Plant Parts

Dear Parents and Students,

Today in class we identified the major parts of plants, and described how each part contributes to the plant’s survival. We also discussed the basic needs of plants. Below I have outlined the key points from today’s class.

Parts of Plants: *Taken from the Science Curriculum*

Roots: soak up food and water for the plant.

Stem: carry water and food to the rest of the plant.

Leaves: make food for the plant with the help of the sun.

Flowers: grow fruit and seeds for new plants.

Basic Needs of Plants: air, water, light, warmth, and space.

See how well you know the major parts of the plant by clicking on this short, but fun activity. As always, ask your parents for permission first before clicking on this link. Label the Plant Activity 

In tomorrow’s class we will be doing a small investigation, where we will be observing and comparing the parts of a variety of plants. We will also continue to discuss three more important parts of plants: stamen, pistil, and fruit. Stay tuned…

~ Ms. Murzydlo ~

MATH Test Reminder + Review!

Dear Parents and Students,

Today we finished up our Math Unit on 2-D Shapes. To prepare for our unit test next week Wednesday, I have provided you all with a list of useful links that you can click on (with your parents permission) to review for the test. I have also created below a list of key terms that were discussed in this unit.

Key Terms to Remember! *Taken from the Math Curriculum*

Congruent: having the same size and shape.

Geometric Pattern: pattern of repeating shapes, with changing attributes (shape, colour, size, and orientation)

Line of Symmetry: a line that divides a shape into two congruent parts that can be matched by folding the shape in half.

Polygon: a closed shape formed by three or more line segments.

Links!

Click on this link to review congruent shapes: Congruent Shapes

Click on this link to identify lines of symmetry in the shapes provided: Lines of Symmetry

Click on this link to sort 2-D shapes by their geometric properties in the Venn Diagram (just like we did in class): Sorting 2-D shapes

Click on this link to identify changing attributes in geometric patterns: Geometric Patterns

Remember to study hard. I know you all will do your very best!

~ Ms. Murzydlo ~

I SPY...

Dear Students, 

I know how much many of you love taking out "I SPY" books from the library, so I have included a link to a wonderful site that allows you to play an endless amount of I SPY games. As always, please ask your parents for permission first before clicking on the link. I SPY Link

                                     Happy searching!

~ Ms. Murzydlo ~

Let's Talk About Plants!

Dear Parents and Students,

Tomorrow we are going to be starting our new Science Unit on Growth and Changes in Plants. As I mentioned in class today, I want you all to come up with a list of four ways that people use plants. Please bring this list to class tomorrow. I have included here a link to a picture that will give you some ideas.

Click here > How Plants Are Used  to access the picture. 

~ Ms. Murzydlo ~

Polygons

Dear Parents and Students,

Today in class we reviewed how a polygon is a closed shape formed by three or more line segments, such as a triangle, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, and so on. We also discussed why a circle is not a polygon (*Remember it has a curved side). 

With your parents permission, click on this link to play Polygon or Not? It is a fun way to review today’s lesson.

~ Ms. Murzydlo ~

BOOK FAIR!

Dear Parents and Students,

This is a reminder that this upcoming Monday our school will be having a Scholastic Book Fair in the Library. If you wish to make any purchases, please be sure to bring your money on Monday. 

With your parents permission, click on Scholastic Website to see what Scholastic has to offer!

           ~ Ms. Murzydlo ~            

Learning About Forces

Dear Parents and Students,

We have spent this past week discussing how a force is something that can cause movement. We also identified a force as being a push or a pull that causes objects to move. During these discussions we came across the different types of forces that exist. Here is a quick review of the ones we covered so far:

Gravity: the force that pulls objects towards the earth (Think back to the experiment we did with the dropping of the bouncy ball, rock, and paper ball. What did we discover?). 

Here is a fun song to remind you about gravity. ENJOY!

Magnetic Force: the force of a magnet that attracts objects containing iron or nickel (Think back to the experiment we did with the paper clips and pins. What did we discover when we put a magnet to these objects?).

With your parents permission, click on the link below to play a fun and interactive game that teaches you about magnets.

Magnetic Forces Link

This upcoming Monday we are going to be looking at yet another type of force ELECTROSTATIC! Here is a small hint as to what we are going to be doing in class next week >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

~ Ms. Murzydlo ~

HAPPY FAMILY DAY!

HAPPY FAMILY DAY!

Wishing you and all your families a safe and wonderful long weekend! I look forward to hearing all about your adventures on Tuesday!

~ Ms. Murzydlo ~

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

Thank you all for the lovely valentines today! Wishing you and 

all your loved ones a Happy Valentine’s Day!

p.s. I’ve included a link to a fun Valentine’s Day Word Search that you all can try out. Please be sure to ask your parents for permission first. Valentine's Day Word Search Link

~ Ms. Murzydlo ~

What is Technology?

Dear Parents,

Please take the time and read what my colleagues and I have written about the nature of technology.

What is Technology?  In asking this question our minds are immediately drawn to 'modern' technologies that we use in everyday life. Ipads, laptop computers, cell phones and television permeate our lives to such a degree that our concept, or definition, of technology is narrowed to include only these types of devices.  But technology is a far broader concept.

First, technology can be seen as a tool. These tools can include modern devices such as a computer, but the concept of a technological tool goes much further.  Indeed, something as basic as a pencil is properly regarded as technology.  In defining technology as a tool, it is recognized that these tools are continually evolving, and this evolution occurs to satisfy the ever changing individual and societal needs.  This concept of need is central to the process of technological innovation.   

As an evolutionary concept, technology can also be regarded as two different processes or practices: a creation process and a human practice. As a creation process, technology is integrally related to science.  As our understanding of science evolves, new technology is developed based on that evolved understanding. At the same time, evolving or new technologies can assist in broadening our base of scientific knowledge.  In this sense the relationship between science and technology is symbiotic.  Key players in this symbiotic process are engineers, since they act as innovators and risk takers in adapting existing technology to new needs.

As a human practice, technology imports important environmental, ethical, political and societal considerations.  While technology can bring enormous benefits, all too often the use (or abuse) of new technologies results in unintended negative consequences and results in waste.

~ Ms. Murzydlo ~

What is Science?

Dear Parents,

Please take the time and read what my colleagues and I have written about the nature of science.

The wellbeing of students and their education lies not only in the teacher’s hands but the parents, community and the student’s themselves.  As role models, we must encourage and shape the students lives in a positive manner.  For the Ontario Science Curriculum for primary/junior, there are factors that contribute to the students overall success. For one, scientific knowledge involves contextualized and de-contextualized instruction; in other words, students can make connections through experience and knowledge.  The nature of science is sometimes assumed to be universal and absolute; however it can be unpredictable and challenging which will flourish a student’s academic and social achievements.  In this case, the nature of science will allow the students to relate to science and use it in society and the environment; develop scientific skills of problem solving that will be used outside of school.  Science also involves trial and error, which can challenge students on a level beyond just the academics.  It will encourage confidence, self-help and thinking, reflective practices and problem solving, and questioning the unknown.  The concept of trial and error in science makes learning experiences reflective, and meaningful. Today education influences the idea of role-play and child centered learning which can be used in science.  This makes the content and experience authentic for the students.  Lastly, scientific knowledge would not be possible without the use of technological tools; generally, science and technology go hand in hand.  Overall, the nature of science is more than what it seems and can be a positive influence on students’ grades, knowledge and qualities/characteristics. 

~ Ms. Murzydlo ~

What is Math?

Dear Parents,

Please take the time and read what my colleagues and I have written about the nature of math.

Math is an abstract world of numbers based in a theoretical setting and constructed by humans as a way to explain our natural world. It extends beyond the mastering of basic skills. Math is much more than just memorizing and regurgitating learned knowledge, such as algebraic equations. Thinking about math as merely memorizing information limits deep understanding of concepts. For example, simply memorizing multiplication tables is recognizing a pattern but not understanding what it means to multiply numbers. Math is something that can be applied universally across cultures and disciplines. For example pi (3.14) is a specific numeric value that is always the same no matter where or how you use it. Math functions as a means of communication not only in and of itself, but also across disciplines. In addition to being universal, math is also considered an absolute in that there is only one right answer. For example, if you are dividing one hundred by ten, the answer will always be ten whether you use a calculator or do long division to solve the problem. In the end math governs our day-to-day lives, whether we like it or not.

~ Ms. Murzydlo ~

WELCOME GRADE 3's

My name is Ms. Murzydlo and I’m very excited to be your teacher this year! I created this blog for you and your parents to stay up-to-date on what is happening in our classroom. Be sure to check it often, as I will be posting homework, useful tips, important dates, helpful websites, fun activities, and so much more! 

I look forward to spending the year with all of you!

~ Ms. Murzydlo ~