Mercer collected several shells from the schoolyard. We identified the shells as coming from an oyster, coquina clam, and knobbed whelk to name a few. We etched the shells in vinegar which is a mild acid to removed mildew and dirt. Then we noticed the opalescent finish on one of the shells which was his favorite. He really has an eye for finding gems anywhere he looks.

We worked on playing the open double stroke roll, and the closed "buzz" roll. Proper grip, stick balance, and rebound control are extremely important to playing an even sounding drum roll, so we reevaluated those techniques as well.

Mercer had captured some brown anoles and was keeping them in a 10 gallon aquarium. We spent the time searching for food for them, and discussing the type of habitat brown anoles need in order to thrive in a captive environment. We discussed their need for heat and UVA/UVB light. We put the aquarium outside in the sun for a while so they could get some natural sunlight. Ultimately, the captive habitat will need a heat lamp for the lizards to bask under to absorb heat, and a UV lamp to give them with the UV light they need to produce vitamin D. The combination of heat and UV light helps the lizards to digest their food and metabolize the necessary nutrients they need for optimum health.

Today's lesson focused on Athen society. Mercer read details about Athen society and the start of democracy in Greece. He learned that while the Athenians and their visitors shopped at the agora, they also shared ideas. New ideas like democracy and trial by jury emerged, and the city of Athens began to flourish. ("Flourish" means "to grow and prosper.") Pericles once said, "Our city is open to the world." This openness helped make Athens the place to live. Mercer spent the remainder of the class watching fun facts Pnyx the historical place where democracy was practiced.

Mercer began exercises from the 6th grade math Envision textbook, identiy mission angles.

He learned how to write the letter m in cursive using the words freedom, magic, and number. He completed an activity demonstrating his knowledge of how to use possessive nouns. He began a new language arts story about baseball and chasing your dreams by writing 8 new vocabulary words and their definitions into his notebook exhibiting his knowledge of how to use a glossary. We then discussed the details of the story, and why it is important to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. He finished an activity using his new Wordly Wise words in context.

Test on Minerals

Mercer completed an exercise from the 6th grade math Envision textbook, parallel and perpendicular lines.

Mercer completed his language arts homework which included the following assignment: write a synonym for each of his 15 spelling words for the week. Next, he worked on his next assignment which was to write each spelling word in a sentence.

Mercer was invited to participate in the upcoming 'impromptu' talent show that is scheduled for this Thursday, 3-31. Although initially skeptical, he agreed to participate after he was shown an excerpt from a video clip showing a boys’ choir replicating animal sounds acapella-style for a performance of the Lion King, the song we chose to perform. Mercer was asked if he could mimic a jungle animal sound and was given the parameters of the role and responsibilities. He inquired about the capybara and we researched it, pulling up the sound it makes. Mercer mimicked the sound very well and agreed to be in the choir for the performance. He was told that it was to be taken seriously as other students would be involved replicating different sounds, and Mercer said he understood expectations We will see if we can have a rehearsal in the next day or before the show, and will design or find an appropriate mask so he can be in character.