Download February 2015

Mrs. Buaron’s
Brags
February 2015
Practice for PARCC
Science Scene
As you know, the PARCC test for fifth grade
students will be the week of March 9, while the sixth
grade PARCC will be the week of March 16. The
students have been practicing all year for this
assessment, starting with the grade four online
practice test and working up to the questions on grade
level. They have learned about the test format, as well
as the tools available to them. They have even been
able to personalize how the test looks as part of their
personal needs profile (PNP).
There are two sections to the PARCC. Part
one disallows the use of a calculator while part two
permits students access. They are allowed to use
either the calculator on the tool bar or a four operation
calculator, which will be provided by the teacher in
charge.
The PARCC will be given in two parts. The
PBA or performance based assessment is the one
scheduled for March. There is also an EOY, end of
the year assessment, scheduled for May.
Science students study the layers of the
Earth in creative ways this month. Scientists
believe that the Earth is made of four main layers,
which get hotter and denser towards the center.
The crust is where we live. Primarily
made of rock, the crust is covered with dirt and
water. The oceans and continents are located on
the crust.
The mantle is divided into two sections,
the upper mantle pairs with the crust, forming the
lithosphere. This is broken into plates, which is
our next area of study. The lower mantle, also
called the asthenosphere, is made of molten rock.
This is where convection occurs, causing plate
tectonics.
The outer core is next. This is the only
liquid layer, but it is made of iron and nickel
Scientists studied earthquake waves, which react
differently to liquids and solids, to find out this
information.
The inner core is the deepest and hottest
layer. It is also made of iron and nickel, but
unlike the outer core, it is a solid. Scientists
believe that this is from the extreme pressure
found in the middle of the Earth.
Learn more about the Earth’s layers by
following these links.


Figure 1: Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for
College and Careers
Science Monster
The Earth Inside at Colorado.edu
Test yourself with these games.
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Label the layers at Purpose Game
Science labeling game at Miss Maggie
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