The Tough Stuff!

Which Weekly Reader questions do you think are the hardest? Why? What strategies do you use to figure them out?

My Favorite!

What was your favorite article this week? Why? What was the most interesting thing you learned?

A SMARTboard for SMARTstudents!

A SMARTboard was just installed in the fifth grade! How do you think we can use this technology tool to enhance our learning in Social Studies? In what ways have you used it for other classes? Share your ideas!

Experienced Explorer For Hire!

Which explorer did you study? Why did you pick him? What did you learn from creating a resume? What was your favorite and least favorite part of the interview process? What did you gain from the explorer project that you can use for the future?

Totem Poles!

We recently completed a social studies project on Totem Poles. What insight did you gain about Native American people? Why did they create Totem Poles? What symbols did you choose to represent your family and why? What do we have today that serve the same purpose as Totem Poles? Did you enjoy this activity? Why or why not?

Flu Shock!

• What did you learn from reading the article "Flu Shock" in our Weekly Reader magazine?
• Did anything surprise you?
• What are some ways we can prevent spreading the H1N1 virus?

Native American Study

We have started learning about Native American culture through our textbook and other supplemental activities. What are some differences between how we live and how they lived? What are some ways that we are similar? Would you have wanted to live during the time of the First Americans?

NEWS FLASH!

Congratulations to the smart cookies of the fifth grade! Our continents and oceans quiz was quite a success. Out of 63 students, every single student earned an 80% or above! Wow!

Also, 55 out of 63 achieved a 100% or higher. (up to 105 with bonus questions) Students were required to label the 7 continents and 4 major oceans on the world map, with capital letters and correct spelling (with use of a word bank). Terrific start to the year, keep up the good work social studiers!

Students: What study strategy helped you prepare for the quiz?

TO BLOG OR NOT TO BLOG?

What does the term "blogging" mean? How could this blogging site be helpful in our journey through social studies topics this year? What are some possible positive and negative consequences from blogging? Have you blogged before? What questions do you still have about blogging?

Time to Reflect!

What is the most important thing that you learned in social studies this year?

How do you think you will use this knowledge in the future?

Looking back...

What was your favorite activity that we did in social studies class this year? Why? What did you learn?

Thumbs Down!

What was your least favorite activity that we did this year? Why?

How could it be improved?

Imagine you are the teacher...

What are some ideas/suggestions that could be used for next year's social studies class?

Super Women!

If you were in the article "Super Women" (or "Super Men"), what would be your record? (question by: Micaela M.)

Which woman is the most inspirational to you? Why? (question by: Jordan)

What's it worth to you?

If you lost your wallet full of money and someone found it and gave it back to you, how would you reward them? (question by: Talee)

Choose from the News

What is your favorite article? Why? (question by: Lacie)

Driving on Air: Flying cars prepare for takeoff!

If you could get a flying car...

What color would it be? What would the license plate say? (question by: Kylieh)

Where would you go? (question by: Berkeley)

Lending A Paw

Mimi Ausland, a sixth grader, created a web site that donates food to animal shelters each time visitors answer trivia questions correctly. Mimi loves animals, and her family has a dog, cat, hamster, fish and even a horse! What kinds of pets do you have? What are some other creative ways that people could help animals in need?

Wise Words

Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12th, 1809. This year marks the 200th anniversary! Lincoln contributed to our country in a variety of ways. Many of his ideas are still prevalent in our society today. Which line from Abraham Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address" is most meaningful to you? Why?

End in Sight? Israelis and Palestinians clash in the Gaza Strip.

What role, if any, should the United States and other countries play in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

Go, Rovers, Go! Robots roll into fifth year on Mars.

Why do you think it is important for NASA to have robots exploring Mars? What might they discover? How could that information be useful? Would you like the chance to visit Mars?

Relating to Debating!

REVOLUTIONARY WAR DEBATE
Colonists vs. British

• What did you enjoy most about the debate?
  
• What was the most difficult part?


• What were some strategies that helped make your arguments more convincing?
  
• What did you learn?
  
• How could you apply your debating skills to your everyday life?

Hidden Treasure: Scientists find a pyramid buried under Egypt's sand

Do you think it would be interesting to be an archaeologist? Why is it an important job?

Fit for A King

What did you think was the most amazing part of Khufu's Great Pyramid at Giza?

Polar Bear Pal: Virginia girl helps protect Arctic animals

Mollie Passacantando, at 10-years-old, dedicated her time to seeing polar bears be added to the endangered species list, a government list that helps protect certain animals from being harmed. What animals would you like to see added to that list and why?

Super Bowl Star

Tyler Smith, an 11-year-old, had the opportunity to attend Super Bowl XLIII (43) and interview players from both teams. If you had that same chance, what questions would you ask your favorite football stars?

Eye Spy

What new information did you learn from this article about the parts of an eye and how it works?

Gorillas At Risk! Fighting threatens the Congo's great apes.

What are some of the effects that warring groups have had on the people, animals and environment in the Congo? How could this have been prevented? How can it now be resolved?

You Decide!

My classmates and I just read a news article about endangered mountain gorillas. We want to help the great apes, but we're not sure how. What should we do?

Bug Bots? Insect robots will take to the sky to spy.

Do you think it is a good idea for the US Air Force to create flying robots disguised as insects to spy on other countries?

Remembering a Hero

What do you think is the most important contribution that Martin Luther King Jr. made to our country?

Excerpts from fifth grade "I Have a Dream" speeches

You Decide!

I borrowed a Harry Potter book from the library a few weeks ago. It was due back yesterday, but I can't remember where I put it. I've searched everywhere . I'm afraid to go near the library in case the librarian remembers that I still have the book checked out. What should I do?