Today, Oliver and I continued our discussion dealing with measurements. Oliver worked through a number of problems to convert between units of length, weight, and volume. Oliver and I worked through a number of basic problems from the text that required a good understanding of how to convert between metric units, and a homework assignment was given at the end of class. I explained to Oliver the concept of base 10 in the metric system, which makes comparison between units somewhat easier than the English system.
May 19, 2015
Tuesday 60 min
12:30 - 01:30
Science and Photography
Oliver brought a Nikon camera to class, so we started with lesson on the proper way to handle a SLR camera. He practiced holding the camera, and removing the lens cap, without risking harm to the camera. He learned how to turn the camera on and off, using the index finger, and keeping his thumb on the thumb guard. We then moved into the lab for our science experiment. Oliver was asked what he thinks might happen to gummy gelatins, if placed in water for two days. Using the proper format ( i.e. and if/then prediction), he constructed a hypothesis. He then weighed each gummy, in a package, using a gram scale. He chose one of each color, all of about the same mass. He then measured the length of each, before placing each in a graduated beaker. He added 50ml of water to each beaker. Before leaving, he used his new photography skills to photograph his experiment. He did an exceptional job.
Today Oliver continued practicing his cursive handwriting. He is progressing nicely and has learned to consistently position his paper and posture correctly.
Oliver and I spent the afternoon building several obstacle courses to play a game called "Hot Lava".This involved giving Oliver several objects to get for one side of the room to the other without touching the ground. After this, we played helmet baseball, using a soft helmet instead of a ball and a foam bat to hit the helmet. Oliver was able to be both the pitcher and the hitter for this two-person batting practice.
Oliver worked through a number of lessons on the online keyboarding training program. I was able to show Oliver how to gage his abilities in typing based on the word count typed per minute.
Today, Oliver and I discussed the different styles of writing and reasons for writing. First, we talked about a paragraph that gives gives a description of something, such as a beautiful scene or an object. Next, we talked about a paragraph outlined to tell a story in chronological order. Next, we discussed the use of the Problem and Solution paragraph,which outlines both a problem and a possible
way to move forward to deal with the problem. Finally,we'd is cussed the outline of a cause and effect paragraph. This type of paragraph is intended to help the reader understand what caused an important event and the impacts and outcomes of the event. Oliver was able to read through a 60+ slide presentation and the work on some paragraph readings to determine the types of paragraphs written. Oliver performed very well for this class.
Today we learned about the life of Ludwig Van Beethoven. Oliver has played beautifully through Beethoven's "Ode To Joy", working to pair the hands together. We learned today that "Ode To Joy" is a melody from Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, the first symphony ever to use a chorus. Oliver also noted that he was very familiar with Beethoven's Fifth symphony. That may be a perfect place to start for next school year! Have a fantastic summer!
Today we worked very hard on memorization and Oliver showed his excelling ability to remember with great detail! Working on Mail Myself To You - he has the words nearly memorized to perfection! Brahms' Lullaby is completely memorized with excellent vocal tone and wonderful progress in the way of remaining in "head voice". Sometimes chest voice creeps in and he'll remember and make the shift himself. This is a very good thing! I gave Oliver his music to take home. Have a great summer!
Today Oliver worked very hard to complete his PowerPoint presentation. He did his own typing. I taught him how to add clip art, change font size as well as slide layouts. Then he did an excellent job presenting the information he had learned.
May 28, 2015
Thursday 30 min
1:00 - 1:30
Oliver used a ruler to create a table to collect and compare his data and measure the length of each sample. Using a gram scale, he measured the mass of each sample. This was tricky, but he figured out that since the gummies had lost their form, he could determine the weight of an empty beaker, and then subtract that from the weight of the beakers containing each gummy. Once he had recorded all data collected, in his scientific notebook, Oliver compared and contrasted the data from before the water bath, and after wards, using math to determine any change. He determined his hypothesis (that the gummies would get larger in size and mass) was both true and false. They had increased in length, while losing mass. In the correct scientific notation, Oliver listed his conclusions in his notebook.
