Barbara Morgan STEM Academy
January 18, 2016
Volume 3, Issue 19
Trimester Essential Question
How are systems similar and different?
Guiding Questions:
Can you use magnetism to move objects?
What system can you create to help you show how fractions are similar and
different from one another?
How are fictional stories similar to non-fiction stories, how are they different?
Go On
In February of 2005 my son was born. I was teaching 3rd
grade at the time and I had made plans to job share for the following
year. A few weeks before I was to return to teaching, my father offered me a job to help bring his construction companies into the 21
century– it was long overdue. I graciously accepted because after all
that meant I could be a “working stay-at-home” mom. When everyone
went back to school that fall, I immediately missed the smell of fresh
sharpened pencils and the classroom! It was at this point in my life
that I learned the true value of education, and 2 years later I returned
to the classroom and applied for the graduate program at BSU. I
MISSED EDUCATION!
Last week, I asked my students how many of them intended to
go to college. The numbers startled me. Over half of my students just
sat silent. I stressed to them the importance of higher education. One
student advocated by saying, “Come on guys, don’t you want to make
good money when you’re an adult?” Bless this child! Even though your
child may only be 9 or 10, it is the time to start being a cheerleader
for their higher education. It is time to start discussing a plan for college. At BMSA we are a strong component for college and career
readiness. We encourage students frequently to research future careers
and how they can get there.
The campaign “Go On Idaho”, has 3 simple steps to encourage
students higher education. 1. Aim High 2. Make A Plan 3. Get Ready.
It is simple! These three easy steps can make all the difference in
your child’s future. Right now, they love education, foster this love because it will help them to make the decision to “go on”. I know my
parents did and I do with my son. I never knew any different when it
came to furthering my education. Education in my life, has made all
the difference.
Classroom Connections
ELA: Living Traditions
Math: Add and Subtract Fractions
Science: Magnetism
History: Fur Trappers and Traders
Tool Time: Progress Monitoring
Dates to Remember:

January 18, 2016- No School

January 22, 2016– Intent to
re-enroll forms due.
Name ________________________
Weekly Wonder
Due 01/22/2016
The largest butterfly species in the world is the Queen Alexandra’s birdwing butterfly. It has a wingspan of 32 cm. The
smallest butterfly, the Western Pygmy Blue butterfly, has a wingspan of only 1 and 1/2 cm. What is the difference between
the wingspans of the world's largest and smallest butterfly species? What would the wingspan be of a butterfly that is exactly between that of the Queen Alexandra and Pygmy Blue butterfly. Explain your solution. You may draw pictures as well
for your explanation. **Use a number line with whole and 1/2 marks.
Wonder Work
Wonder: We investigated the strength of magnetic fields last week and now it is your turn to investigate the strength of
yourself.
Investigate: Design a fair test to compare the strength of your right arm with that of your left arm. Write down what you
would do and then try it out.
Share: What were your results? Try your test on someone else. What were their results?
Extend: Design a series of exercises to help improve arm strength, write them down below.