November 16th, 2016

Today in Math we continued to use equations to solve problems. Today we focused on solving addition and subtraction questions. We have been exploring different ways to solve equations. The first strategy is to evaluate the equation. Take the example below:

We can write the equation 72 + w = 98 to represent the word problem. Wendy has washed 72 windows, she needs to wash some more windows to wash 98 windows altogether. We use the variable w to represent the unknown value; how many more windows Wendy needs to wash. To solve this problem, we could evaluate the equation. It is helpful to be able to use the commutative property of addition and subtraction questions to help us. Since we have already written 72 + w = 98, the following equations would also represent this problem:

72 + w = 98
w + 72 = 98
98 - w = 72
98 - 72 = w

The last equation, 98 - 72 = w can easily be evaluated to solve for w:

98 - 72 = w 
26 = w

So, Wendy needs to wash 26 more windows. 

Another strategy we have used is to use inspection (or investigation). In this strategy, you look more closely at the numbers and their relationships to help you to solve the problem: 

If we count up from 72 to 98, we would count up 26 times. Thus, Wendy will need to wash 26 more windows to reach 98. 

Finally, we can use a guess-and-test strategy:

In this strategy, students guess a number that w could be. We started with 20. If w is 20, then Wendy has already washed 72 windows. The 72 windows she has already washed plus 20 more windows would only equal 92 windows altogether. This is too low. We know she needs to wash 98 windows altogether. So, we guess and test another number. How about 25? The 72 windows she has already washed plus 25 more windows would only equal 97 windows altogether. We are getting closer! What about 26? The 72 windows she has already washed plus 26 equals 98 windows altogether. So, we know that Wendy will need to wash 26 more windows. Remember, guess-and-test is a great strategy IF you test! You should double check your answer to make sure your work is correct. 

In Language Arts today we finished setting up our blogs! See the links at the top to visit the student blogs. Our first entry used our Noun Paragraphs that students have been writing and revising. We will continue to add to these blogs throughout the year. Students are allowed to comment on one another's work IF they THINK before they post:

Commenting will be strictly monitored and there will be serious consequences for inappropriate behaviour. Parents, if you notice a comment that does not follow our guidelines before I do, please contact me immediately. Several sets of eyes would be appreciated. 

In Science today, we explored the differences between climate and weather. We are getting close to wrapping up this unit. Students have been working hard and I can't wait to see the results of some of our upcoming projects. Stay tuned for more details. 

In Social Studies, we are exploring the landforms, bodies of water, climate, and natural resources of Canada's physiographic regions. Today we explored the landforms of the Appalachian Region. We are using Read & Write for Google to help us to track what we have learned. We can use the dictionary and picture dictionary to help us to better understand what we are reading, and the highlighting tools to help us to collect relevant information. Stay tuned for what we will be using this information to create! 

Agenda
Language Arts:
- Read 20 minutes
- Book Orders (due November 24th)

Math:
- Practice 7x and 11x tables
- pgs. 24-25 #2, 5-7
- Patterns and Equations Unit Test (Wednesday)

Health:
- PEAK Basketball (tomorrow)
- FRIENDS Home Activity #3B (Wednesday)

Stuff-a-Bus Donations (Nov. 14-18th)
Healthy Family Fun Night (TONIGHT, 5:30-7:00 pm)
Fall Market (Saturday, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm)
Tech & Trades Academy- Mondays (3:00-4:00 pm)
Grade 5/6 Volleyball - Mondays, Wednesdays (2:45-3:45 pm)
Grade 5/6 Guitar Club - Thursdays (2:45-3:45 pm)
Recycling Leaders - Day 1 (lunch recess) and Day 4 (lunch)