Hello all. In math, we worked on addition. This week, we focused on our understanding of the algorithms and our number sense. We did so with 2 projects. In the first, I asked each student to create a test for the class next door. We discussed what types of questions we should ask, as well as how we should ask them in order to really test the understanding of the test takers. We looked at what the Program of Studies says we should know, as well. Once we decided what types of questions we should ask, I had each student create their own test. Of course, in order to do so they also had to create an answer key. The students were very engaged in this activity, and it really tested their own understanding as they had to both create the questions and answer them, too. We also had a small test. For some of the questions, I left out certain numbers in the addends and the sum. This really tested well whether the students understood both how to perform the standard algorithm, as well as their number sense as they had to visualize patterns, number relations, and place value. Below are some examples of their thinking.

I also gave them questions that were not lined up as expected. This proved challenging for a number of students, so we will continue working on this. It is important for students to be comfortable with seeing math in unexpected ways. Such a comfort with numbers is a good sign of their developing number sense.

We had our big trip to TELUS Spark this week. We all had a fantastic time exploring the center. In our math/dance session the students had a great time moving their bodies while also thinking mathematically.

In science, we continue to track the growth of our plants and vegetables, as well as the life cycle of our mealworms. We have at least one pupa now, and we hope to see it emerge as a darkling beetle soon.

In social studies, we are still in Peru, studying the culture of the Incans. This week we focused on what we know about daily life in Incan society. We also took some video tours of Machu Picchu. We also continue to work on our Field Guide, to which we will soon be adding a variety of insects, plants, mammals, reptiles, and fish to round out our study of plant and animal life cycles. This, as mentioned, will be an ongoing process with the students taking more and more responsibility for researching the content of their guide and organizing their information appropriately. Remember, this coming week are our student-led conferences. You should have received an email telling you how to book a time. Please do so. I would love to meet those parents and guardians I've not yet met and discuss your child's work and successes!