Migrating Polar Bear Webcam

To see live pictures of polar bears migrating, visit www.explore.org (Always ask a parent before going on line!)

Science Test Dec. 1 - Study Guide

Types of Animals

Unit A – Chapter 2

Vocabulary:

inherit                           trait                                mammal

bird                               amphibian                    gills

fish                                scales                             reptile

instinct                          hibernate                       migrate

camouflage                   mimicry                        extinct

species                          endangered                   threatened

fossil

You will need to know the meaning of (or define) each of the words listed above.  Additionally, you will need to be able to explain or describe these items in your own words.

Learning Objectives/Questions:

1.  What do all animals need to survive?  What are some different types of animals? 

2.  Observe and identify characteristics among mammals, birds, amphibian, reptiles, and birds that allow each to survive.  What adaptations do they have?

3.  What is the difference between instinctive and learned behavior?  Give an example of each.

4.  How do camouflage and mimicry help animals to avoid danger?  Give an example.

5.  Consider what will happen to endangered animals whose populations are decreasing each year.  What can be done to help stop their extinction?

6.  Read and interpret data from a chart or graph to answer questions and form conclusions. 

Science Project In Class Dec. 2!

In class project:  Friday, Dec. 2

Recently Discovered!!!

You are a scientist on an expedition. You found a brand new species of an animal that we studied in class (mammal, bird, fish, reptile, or amphibian).  Unfortunately when you went to take a picture, your research partner knocked your camera out of your hand.  The camera smashed to the ground.  You need to make a model of the animal to show the other scientists back at you lab. 

Think!  What did your animal look like?  In what environment did it live?  What adaptations did it have to help it survive in its environment? What will you call your new discovery?

Brainstorm answers to the questions above.  Write your ideas in note form. List as many ideas as you can think of.  No idea is too small or too outrageous.  These will be your planning notes to use when you construct your model, in class, on Friday. 

When you have finished brainstorming, review your list. Decide which characteristics you will use to build your animal.  Finally, do a sketch of your model below.  Use labels to indicate special parts of your animal that you want to emphasize.  This will be your draft sketch of the model that you will construct, in class on Friday.

On Friday, you will have approx. 50 minutes to construct your animal.  You may use materials in the classroom or bring materials from home.  I encourage you to use recycled materials instead of purchased materials to create your animal.  Each project must include at least one paragraph explaining your animal, its habitat, adaptations, traits, and more.  Be creative and have fun – I can’t wait to see what you have discovered!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I wish you and your family a healthy and happy holiday break.  Optional work packs have been sent home.  Please consider doing a little bit of the work for fun - some of the pages would be interesting to share during your holiday celebration.  Have a great break and I look forward to seeing you on Monday, November 28th.   Ms. Coffman

Math Test News

Monday, November 21, 2011

Dear Student:

We are closing our third unit in math and will be having a unit test soon after your return from the holiday break,  As homework tonight (and through the test date), your assignment is to review all returned worksheets and to complete the practice test included on pages 95 and 96 of your Math Expressions Text, Volume I. 

The test will be given on Tuesday, November 29^th.  I will be offering a learning lunch for all those who would like a little extra practice on Monday, November 28^th.

I also encourage you to visit any one of the math sites that we’ve used this year.  Some of my favorites for addition/subtraction practice are:

www.aplusmath.com

www.aaamath.com

www.gamequarium.com

I hope that you have a wonderful break but don’t forget to practice a little bit of math so you are ready for this test.   Thank you for your hard work always!

Ms. Coffman

Success in the Savanna 11-18-11

Dear Parents,

         

As we close out this week I want to thank my amazing parents who joined our group at the Outdoor Lab on Tuesday.  Unfortunately, my own health conditions kept me from joining the team but I knew that my parents (and students) would do a superb job despite my absence.  I’ve heard numerous tales about the animals and nature walk – I was so excited to learn that my team even discovered a turtle shell on their walk.  Way to go third grade naturalists!

The first report cards of the year came home with your child today.  Please take a few minutes to go over this document with them during the weekend.  I always suggest reviewing the comments first and then looking over the work skills section to see areas in which the student is already performing at Satisfactory or even Outstanding levels of performance.  Letters such as an “I” or “U” indicate that performance is not yet at a satisfactory level but certainly can reach this level with added effort.  I like to consider these areas as the child’s individual goals for the coming quarter.  Further information about the APS grading system can be found on the back of the blue report card.  These quarterly sheets are yours to keep.  All parents should sign and return the blue, card stock, insert along with the manila envelope and comment sheet.  Additionally, please feel free to contact me if you or your child has any questions about the report card.  Overall, I am very pleased with the performance of my students this quarter.  I eagerly look forward to our many successes in quarter two!

There are also a couple of housekeeping items this week.  First, as of this week I will be posting this document on my blog.  I would like to use the blog as the primary form of delivery after the Thanksgiving break.  You may access my blog through the main Tuckahoe website by going to the classroom tab, choosing third grade and then selecting my classroom website.  Second, I know that the basketball season is quickly approaching.  If any of your children are playing on a team please send me their schedule, as they become available.  I enjoy going to the games on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings. 

Below are a few important dates to put on your calendars.

         

Wed., Nov. 23-Fri., Nov. 25- Thanksgiving Break- No School

Tues, Dec. 13- London Brass Rubbing (more details to follow)

Wed., Dec. 21-Early Release

Fri., Dec. 23-Fri., Dec. 30- Holiday Break- No School

Mon., January 3, 2012- School Reopens

          I hope you and your families enjoy the holiday break and the time together.  I want you all to know how thankful I am to be your child’s teacher.   Each child has touched my heart in a special and unique way. I am grateful to be part of their lives.  To all of you, thank you for sharing them with me each day.

                                                                             Sincerely,

                                                                             Ms. Coffman

Science Homework Tonight

Please remember to look in your binders tonight to do a little research about an animal that you would like to further research in the classroom.  If you don't pre-select your animal for tomorrow's activity, I will assign one to you.  This is your chance to make your own choice and bring your own information to use for tomorrow's activity.  Thank you for being so responsible!

Outdoor Lab Trip and Forms

We will be visiting the Outdoor Lab on Tuesday, November 15th.  This is a full day trip and all students will need to bring a bagged lunch and drink (tap water available at the site).  Students are asked to dress in warm layers as we never know what to expect with temperatures and it is difficult to accommodate a child who is cold due to insufficient dress.  Please look for the permission slip, medical/emergency form, and other information sent home last Friday.  PLEASE let me know if you would like to chaperone on this date.  Unfortunately, all parents joining us on the 15th will need to provide their own transportation.  However, I will certainly help you to coordinate car pools if you desire to share rides.

Thank you again for your attention to this matter.

Veteran's Day Project

Dear Parents:

Notice went home on Friday about a small service project that we are doing in third grade to support our soldier's in Afghanistan.  Our new PE instructor, Ms. Angerthal, has a husband currently assigned to this mission and we are working with her and his unit to ship letters and small items.  A full list of items and ideas was sent home with the Friday Folder and a reminder is being sent home with your child today.  Further information about soldier requested items can be found at www.give2thetroops.org.

Please know that this is a voluntary project and your donations are optional.  However, we greatly appreciate any offerings and know too that the soldiers will be most appreciative.  I am sending an email note because I was remiss about posting this project on our Google blog.  Thank you for your understanding and attention to this email notice/request.

As always, I wish you all great health and appreciate all that you do to support our community.

Theresa Coffman
Tuckahoe ES

PS - parent volunteers are welcome to join us Wed. morning between 9:15 and 11:00 to assist with this effort.  Please contact me if you are interested in joining us and I will email further updates as necessary. 

Chapter 2 Health Project

The following project was assigned last week. 
Please be prepared for the project this FRIDAY!

On Friday, November 4^th, we will be working on projects to share with your classmates.  You will have approx. 45 minutes to complete the project.  You may do any one of the three projects listed below:

            Make a Family Book (see description on page 43 of the text)

            Make a Communication Cartoon (see steps for communication on pages 52 & 53)

            Make a Poster of the Human Life Cycle (see description on page 66)

All work will be completed in class.  You may bring materials from home (such as cut out pictures or words) for your book, cartoon, or poster.  Please do not complete the project at home or spend more than 30 minutes preparing or hunting for materials.  Once again, this is a project to be completed during class time and NOT at home.  You may use your text book or other classroom tools to complete the work.  Poster board and paper will be provided for all projects.