Under the Sea

Scientists spent the past 10 years studying life under the ocean. Read this Time For Kids article (right-click, open in new tab) to find out the results of this study. Then answer the following questions:
1. How many scientists participated in this study?
2. What type of species was found in the Indian Ocean?
3. Name the two underwater areas that had the most sea life.
4. Why do we need to protect the oceans?

National Geographic Kids

Read this story on Slow Down for Calvin the Right Whale! (right-click and open new window). Then read this story titled Mission Blue (right-click and open new window).

1. Compare and Contrast these two stories: what do they have in common and how they are different?

2. Write 3 opinions about the "Calvin" story.

3. Write 3 facts about the "Mission" story.

4. How do you personally feel about any of these stories?

Welcome Back!

Welcome. This will be practice for the class blog. When responding, only write your first name - NEVER your last name.
1. Tell us what your favorite animal is and why it's your favorite.
2. Tell us about a book you read over the summer and if it was good or not.
3. Read this National Geographic Kids story [right-click and open in new tab]. Summarize what you've learned using 3-5 sentences.

All I Really Need To Know...

Read this poem and post your responses.

All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten
by Robert Fulghum

Most of what I really need

To know about how to live

And what to do and how to be

I learned in kindergarten.

These are the things I learned:

Share everything.

Play fair.

Don't hit people.

Put things back where you found them.

Clean up your own mess.

Don't take things that aren't yours.

Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.

Wash your hands before you eat.

Flush.

Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.

Live a balanced life -Learn some and think some

And draw and paint and sing and dance

And play and work everyday some.

Take a nap every afternoon.

When you go out into the world,

Watch out for traffic,

Hold hands and stick together.

Be aware of wonder.

1. Which of these is the most significant to you?
2. In a second paragraph add to it your ideas on"All I Really Need To Know I Learned In 5th Grade." Have fun, it's the last blog entry!

Questions about Middle School

Next year many of you will be going to middle school. Take a few minutes to brainstorm any questions you may have for the counselors tomorrow. If you want, check out the sites to Twin Towers and Monhagen to brainstorm your questions. Possible questions could be related to:

How does a locker work?

How big are the lockers?

How long is the school day? When does it start and when does it end?

What is study hall? What do you do there?

What kinds of sports are there?

What will our schedules look like?

How long is each class?

Please write any other questions you may have.

Spring Break Work

Hello students and parents.

I am using the class blog page as a resource for you and your child to complete their Spring Break work.

I have found that holiday/vacation work can be hit or miss. In previous years I have given out whole packets to students to complete over break just to find them in the trash can at the end of the day. On the other hand, some students (and parents) are eager to have work to complete over vacation/break. Whatever the case may be, as a teacher, I feel it is necessary to provide work for students who wish to continue to excel. With that being said, I have compiled a list of assignments for students to complete while on break to prevent their brains from "turning to mush." Some students will complete it, while others will do nothing - the choice is theirs (and yours). I understand that it is a lot of work - you don't have to complete everything, just complete what you can.

1. Complete at least 5 blog assignments that other students have created. http://www.tomasulo411.blogspot.com/

2. Read your library book and complete a book report. Here is a link for a book report template. Either hand write the book report or type it in Word, then send to class email.

3. Math: Go to Compass Learning http://compass.dcboces.org/childu/index.html, go to math, then to the folder titled "Spring Break 2010 - Math(4)" and complete assignments in any order you wish. You can complete assignments in any order.

Again, it is more than enough work, so complete what you are comfortable with. Keep in mind that we have the State ELA Test at the end of April and the State Math Test in the beginning of May.

Have a great break!

Mr. Tomasulo

Dolphins - Oceana

Use this article on Dolphin's Social Life to answer these questions.

1. Name three things that the researchers agreed about the dolphins.
2. What are the two dolphins that are in the multi – species group?
3. Why do dolphins toss seaweed back and forth?
4. Typically, dolphins live and travel in groups and ranging from ______ dolphins.
5. Compare and Contrast two things about the Spinner dolphin and the Spotted dolphin.
6. What behavior indicates a close friendship between a dolphin and another dolphin species? Dolphins also have been watched doing what?
7. If you where a scientist that studied on dolphins , what’s something new that you would discover ?