SCIENCE: Energy Concept Map

Pocket Money

Earlier in the school year, we spent some time working on persuasive writing. Students learned how to choose a point of view, organize their arguments and supporting evidence, examine opposing arguments and come up with a rebuttal.

One of the assignments that students were tasked with was to write a persuasive text in the form of a letter to their parents asking for an increase in allowance. Here are a few examples of that assignment:


Dear Parents,

             I would like to get more pocket money. I would like $20 a month. Right now I am getting $100 a year, and I think I should get $20 a month because I’m helping my sister with her studies and I help around the house sometimes.

      If you can give me $20 a month I could be more mature by paying for my own things instead of asking you for money. If you give me $20 a month, I could have my own independent-lifestyle; if you give me pocket money I could use it for my education instead of asking you for the money, for example: Scholastics books and field trips.

     I know you think I am too young to have pocket money, but I am now ten years old and I am turning eleven so I should be more self-sufficient. If you give me more pocket money I will have an early start for my future like paying for my bills.

     So what I am trying to say is instead of giving me $100 a year I should get $20 a month.
                                 
                                 From your loving daughter,
                                                       T.B.



Dear Parents,

     I need more pocket money! Right now I am getting one dollar everyday for chores. The money will be going to my bicycle project. One dollar isn’t enough.

     If I get more allowance, I will be more independent and I will learn life skills like learning how to cook all by myself. I can also save up money for when I’m older and I can get a better job knowing how to do things like washing clothes, doing the dishes, making my bed and more. I can do all of these and more chores on my own. I will be more mature.

      I am donating money to buy bicycles in Sri Lanka, which shows that I am being responsible with my money. If I get more pocket money, then I will be helping others less fortunate than myself.

                                        From A.B.

Bill Nye the Science Guy

To supplement our Science curriculum, we've been watching Bill Nye the Science Guy episodes that relate to the topics we've been studying. Bill Nye makes science fun and funny! Here is a quote from Bill Nye's Biography on his website: www.billnye.com


"Bill Nye, scientist, engineer, comedian, author, and inventor, is a man with a mission: to help foster a scientifically literate society, to help people everywhere understand and appreciate the science that makes our world work. Making science entertaining and accessible is something Bill has been doing most of his life."

For more information about Bill Nye, his TV shows, videos clips and fun experiments, please check out his website ( www.billnye.com)

Prezi - The Zooming Presentation Editor

We've been using prezi to make some presentations at school. Prezi uses concept mapping (like a mind web) to help organize and present ideas based on a central topic. Prezis are similar to PowerPoint presentations but are more dynamic and intuitive. Plus they're lots of fun to watch.  Ask your child to show you the prezi that they've created in class.

prezi.com