Tuesday, March 31

Entry for Tuesday, March 31

This is the picture I left off with yesterday.  It was taken out in the portapack a few years ago.  I'm playing a Rickenbacker guitar here, similar to one the Beatles played with many years ago.  John Lennon took his Rickenbacker and painted it black.  I like the looks of this red one.  Rickenbacker guitars are made in Germany.

(Remember, if you haven't checked Saturday's and Sunday's posting, I have shared a bunch of cool websites for you to visit!)

Also, this week is the fifth week of Lent.  Tomorrow I will share some Lenten resources with you.  Have fun with your family today!
 Mr. Hamer

"That sure is a cool looking guitar, Mr. Hamer!" they call out in the middle of class!

Quick note to parents:  Remember to think of these ideas I send around as being optional activities...the important thing for the children to be doing at this moment in time is to enjoy being with family, doing creative things on their own with your guidance or as a whole family...thinking of "outside the box." ideas for spending time together.

Let's learn about how Tuesday got its name.  Get an older member of your family to help you read the information.

The name "Tuesday" derives from the Old English "Tiwesdaeg" and it literally means "Tiw's Day" named after the Germanic God "tiwaz".  Tiwaz translated means "to shine".

Tiw's Day = Tuesday 

The latin "dies Martis" helps us to understand in French, "mardi" from "Martis".  Any language with a latin derivation indicates that the name "mardi" is named after Mars.

Mars Day = mardi

Very Interesting!

Let's enjoy our day, shall we?

"We always enjoy our day, Mr, Hamer!" they tell us.

"Gotcha!" Mr. Hamer replies.

Art Suggestion Intergrated with Math

Remember last week we looked at creating a work of art using math shapes.

Let's take this idea in a different direction.

The image above shows a various shapes superimposed atop each other with everything coloured in.  This looks like "abstract art" to me.  So cool!

As a variation...how about picking a single shape...

...and superimposing that shape over top itself numerous times.

The result will be an amazing work of art!

"I love art for all of its amazing colours!"  he indicates from outside on the playground.

Math Suggestion

We know how to add and how to subtract.  We understand the theory of multiplication and we are pretty good at reciting our times tables up to three times.  In a couple of weeks we will get into division...but we still want to deepen our understanding of multiplication further.

We can use a chart to help us study and memorize our times tables.  Yes, memorization is one of the basic forms of learning...with basic meaning "foundational".  You can't build a house that will stand tall and sturdy if its foundation is poor.

We already understand the concept of multiplication from earlier lessons.  With so much time off school, what better way to spend our time than to learn the times tables

Don' rush!  Take your time.  Only go on to the next number when you have mastered the number before!

Take note that as you look down each column for each number, the answer to your multiplication (the product) shows a pattern.  Yes, for the three times tables, the products "skip count" by three.  For the four times table, they skip count by four...and so on.

Another way of practising your times tables is by using a multiplication chart like the one pictured above.  (You also have one in the back of your agenda!)

To find the answer to a multiplication you have to use the outside section in white.

For example  for 3 x 6 , you first go to the 3 in white (in the left column).  Then you follow along it row of 3 skip counts until you come under the white 5 in the top row.  Where the two number meet, you will find your correct product.  For 3 x 5, your answer is 15 (in light green).

Feel free to practise with your parents.  Quiz them on their times tables.  Then, have them quiz you on the ones you know already.  

If you are brave enough, try mastering the four times tables over the next couple of days!

"Mastering my times tables is as easy as going down this slide, Mr. Hamer!"

"He may think so!"

Aha!  Remember to refer to your personal "growth mindset!"

"I can do anything if I put my mind to it!"

Science Suggestion

Remember we learned a few things about animal tracks yesterday.

One thing we learned was to look at the tracks carefully to determine which animal made them as we check a reference card like the ones above.

Here are a few more facts.

Typically, the size of the track will give you a clue as to the size of the animal.

With our understanding of footwear, we are able to determine if the track was made by an animal or by a human being.

With our understanding of feet (toes at the front, heel at the back), we can easily determine which way the animal was heading.

Depending how far apart the tracks are (or how close they are to each other) we can determine if the animals was in a hurry or not...running versus walking, hopping far distances or close distances.)

Here is a fascinating fact.  Animals that are members of the canine family (the dog family) usually show their claws in the tracks they leave behind while members of the feline family (cat family) typically do not.

Check the chart above.  Coyotes and dogs are canines - claws showing.  Bobcats and mountain lions are felines - no claws showing.

There are many more cool things we can learn by studying animal tracks in the snow, dirt, mud or sand.  That's for you to research!

Check out this fun video.  (The lady doesn't tell us the distinction between dog and cat tracks, but she lets us in on many other valuable ideas.

Snow Tracks Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xz02S-CizAU

I'm sure they loved learning all about animal tracks while at home!

Have a great day everyone!

Mr. Hamer OCT