Magical Math Mysteries

This week's diabolical dilemma is to come up with a whimsical word problem that includes amazing alliteration, dastardly decimals, diligent division and mind boggling multiplication.  The fun part will come for those who finish earlier in the week; the class will solve your word problems as part of our review for Wednesday's test and Thursdays benchmark.

Make sure you solve your problem before posting!

A Little Refraction Magic

A major element of light we encounter is how refraction works and how we use it. Whether it be light traveling from air to water or air to glass, mysterious things can happen.  A mystical convex lens can make items appear larger, a majestic concave lens can flip things upside down and water makes a whole appear broken.  It is truly amazing!  We witnessed 'broken' pencils, fat fingers, appearing pennies and magnified or flipped images.


Each child utilized the scientific method to learn, hypothesize and predict, experiment and collect data and conclude what the results mean based on their knowledge and understanding.  Whew, there it is, the scientific method.  Let's see how they did!

Curiosity Club

A Day of Data

Today's theme at Curiosity Club was a hit.  Real scientists collect data so they can record their results.  This week the students used stopwatches, rulers, tape measures, graduated cylinders and balance scales to record their very own data.   We learned about multiple trials and using different measures.

Station 1:  How much liquid can a diaper hold?  Way to go Pampers!

Station 2:  How far and how long can a marble roll after coming down a ramp?

Station 3: Can a fan blow a tissue or a paper towel further and longer?

Most data was accurate and well organized; as with anything, there were a few bumps in the road; however, the multiple trials demonstrated when mistakes occurred.  

Now the children will be ready to plan their own measurement for their data results.  Can't wait till next week's process.

Build a Budget

Our latest math exploration is building a budget.  The children decided what they want to be when they grow up.  They took this information and figured out how much their yearly income would be.  Then they had to:

Watching the children conquer this dilemma was impressive.  They determined both the state and federal tax rates.  They slowed down once they got the answers, not sure exactly what to do next.  Suddenly I heard, "What?!"  Mystery solved, taxes take about 1/3 of our income right off the bat.  Yuck!

To stay stay true to our learning, I asked the students to determine their weekly salary after taxes.  They had to remember that a year has 52 weeks.  This was met with more apprehension.  "Really?"

Our final reality check was the idea of bills and expenses.  "What do you mean a list of expenses?"  

Just wait til they have to use the circulars to determine the groceries, the Sunday paper to buy a car (and gas prices), as well as rent or a mortgage.  We will be sure to keep you posted!

Math Post 2/7/14

Over the past few weeks, we have been multiplying and dividing decimals.  Do you think you can tell us when you would divide or multiple with decimals?  Write your explanations in the comment box below.  Make sure you put your first name at the end.

Latitude and Longitude Treasure Hunt

Ahoy there mateys!  Room 103 set out on their first live expedition.  After reviewing latitude and longitude, performing several activities to determine coordinates and direction, room 103 set out to find Cap'n Cooksie's lost booty.  We used GyroCompass to determine our location and set out on our adventure.  Here's how it went.  First, the children had to figure out our location and compare it to the coordinates of the treasure.

Next the children had to decide what direction we have to travel to head towards the treasure.  They even came up with exact locations to go to to get a new set of coordinates to compare.  First stop the office!  Second stop, the gym.  Next, the corner of the gym.  And finally, the storage closet, but where is the loot?

Were we able to pinpoint the treasure with coordinates?  But of course!  The treasure was found and the children (and I) were quite excited.

The treasure was a set of secrets only the select few were made privy to.  A set of teacher pictures from way back when.  A series of secrets only shared with a select few.  Who sported big hair and batons?  Who danced or rode horses?  You may never know, but the children do.  

In the end, the treasure box was filled with weekend fun starting with the mustaches the children all wore home Friday afternoon.  So the pirate booty was full of good times, learning and imagination.  What more could we all ask for?  Have a great weekend!

Math Challenge

This is the first time we are trying to use the blog as a place to post work.  Let's see who accepts my challenge.  Over the past two weeks, we have been multiplying decimals with hidden questions, extra information and multiple steps.  Do you think you can write one of your own?  Write your word problem in the comment box below.  Make sure you put your first name at the end.