Mercer played a game of chess against another student and teacher and almost won.

Mercer continued exercises from the 6th grade math Envision textbook, percent of a number.

We worked on playing exercises to develop the double stroke roll. We focused on keeping the strokes even and smooth.

We worked on several exercises to help develop control over the double bounce in order to produce a smooth, even drum roll.

Today's lesson continued the focus on Indonesia. Mercer learned that it was formerly known as the Dutch East Indies (or Netherlands East Indies). Although Indonesia did not become the country's official name until the time of independence, the name was used as early as 1884 by a German geographer.

Lesson 3 The Sun: We learned where the sun is located in our solar system, galaxy, and part of the universe. Then we learned about the Sun’s chemical makeup, rotation, and energy transfer. Next we learned about sunspots, solar flares, and prominences.
Assignment: Add pictures and definitions of new vocabulary to science notebook.

Mercer wrote a summary for the last chapter of, "Indian in the Cupboard." He then wrote about the author, Lynne Reid Banks, explaining pertinent information about her life.

Mercer played a game of chess today.

Mercer spent time completing his class project. He reviewed Indonesia's mountains, volcanoes, and landscape and strategically created replicas on his topography map. Mercer discussed Indonesia's active volcanos and how to recreate them on his map.

Mercer worked on adding pencil outlines to his watercolor portrait. We focused on finding the horizon and making sure to add detail to the objects that are closer to the front. Leaving the objects in the back, slightly fuzzy. Mercer and I went over what happens when you use too much water and try to blend watercolor. This is why, pre-planning is always best for watercolors. So, we focused on leaving highlights white from the start because it's hard to add back in.