Creating Ecocolumns

Studying Ecosystems

This quarter we have been studying ecosystems. Students were divided into groups of three and each group built an ecocolumn. Each column consisted of an aquarium and terrarium. Our aquariums contained mosquito fish, snails, elodea, duckweed and algae. The terriums had crickets, isopods (roly polys), rye grass, alfalfa, and mustard. We observed our ecocolumns and took observation notes about the plants and animals. Here are some student drawings illustrating their group's ecocolumn. These drawings were done by Daniela, John and Avery.

A walking trip to Reynolda Manor

We took a trip to Reynolda Manor to learn how math is used in real life. First, we used a trundle wheel to measure how many feet it was from Speas to Reynolda Manor - over 6000 feet, so more than a mile. We visited several businesses to see how they use math on a daily basis. We visited the public library, Hancock's Fabrics, the Frame Gallery and Lowes Foods. What was your favorite part of the trip and what was something you learned?

Stream Tables

Tell something you learned this quarter about land, water and our stream tables.

Maps and Location

Last week we began studying about maps and how to locate places on a map. We talked about relative and absolute location and different parts of the world. Write about something you learned last week.

A New School Year

We've been in school for two weeks now. What do you think of 5th Grade so far?

Back to School

We are beginning the school year at Speas with many changes. We have a new principal, Dr. Sara Roberts and a new assistant principal, Mr. David Johnson. The building project and renovations will continue this school year. Teachers are (finally!) getting into our classrooms tomorrow, one day before the kids come back! I am excited about getting into a "fresh" room with new technology. There will be lots of work to do but should be an exciting challenge.