Term 2 Week 3

Central Idea:  Natural materials can undergo changes that may provide challenges and benefits for society and the environment

Science - This week we were able to have a video chat with Gaffe's dad in New Mexico. He works for Exxon Mobile and is very knowledgable about the exploration, drilling and extraction of crude oil. This was most helpful in clarifying our understanding. We had a good opportunity to ask questions and think about the important issue of renewable and non-renewable resources. Here is a video that is worth discussing with your child:

This week we're working towards writing an information text on a natural resource of personal interest. The text will be revised and edited before using it as the basis of an ebook or similar resource to publish. These will be shared during our end of unit showcase next Tuesday 28th January during the last period of the day. Please come along at 2pm and see what has been achieved. 

English 

The written work has continued to be related to the above science. It has involved reading informational books, identifying key information and then expressing clearly in ones own words. We've talked a lot about the fact that is is better to write just a few simple sentences than to copy lots from a website. 

The collection and analysis of useful new words has been going on continually. Much of the new vocabulary comes from reading and discussion of the science inquiry.  This exercise has been an important opportunity for conducting online research. 

Homework
Everyone is now familiar with Google calendar and has practised using it this week. We've added our homework tasks on there. Please ask your child to show you and explain it all.
There is flexibility in when tasks can be completed, but they are all on the calendar now. Please discuss the PYP Exhibition with your child and encourage them to stay on top of their calendar appointments related to this.

Here is a reminder about what PYP Exhibition is;

Next week we will be completing the present unit of inquiry on natural resources from the earth. The written assessment of a resource of personal interest needs to be completed by Wednesday. The student will be asked to share their completed work with the class and we will reflect on what has been achieved during this unit.

Maths

Now finished our sub-topic 'Problem solving with addition and subtraction' and moved onto our new sub-topic 'Problem solving with multiplication and division'.

Congratulate the students for their scores, including those who achieved 100%.

Importance of practising multiplication and division facts. Use hit the button to practice at home. link

Next week, focusing on understanding and using factors and multiples, multiplying and dividing by powers of 10 and converting metric units.