Highlights
Science
Students have been learning about chemical reactions. In grade 5, we learn that a new substance is formed when a chemical reaction occurs. When conducting an experiment, we look for the following evidence that a chemical reaction has taken place:
- Temperature change
- A smell or odor is produced
- Gas is produced (bubbles forming)
- Colour change
This week, we learned that a (very gross) new substance is formed when Red Bull and milk are mixed together. There was also a slight temperature change of the beaker used to mix the two substances.
The reason this happens is because of a protein called Casein found in the milk. Groups of casein normally float around in milk without bonding. These groupings have a negative charge. The acidity of the Red Bull causes the negative charges on the casein groupings to become neutralized. Instead of pushing each other apart, the casein starts to clump together causing the milk to curdle and form solid matter.
Here is a video of the experiment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WW64NUKnHEM
Social Studies
We are in the homestretch of the Amazing Race Canada, as students have reached the Cordillera region. The Cordillera as a whole is distinguished by its mountainous landscapes, and it's great variety of climates, soils and vegetation. The Cordillera region includes many steep slopes, natural hazards and a severe climate, that make land use restricted by humans in much of the area. Other features include forests, grasslands, lakes and rivers. For the challenge, students took on the task of building a tinfoil ferry boat to transport a vehicle across a pool of water.
Physical Education (Skating)
Ms. Latham is looking for volunteers from Monday, February 10th to Wednesday, February 12 to help students tie their skates and put on their helmets. Volunteers will not be expected to go on the ice (unless they want to!). If interested, please email Mrs. Latham at ajlatham@cbe.ab.ca.
Math
We have begun our unit on Long Division. If students are struggling to complete their homework, please refer to this instructional video to review the steps of long division:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGMf314LUc0
Parent Council
The next Parent Council meeting is next week on Thursday, February 6th at 7 pm in our DLC. We are holding the meeting a week early to accommodate the Teachers' Convention break.
It’s our Grade 2 teaching teams' turn to present what your kids have been working on in their classrooms. There will also be the usual updates from our Admin team and other committees.
Babysitting will be available.
And in case you missed this on our school website, you can review our January meeting minutes here: http://school.cbe.ab.ca/school/simonsvalley/get-involved/school-council/pages/default.aspx
Upcoming Dates
January
- Jan. 31 - Non-instructional Day
February
- Feb. 6 - Parent Council
- Feb. 12 - ATCO (Baker)
- Feb. 13 - Teacher’s Convention (No Classes)
- Feb. 14 - Teacher’s Convention (No Classes)
- Feb. 17 - Family Day (No Classes)
- Feb. 18 - ATCO (Fuller)
- Feb. 19 - ATCO (Hobbs)
- Feb. 26 - ATCO (Koch)
