This week we will cover the sections in the textbook dealing with the 14 objects in our solar system. We will spend Monday and Tuesday on the inner and outer planets, Chapter 19, sections 3 and 4. Wednesday we will cover Ch. 19, section 5 on comets, asteroids, and meteors, and Thursday we will complete the book study with Ch. 19, section 2 on the sun, and Ch. 18, section 4 on the moon. Each day we will use the strategy we discussed last week to use the workbook to help us highlight and understand the key components of each section. By Thursday, all workbook questions for these sections should be complete.
On Friday I will give out the description of the solar system project that all students will complete for a test grade. Each student will randomly select an object from our solar system and design a tri-fold brochure which will answer five questions about the object. Students will have one section to be used as they choose, and pictures will be optional, but encouraged. A grading rubric will accompany the project directions. At this time I hope the project will be ready for presentation by the following Tuesday.
Last Tuesday I put a jar on my desk labeled "Haiti Relief: Donate Here." In the three days we were at school, with the jar never leaving my desk, students brought in a total of $224.00. It was amazing. $100 went to purchase bottled water for Solyvien to donate to the collection at Spartan Square on Saturday, his choice for helping his family and his homeland. The rest has gone to Angel Missions Haiti. I will continue to collect this money and donate it daily to Mrs. Carpenter's organization until money quits coming in. My students have suggested some interesting incentives, and we are rapidly attaining them. If we make it to $300, I've promised a root-beer float day! I'm quite proud of all the students that I teach for their initiative and concern.
