CST, Day 2

Today was our second day of the California Standards Test in Language Arts. I think the students did pretty well on it, though I studiously avoid looking over their shoulders at the answers they put down. It would drive me crazy because all I would see would are the wrong answers!

Testing took up most of the morning until recess. After recess, we did Science. We are continuing our look at rocks and how geologists study rocks. We looked at hardness and the Mohs Scale before, and the students learned how to scratch rocks to help identify minerals. Today we looked at using acid to determine the presence of calcite or calcium carbonate in rocks like limestone and marble. The students were slightly disappointed that they did not get to use "real" acids like hydrochloric or sulfuric acids, but they were pleased to discover just how much of a chemical reaction a weak acid like household vinegar could produce. Notice all the fizz in the vial below.

We practiced the song "Who Will Buy" from Oliver! This involves four independent parts, so I am astonished at how well they are doing with it. We have talented students here in rooms 19 and room 7. We also finished our unit in math. We will not have the test until Friday. It seems a little much to give a regular math test on days when they will have the CST math test.

Homework:  (1) Do the Science study questions. (2) Do "Draw a Picture" on pages 444-445 and "Test Prep" on pages 446-447 of the math book. I did not seem to copy the answer page here, so do the work on a piece of regular notebook paper.