Chapter 4 open book quiz 12/20/12

There will be an open book quiz on Chapter 4 next Thursday, Dec. 20.  The children will access to their books and any notes that we take.  Rereading the chapter and practicing the vocabulary will be the best way to prepare for this quiz!  Please email me with any questions at mlbuster@torahacademy.org

Happy Chanukah!
Mrs. Buster

Chapter 3 Test 12/7/12 Study Guide

·       Know all of Chapter 3 vocabulary

·       Understand food chains and food webs and ecosystems

·       Be able to describe importance of sunlight in photosynthesis

·       Understand levels in an energy pyramid

*****All of this can be found in your book and your notes, so be studying from both of those things this week!  The pictures and diagrams in your books are very useful too.

Chapter 3 Test 12/7/12

I know it seems like we just had a test, but I am announcing the Chapter 3 test for next Friday, December 7.  I wanted to be sure to get that in before all the Chanukah festivities begin.  The children already have notes and vocabulary they can begin studying so there won't have to be any last minute cramming!

Please email me at mlbuster@torahacademy.org with any questions.

11/20/12 Update

We have wrapped up our study of natural resources and conservation - the children did a great job with these topics.  We had some terrific discussions about recycling (reduce, reuse, recycle!) and they created "public service announcements" to help spread the good word about caring for our world.  We were happy to host Mr. Law from "Keep Columbus Beautiful," who shared with us how the city of Columbus is promoting recycling and trying to keep our city clean.  He was very impressed with how much they knew and I was impressed with how well they behaved while our guest was here.

A very happy Thanksgiving to everyone and please email me with any questions or concerns at mlbuster@torahacademy.org

11/13/12 for the test!

Sorry, misread my calendar when I was typing previous entry...the Chapter 2 test is on Tuesday, November 13!  There is no school on the 14th!

Chapter 2 Test Study Guide

The test on Chapter 2 will be Tuesday, November 14.  Please use the following information to guide your studying and email me with any questions at mlbuster@torahacademy.org

Mrs. Buster’s 5^th Grade Science

Study Guide, Chapter 2

Vocabulary

Renewable resource                          nonrenewable resource

Pollution                                           conservation

Identify renewable and nonrenewable resources

Examples of soil conservation

Different kinds of pollution and the effects

Crop rotation

Be able to explain water conservation and why it is important

Explain fossil water

Xeriscaping

Chapter 2 test

We will have a test on Chapter 2 on Tuesday, November 13.  A study guide will be sent home in the next day or two.  Time spent reviewing vocabulary and rereading the lessons we have covered thus far would be time well spent!  I keep reminding them the best method to prepare for an upcoming test is to review/reread a little each night...now if I could only get my own children to comply!

Please email me with any questions at mlbuster@torahacademy.org

11/2/12 Update

Our studies have moved from the Solar System to right here on Earth!  We are studying natural resources and had a terrific discussion yesterday about renewable resources and nonrenewable resources.  When I was their age, we threw absolutely everything away...these children are so much more knowledgeable about "reduce, reuse, recycle."  I'm very excited.  I've invited our very own Sara Shatz to discuss the recycling program here at CTA - it's rather unique!

I have a limited number of conference times available for Science students during Parent/Teacher conferences on November 15.  Please phone the school office to schedule a time.  However, if there is not a time that works for you, please email me at mlbuster@torahacademy.org and I will be happy to set up a time  for us to speak.

Chapter 1 Test 10/25/12

There will be a test on Chapter 1 on Thursday, October 25.  The children are receiving their study guide today.  Please be sure your child studies a little bit each evening so he or she is prepared for this test.  There will not be another test given before the end of the first quarter, so it's important to do well.

Please email me with any questions or concerns at mlbuster@torahacademy.org

Homework 10/16/12

The class has a homework assignment about Eclipses that is due on 10/18/12.  They need to read the entire packet and complete the short quiz at the end.  I expect a test on Chapter 1 toward the end of next week.  I will post the exact date by Thursday and a study guide will follow.  This will likely be the last test of the the First Quarter, so encourage your children to study hard and do their best!

Please email me with any questions at mlbuster@torahacademy.org

9/28/12 Update

We have started our study of the Earth, the Moon and beyond!  This includes learning about the rotation and revolution of the Earth, what makes the seasons on Earth, how the Earth and Moon compare and other parts of our Solar System.  This week we did an investigation/demonstration of how the Earth rotates while it revolves around the Sun and also how the moon is involved.  It required some coordination!  We've also been demonstrating how the Sun affects our planet - thanks to Shummy, nicknamed "Sunny" this week as he shines the light of the sun on Earth for us.  Next week, we will make craters - should be interesting and a little messy, but that's the whole point, right?

Throughout our studies in Science this year, we will be emphasizing the scientific method - the steps taken to answer questions.  This method will take them through all of their Science studies, so they really need to have a strong handle on the steps involved.  At this point, no test is scheduled yet for Chapter 1 - I will see how far we get after the holidays and give at least one week's notice prior.  The children will have vocabulary and notes in their notebooks and I encourage them to read over their notes a few times a week to keep the concepts fresh in their minds.

Enjoy Sukkot and please email me with any questions or concerns at mlbuster@torahacademy.org

Methods of Science Test 9/13/12

Our first test of the year will be this Thursday.  The children are bringing home their study guides today and I'm recommending they also bring home their books to study.  We've discussed the importance of studying ahead of time and not waiting until the last minute to cram, which seldom works.  I sing this song at home all the time too - who knows if it's working!  For your reference, I'm including the information from the study guide here as well, just in case.  Please email me with any questions at mlbuster@torahacademy.org

Be able to define the following terms:

Microscope                              balance                           investigation

Inquiry                                    experiment                     scientific method

Variable                        

·        know the steps, in order of the scientific method and be able to explain each step 

(text pg. 20-21)

·        if given an inquiry skill, be able to explain what it means (you don’t have to memorize the list, but you should know what each means)                         text pg. 12-15

·        explain why safety in the science lab is so important (text pg. 8)

Welcome!

Welcome to the blog for CTA's 5th Grade Science!  Check here regularly for class updates, links, photos (if I can figure out how to post them, that is!) and pertinent information about class work, homework, tests, etc.  You can always send me an email at mlbuster@torahacademy.org with any questions.  Stay tuned for lots of great science!