Geometry and Spatial Sense unit

Hi Grade 2's,

Today we will be starting our Geometry and Spatial Sense unit! In class, we will be learning about the different shapes and their characteristics. It is important to learn about shapes because it is all around us!

I would like everyone to find as many shapes as they can in their homes and write them down in your math log. You will be given a chance to share your findings with the class on Monday.

Here is a fun and interactive website with games that deal with shapes!
Math Zone

Note to Parents: Students will be learning about the characteristics of the various shapes and distinguishing one shape from the other. They will be given the opportunity to classify 2-dimensional shapes and their geometric properties. If you are interested, below is the link to the math curriculum.
TDSB Math Curriculum

Ms. Tran

Earth Day!

Hi Everyone,

If you haven't noticed, today is ....

EARTH DAY!

Today is the day we celebrate the Earth and learn about how we can help take care of it. It is important to be aware of our environmental responsibility. Schools from all around the world participate in recycling and help by collecting garbage around the neighborhood. Without Earth we would not be here, it is time to start making a difference to save our home, planet Earth!

Can you all think of ways we can help save our Earth? You can share your great ideas in class on Monday!

Here are some links that you might enjoy to understand more about Earth Day:

EcoKids 

Eco Games 

I would also recommend that you and your family members read or watch The Lorax! I really enjoyed watching this movie and I think you will too! This movie talks about the consequences of not taking care of the Earth and how we can change to help take care of it.



Have a great Earth Day!

Ms. Tran

Fun Science Experiment

Hi Everyone!

Since we are currently in the Earth and Space Systems unit, I found a neat experiment you can all try at home! Please be careful when using these materials and always ask permission from a parent or guardian before conducting any experiment.

What You Need:

1. a glass bread loaf dish
2. 30 milliliters of salt
3. blue food coloring
4. ice cubes

 

What You Do:

1. Mix 30 milliliters (2 tablespoons) of salt and a liter (quart) of water in a glass bread loaf dish.
2. Put it in the freezer until it’s good and cold, so that chips of ice form on the surface.
3. Remove the dish from the freezer, and carefully drip a few drops of blue food coloring onto the surface.
4. What happens as it melts?
5. Place an ice cube at one end of the dish. What happens?

What’s Happening?

The freezing chemically squeezes the salt out of the water. The dark blue layer of food coloring is not salty, so it won’t sink! When the ice melts, it ‘s fresh water – no salt. The salty water is heavier (denser) than the fresh water so the fresh water floats on top of it. When you add an ice cube, the cube is colder than the surrounding water and it will cause the water to become denser than the seawater. The dense water will sink pulling some of the blue color with it. When icebergs melt, they usually cool the sea below them, but their freshwater stays on the surface for a long time. Many ocean currents are driven by the flow of heat and salt in the ocean. We call these “thermohaline” (therm-oh-HAY-leen) currents. That means heat and salt currents. They’re cool. Well, they’re cold. They’re caused by the flow of heat.

Note to the Parents: In this unit, students will learn about the Earth and how water and air effect living organisms. Students will investigate the characteristics of air and water and the invisible/visible changes to the environment. In this fun activity, students will be able to see the impact of salt water and fresh water on Earth as well as how ocean currents work.

If you are interested in more experiments dealing with Earth Science, check out the links below!

Bill Nye the Science Guy
Magic School Bus Experiments

Earth and Space Systems Unit

Hi Everyone!

As we are starting our new unit on Earth and Space Systems, we will be conducting many exciting in-class experiments! One of the first experiment we will be conducting in class is planting our own bean plant! Throughout the process, we will be recording our observations daily in our log and making predictions.

Note to Parents: The new Earth and Space Systems unit will allow students to understand the relationship between the elements on Earth and its ability to sustain life. Some of the Big Ideas will be for students to understand that air and water are a major part of the environment, living things need air and water to survive, and how our actions affect the quality of air and water. If you are interested, below is the link to the science curriculum.
TDSB Science Curriculum

Here is a very informative video on plant growth, just in time for Earth Day in a couple of weeks :)

 

Ms. Tran

Math Investigation

Hi Everyone,

I would like to say how proud I am of all of you! In class we started a 3 step math investigation dealing with coin manipulatives. You were all given a task and a very difficult problem to solve. I saw many of you use different strategies and there were a lot of brain matching! There were also a lot of communication and discussions happening. After completing the investigation, you were all very eager and ready to start the second step.

Bravo, You all did an excellent job!

Here is another fun math problem for you all to solve over the weekend:

How many ways can you make 57¢?

If you enjoy working with coins, here is a fun website with coin games!
Money Games

Note to Parents: Students here are completing a three step math investigation by using a coin manipulative. In this Number Sense and Numeration unit, students are expected to work with money amounts up to 100¢. Students should be able to solve problems involving the addition and subtraction of one and two digit numbers, using a variety of strategies. If you are interested, below is the link to the math curriculum.
TDSB Math Curriculum

Ms. Tran

A Trip to the Zoo

Hi Everyone!

Just the other day I was able to take a trip to the Toronto Zoo! It was an amazing experience and I was able to see many many animals.  As the season changes, what kind of animals do you expect to see at the zoo?
Over the weekend, I would like everyone to think about the types of animals you would see in the winter, spring, fall, and summer. On Monday, you will be given an opportunity to share your ideas!

Reptilia has amazing zookeepers to help us understand all about the different reptiles! If you are interested, click on the links below to explore what the Toronto Zoo and Reptilia has in store for all of you adventurers! :)

Reptilia

The Toronto Zoo 

Ms. Tran

Welcome!

Hi Everyone!

Welcome to Little Learners Thinking Big. My name is Ms. Tran, and I am looking forward to meeting all of you! Little Learners Thinking Big is a Blog dedicated to enhance the learning environment for everyone! Throughout the year, I will be posting various links, videos, tools, and assignments given out in class. I hope you all are just as excited as I am to begin an amazing school year!

Ms. Tran