This month's focus question: How does literature teach us about life?
Mrs. Heffern lheffern@milforded.org
Mrs. Higley chigley@milforded.org
Social Studies
Team 1 students are now studying ancient Greece. We have completed the difference of this ancient country's geography and its influence on the lives of the Greeks. We have read the myth of "Theseus and the Minotaur" and are now finshing reading "The Iliad", the story of the famous Trojan War. We will begin studying the birth of democracy and the impact that the ancient Greek's government has had on us today. The lives and social classes of the people will also be covered. There are so many interesting topics to be studied during this unit! Students are very interested and have even been independently researching additional information on their own!
Students, please remember that studying IS homework! Nightly review of notes/concepts is essential for your success!
Mrs. Balamaci ~kbalamaci@milforded.org
Science
Team 1 scientists have been working very hard in the chemistry unit. Students have begun to learn about the Periodic Table of Elements; and can compare and contrast elements, compounds and mixtures. We all enjoyed sharing our favorite examples of mixtures, including pizza, fruit and salad; and made personal connections of whipped cream and jello (colloids), and snowglobes (suspensions).
Students have been challenged to learn about microscopic atoms. They are so small that a speck of dust contains millions of atoms! Students are able to identify the parts of an atom, and their electrical charges, and had fun singing and snapping their fingers to "The Atoms Family" song. Although our chemistry unit is coming to an end, we are looking forward to our next unit, "Earth's Waters".
Mr. DeBassio pdebassio@milforded.org
MATH
Team 1 students have been busy working with fractions, adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. Students have found that fractions are essential for describing quantities in the real world. When cooking ask your child to help double, or triple, recipes, you might just be surprised. They have been making real life connections with unit rates and prices. Next time food shopping why not bring your son/daughter with you to help find the better deal! Please continue to encourage checking homework for accuracy.
~Mrs. Wells mwells@milforded.org