South Boston Catholic Academy

Happy Reading!

• Grade One Supply List
• Grade Three Supply & Reading List
• Grade Four & Five Reading List
• Grade Four & Five Reading List – continued
• Grade Four Supply List
• Grade Five Supply List
• Grade Six through Eight Reading List
• Grade Six through Eight Reading List – continued
• Grade Six through eight Supply List

South Boston Catholic Academy

Middle School Supply List

Grades 6-8

Religion

1 subject notebook

1 two pocket folder

Social Studies

1 1” three ring binder (5 sufficient)

1 set of dividers

1 package of loose leaf paper

Vocabulary

1 two pocket folder

2 sets of blank flashcards

Math

2” three ring binder

1 set of dividers (5 sufficient)

1 subject ‘graph paper’ notebook

1 package of loose-leaf paper

A pencil sharpener and wide eraser

Math tool kit

Science

1” three ring binder

Journal notebook

1 package of loose-leaf paper

Language Arts

1 three subject notebook

1 two pocket folder

Spanish

1 three subject notebook

1 two pocket folder

For all classes students will need:

A box of pens

A box of pencils

2-3 dry erase markers

1 ream of copy paper

1 each of:

paper towels

tissues

cleaning wipes

hand sanitizer

Students will also need to have a small art box container which needs to be filled with:

1 Glue

1 Tape

1 set of markers or colored pencils

*No crayons please

5^th Grade Science Project

 World Biomes

 Due: May 20, 2010

 There are two parts/sections to this project. The first section includes a model of a biome.  For this project, each student will create a model of their assigned biome.  Their project should include a realistic representation of their biome’s geographical features, plants, and animals.  Students will present their model to the class and should be prepared to discuss a few of the important characteristics of their biome. The biome model should also focus and include at least 2 animals that are found only in their biome.  The animals should be represented in the model of the biome.

 The second section of the project is a written report.  This is the portion of the project, students will develop a 2 page (double spaced, typed 12 or 14 pt. font only) report describing their biome.  Please refer to the questions below when researching and organizing your report. In this report, students will also focus on two animals that are found in their biome. Students will discuss how the animals are able to survive and adapt in their biome. 

 What should students include in their projects?

             ~ Model of Biome with Animals

~A container or base for the representation of the model (flat, thick styrofoam poster board, plastic aquarium, shoebox, small storage container)

    ~ terrain which represents your biome’s geographical features (mountains, water, grasslands, sand)

  ~vegetation to represent a realistic model of the plants/trees in your biome

  ~2 or more animals which are found in your biome

 ~ Written Report (Typed in 12 or 14 point font, no fancy fonts please or Word Art)

 1.  Include a separate page with a map showing where your biome is located (may be in numerous locations around the world).

 2.  Describe the climate of your biome.  Do altitude and latitude affect the climate? (ex: yearly pattern of temperature and precipitation, seasons, sunlight)

 3.  Discuss the geographical features of your biome (ex: mountainous).

 4.      Discuss the different types of vegetation and how they adapt to your biome.Ex: types of trees and plants

~Research 3 unique plants and describe how they adapt to your biome’s climate (plants and trees in a rainforest are very different than those found in the desert)

5.      Report on at least 2 types of animals found in the biome and their physical and behavioral adaptations to their environment.  How are they able to survive?

 6.      Describe any human destruction affecting your biome.  Discuss conservation efforts.

 7.      Include a separate title page with your name, date, number, and name of biome.

 8.      Include a separate page with a bibliography to cite your reference sources. 

 Questions to consider as you are completing your biome research.

 Where is my biome located?  Is it located near the equator or far away? 

 What is the climate like?

 What does my biome look like?  Is it flat and grassy or mountainous?  How can I recreate my biome in a model? Are there any distinct geographical features?

 What plants are able to live in my biome?  Why are these plants able to survive and adapt to this kind of climate?

 What kinds of animals live in my biome?  Which animals are the most interesting?    Why are these 2 species able to adapt and survive?

 Why is my biome so important?

 Is human destruction threatening my biome?  Are there conservation efforts in place?

  Helpful Websites for Research of Biomes

 http://www.nationalgeographic.com

 http://kids.nceas.ucsb.edu/biomes/index.html

  http://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamentals/9k.html

 http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/world_biomes.htm

 http://www.teachersfirst.com/lessons/biomes/biomes.html

A few reminders:

Grades close on Friday, March 5, 2010. That day is also a half day, dismissal at Noon time. 

Report Cards will be distributed on Wednesday, March 10, 2010.

Math and Science News: Grade 5

The 5th grade is moving right along in Math and Science.  Grade 5 is working on understanding basic Geometry skills.  This week the students will be working on understanding how to measure acute and obtuse angles as well as practicing how to use a protractor.  Other topics the 5th graders are working on in math are understanding different types of triangles and polygons.  We will be working on this topic for the next week or so with a quiz on Understanding Geometry on Tuesday, March 9, 2010. 

Grade 5 Science:

Students in grade 5 are understanding the states of matter as well as understanding: What’s inside Matter?, What are elements?, What are Compounds? and an introduction into the Periodic Table.  I hope to be working on a few experiments that go along with the following science topics.

If you have any questions please feel free to email me.

e.reilly@sbcatholicacademy.org

Mrs. Reilly

The 4th and 5th Grade Mini Math Projects came out great!!!  Take a look… Mrs. Reilly

One book report per month, students will be required to present a book report to the class. Each of these reports will be on a book the student has read during the month. It is expected that each report be given in a creative way!  This sheet outlines the specific information regarding monthly book reports.

• The book you choose to read should be appropriate for your reading level and a minimum of 100 pages in length.
• The book can’t be one you have read before or one we have read in class.
• If you are absent the day your book report is due, then it is due on the day you return to school.
• All presentations should be within the specified time limit. A minimum of 3 minutes is expected with the maximum of 5 minutes allowed. If your presentation is less than the minimum or more than the maximum there will be an automatic 10-point deduction off your final score.
• Each month you will need to choose a book from a new genre; one that you haven’t done before. The 4 genres from which you will be required to choose from are listed below.

Book Genres 

1.Biography or Autobiography

2.  Mystery

3.  Fiction  or Realistic Fiction

4.  Non-Fiction  

By the end of this year, you should have presented one book from each category (genre). If you repeat a genre, there will be an automatic 10-point deduction. For example, if you present a Harry Potter book from genre 3 and then share a different Harry Potter book next month, even though they are 2 different books, they are from the same category (genre) and 10 points will be deducted. 

Due Dates: 

1^st:   February 26^th         2^nd:  March 26^th

^3rd:  April 30^th                  4^th:  May 28^th

You may choose one of the following ideas for sharing your book.   If you want to use a different creative idea, you may ask your teacher for approval. The approval must be given before the due date. The most important thing is to be creative in your presentation. Each month you must choose a different creative idea. By the end of the year, you will have shared four different books in four different new and exciting ways.

Make sure that you put lots of time and effort into your presentation as it represents a large portion of your final score. You will be graded on the effort you have put into your creation!!!!

Creative Ideas

1.    Write a TV or radio commercial advertising the book.

2.     Prepare a skit about your book and perform it for the class.

3.     Design a book jacket (different from the one it already has) illustrating your three favorite scenes. Include a summary on the inside cover.  (Fully colored on large art paper.  No computer images.)

4.     Build a diorama of your favorite scene or setting.

5.     Design a map of the area where the story takes place. Make sure to include a scale and legend.  (Fully colored on large art paper.  No computer images.)

6.     Make an illustrated time line for a historical book.  (Fully colored on large art paper.  No computer images.)

7.     Design a vacation or informational pamphlet about a location in the book.  (Fully colored on large art paper.  No computer images.)

8.     Design an invitation to read the book.  (Fully colored on large art paper.  No computer images.)

9.     Design a mobile, using pictures of characters or places in the story.  (Must have at least five different attachments.)

10.   Pretend you are a book critic for a local newspaper or TV station and share your review of the book.

   11.   Dress up like a character in the book and describe the role that character plays in the book. (Make sure to include props and other things to help us recognize your character.)

12.   Compose a song about your book, an event in the book, or one of the characters and sing or play it for the class.

13.   Write a journal entry from the point of view of one of the characters in the book (Pretend you are your favorite character from the book and write at least 5 entries.)

14.   Prepare and perform a puppet show.

15.   Make a collage about your book.

16.   Write a letter to one of the characters in the book, describing what you liked or did not like about what he/she did in the book (at least six paragraphs in length).

17.   Pretend you are an interviewer from the local news.  Write at least ten interview questions you would ask one of the characters in the book and what you think their answers might be (full and complete answers).

18.   Create a “Wanted” poster for a character from the book.  (Fully colored on large art paper.  No computer images.)

19.   Write a news article on the book; answer Who?  What?  When?  Where?  How?  Why?  Pretend you are a newscaster and give us the information in a live news broadcast.

20.   Create a comic strip.  (Draw and fully color a comic strip using characters from your book. No computer images. Must be at least 7 frames.)

Due to meetings with parents I will be unable to hold homework help on Monday, February 1, 2010.

Thank you for your understanding. 

Mrs. Reilly

How would you spend $1million?  DUE DATE: JANUARY 29, 2010

Material Needed: A large piece of poster board, markers, crayons and glue.

My $1,000,000.00 Project

1) An ad or a picture from a catalogue or the Internet must document all items. Round prices to the nearest whole dollar. All items are considered tax-free, so there will be no sales tax added to the items purchased.

2) You can only buy one of the same types of item. You therefore cannot buy two houses, two family cars, or two boats. (Sets or packaged sets are acceptable.)

3) You are not allowed to spend over $200,000 on any item. This includes houses, boats, and land.

4) You must spend the money. That means that buying CD’s, stocks and bonds, and other investments are not allowed, since you never actually lost the money. In fact, sometimes you get more back.

5) Your poster will include what you purchased with the money next to each purchase include the actual price.  The price can be handwritten next to the item.

6) The finished project should include a poster board with pictures of the items purchased and how much they cost.  You also need to pass in the worksheet below that describes what you purchased and how much each item is.  After adding up all your purchases on the worksheet see how close you came to spending one million dollars. Please show all calculations!!!!!

7) A worksheet is required which is to be set up like the example below: the worksheet template is on the next page. (be sure to pass in with the poster)
Item:                 Description of Item                   Cost

Condo             1 Bedroom Condo                             $220,000        

Car                  Toyota Prius                                $23,899          
10) Use as many Internet ads or pictures as you can find.         
           

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas!  I’m looking forward to a great 2010! 

Math and Science News for Grades 4 & 5

Grade 4 Math & Science

4th graders have just started to learn double digit multiplication and will be having a chapter test next Friday, January 15, 2010.  In science grade 4 has just started learning about Earth’s History which includes learning about rocks, minerals, rock cycle and the earth’s crust.  I hope to be able to incorporate a few science experiments in the next few weeks.  A science test will not take place for the next couple of weeks. 

Grade 5 Math & Science

5th graders have just completed their chapter on long division and we are starting to learn how to multiply and divide decimals.  I’m hoping to have a chapter test next Friday, January 15, 2010 or Wednesday, January 20, 2010.  In science grade 5 will be starting a chapter on the energy of sound and light.  I hope to be able to start doing experiments with these two topics each week. 

For both grade 4 and 5 please be on the look out for a Math project that will be due after February vacation.  Instead of doing a science project this term I have decided to incorporate a math project instead. 

Please feel free to contact me. 
Mrs. Reilly

Both 4th and 5th grade will be having a science test this week. Grade 4 will have their science test on Thursday, December 17, 2009. The test will be on Chapter 4 Engery and Change. Grade 5 science test will also take place on Thursday, December 17, 2009 the test will be on Chapter 5 Weather and Climate. We will be reviewing for both these tests this week. Please study!!
Merry Christmas!
Mrs. Reilly