Classwork, Fractions in the Kitchen, and Finishing Invasive Species Projects

If you check on the "Photos" section of this website, you'll see some new pictures of the students solving design challenges with Kapla Blocks. We've started each math class this week with short challenges using 10-20 wooden planks. I'm trying to give the students problems that they haven't seen before so they'll have a reason to make multiple attempts and share strategies along the way. Today they had to build a catwalk over a cup, without having any pieces touch the square of paper at the base of the cup. It's been a great way to warm up, and it seems to jumpstart the kids, as they were all very productive for the rest of the period.

Today we reviewed the homework and then students reviewed their renaming skills, then put them to use on word problems that asked them to make some decisions on how to apply their skills, involving mixed numbers. A small group of students worked with me making the final connection between te games we've been playing/creating and the steps most people use when working with fractions of unlike denominators. All students have a set of three questions about fractions and measuring cups. Feel free to get out the real thing and experiment! Students also have classwork to finish, either a packet of Least Common Denominator practice or the front side of a set of word problems.

In Science, we discussed whether humans could be considered invasive to North America, and then moved into a work block in which students finished up their invasive species projects. Many students finished today, but some have not, and a missing grade in Jumprope will let you know if the student should make time with me after school to finish this week.