Messages by the Mile

Today you will select a type of whale to research, take notes, and then write a summary paragraph about the whale you chose. To the right are the websites you may choose from. The first two list types of whales, and the last two are more specific for killer whales and humpback whales.

Your summary must include:
1) Where would you travel to find this kind of whale? (3)
2) How does this type of whale communicate specifically? Describe in detail.(4)
3) How does this research connect to our story? (4)
4) At least 3 more facts about this whale. (3)

-Remember, every good paragraph has a topic sentence (2), clear supporting details (#1-4,14 points), and a closing sentence (2). FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS IS WORTH 6 POINTS. This assignment is worth a total of 24 points).

-POST YOUR PARAGRAPH AS A COMMENT HERE! (following directions, 6 points)

International Children's Digital Library

This is an amazing resource where you can search for hundreds of books ONLINE! Go to: www.icdlbooks.org

Applying Percent Benchmarks

Read the problem below. Solve #1-4 and post your work and explanation for each question. Then check other students' answers and tell whether you agree or disagree with their solution and why.

A marathon is a kind of race. It was designed for Olympic Runners in Athens, Greece, in 1896. The modern marathon is 26 miles long. In 1960, Abebe Bikila set a new world record when he finished a marathon in 2 hours and 16 minutes. He was even running barefoot! Now the best time for running a marathon is under 2 hours and 5 minutes.

1. Andy and Carson are running a half-marathon in Columbus, Ohio. How far will they run?

2. If the first water stop is set up for runners who have completed 25% of the half-marathon, where is it?
a) at the 3-mile marker
b) at the 4-mile marker
c) between the 3- and 4- mile marker

3. About how long should it take Abebe Bikila to finish the half-marathon?

4. A Web site about marathon running says its goal is to report on 100% of the world's marathon races. Do you think that's a reasonable goal? Explain your answer.

Reading: Survival!

Our next theme is survival! Our first story is from the novel "Island of the Blue Dolphins." Ask you child about our theme and how "Island of the Blue Dolphins" connects to our theme. What do you already know about survival? What do you hope to learn about survival? This is a discussion forum to ask questions, make comments, and discuss our stories.

Figurative Language

We are currently learning about the following types of figurative language:

similes- compares two things that are not alike by using the word like or as
metaphors- compares two things that are not alike without using like or as
exaggeration- a writer's way of stretching the truth to add humor or interest to details in a story or another type of writing
personification- giving human qualities to objects, plants, or animals

Please post an original example of one or all!