was a must-see for Louis. My score was a 3/3. You get that score by having a solid beginning, an eye catching middle, and a sweet ending to close it all up. I got a very good grade and there's nothing better to ask for.

Social Studies
Today, I started illustrating my invention, the Bubble Shield. With it's soft, pink, yet strong material and the fact that it's guaranteed bandit proof gives you the smoothest ride through the Silk Road you'll ever experience. I got my inspiration from the fact that so many merchants get robbed of their goods by the sleazy bandits hiding among the trail. It's mean, wrong, rude, and unnecessary! They deserve to have a safe trip and trade with fellow merchants coming home with something new and not empty handed.