Have I got a bargain for you: This was an exciting bargain that our country while trying to maintain access to the Mississippi River for shipping.
At one time France controlled the mid section of this continent controlling access to Mississippi River. President Thomas Jefferson was willing to offer $10 million just for Louisiana alone, however France needed funds for the war with Great Britain, and Bonaparte offered to sell the entire Louisiana Purchase to this country for $15 Million, a bargain we could not refuse. A great story of how this country doubled in size. Marina enjoyed the story and will write about it for Monday's homework. Good going Marina
How leaders of countries become leaders: Ethan was shown how leaders of countries become leaders, either by virtue of birthrights, such as kings and Pharaohs, or by war; taking over another county and becoming the leader of that country by force. The United States by comparison elect our leaders by vote of the people. We have the right to choose our leaders by the right to vote in an election. Ethan showed interest in the topic and said the way we choose our leaders is the fair way. Bible: Ethan asked if we could see the video on the birth of Jesus for Bible time, and we did for the remainder of class time. Good job Ethan
Today Gwendolyn participated in a group activity focusing on procedural writing. Gwendolyn had to write directions, follow another students direction and then revise her directions. This activity focused on the importance of well detailed directions. Today we all reviewed all of the states that Gwendolyn has learned so far. We will finish the South West region next week. Have a wonderful weekend Miss Gwendolyn.
Bobby successfully completed a quiz on fractions today. We then discussed several aspects of the transformation of communication over the last hundred years. The topics included: the mobile phone revolution, Morse and the telegraph, Alexander Graham Bell and the telephone, Marconi, cell phone towers, early computers including the Z3, Conrad Zuse, Steve Jobs and Bill Gates.
Today Stephen and I worked on Earth Day activities. He and Gwendolyn began by making Earth Day posters. Stephen made a great poster with trees and a rainbow saying "save the earth". Then Stephen participated in an activity entitled "who polluted the river". Stephen saw how we all pollute our waters in many different ways and what will happen if we don't change things.
To kick of a weeklong assortment of environmental education activities, we watched the movie, Hoot, based on the book by Carl Hiassen. We discussed the following ideas and topics based on the book: the concept of endangered animals, human interference and destruction of animals habitats, the burrowing owl, how humans can be more thoughtful and care for the habitats of animals, the changing Florida landscape over time, burrowing owls on the Florida Atlantic University campus in Boca Raton, and why we should care for the earth. Each of these topics is related to Social Studies through citizenship and stewardship.
Today Gwendolyn participated in a school wide Earth week project. Today she dissected owl pellets. She had to pick out the bones and determined her owl had eaten 4 voles.
What Makes a Good Citizen: Ethan observed to lives of 8 people that were" Good Citizens". including Jackie Robinson, Paul Revere, Sojourner Truth, Susan B, Anthony, Clara Barton, Helen Keller, Mother Teresa, and Cesar Chavez. Each of their contributions improved the lives of many people that they encountered. Ethan asked good questions as we viewed their lives and contributions. For Bible we viewed the animated story of Noah's Ark, which he choose to see. Great going Ethan.
