Our Science Fair

Our Science Fair

Last Monday, the fourth, fifth and sixth graders of our school participated in a Science Fair. All of the students worked very hard on their projects – and their hard work really paid off.
During the Science Fair, each student’s project had to be judged at least twice. The judging consisted of explaining your hypothesis, procedure, results and conclusion to the judges and answering their questions. The judges were mainly neighborhood parents, etc.

Although every project was great, there were only three winners in each grade. In fifth grade, Toby, Sam and Luke of OUR class got third place!!! Their project involved trying to see which modern day astronomical instruments would give them the best idea of what Galileo saw when he observed the moon 400 years ago.

Everyone agrees that all the projects on display were very interesting (although some seemed to be pulled together at the last minute). However, a couple people think that some projects were very similar to last year’s, making the Science Fair a lot less exciting.

Now, a quote from Toby, who received third place: “I was afraid that we hadn’t gotten a place, but I think that we deserved third.” (We think you did, Toby, although you should’ve spent a little more time on your project!)

Overall, the 2009 Science Fair was a success. Although not everyone won, we all enjoyed constructing our experiments and learned A LOT; whether it was about Galileo, friction, or memory…it was all very exciting.

Thanks for reading!

Emma, Toby, Mary May, Indiyah and Kameron

Book Recommendations

Book Recommendations

In our class we did a Newberry Book-cover project. We had to read a Newberry medal or honor book over the winter break and then we had to design our book cover. We decided to write about some of the books that we read for this that you might consider reading. If you are a parent you can read some of these books to your children. Here are some of the books we would like you and your children to enjoy:

1. Feathers by Jacqueline Woodson.
Feathers is based on the poem
“Hope” by Emily Dickinson – “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul” is the first line of the poem. It is also about a girl named Frannie whose older brother is dumb, he can not talk. She has a lot of adventures in the book and learns about what she calls her “heart-truth”.

2. Penny from Heaven by Jennifer L. Holme.
Penny from Heaven is about this girl named Penny and she has to take care of her family. Her mom is dating someone Penny does not approve of. Penny feels that her mom spends more time with this man than she does with her. Penny learns that it only matters if her mom is happy, then her mother will like her better.

3. Missing May by Cynthia Rylant. Since Summer was six she was living with her aunt May and uncle Ob. Now that years have past and Summer’s aunt May has died Summer really misses her aunt and has a fear that something will happen to Ob. Sometimes Ob does not want to even get out of bed and move on with his life. Summer has to learn about some of the hard realities of life in a quick way.

By Shaniah, Indiyah and Alicia

Our School Musical- Mulan Jr.

For our school musical this year, we will be performing Mulan Jr. (The Disney version). If you think that you know what the play will be like – you’re wrong. Because we are going to put an exciting new twist on Mulan, so it won’t be the Disney version…it will be OUR version!

Below are the similarities and the differences between our play and the Disney movie:

The characters and their qualities are basically the same in both the play and the movie. You get the same idea of each character’s personality in both, but in the play the actor gives more life to the character. Also, in the play you are able to sculpt your character in whatever way you want, while in the movie the characters are only what the animation made them to be.

In the play, you really get connected with the strict traditions that the characters had to follow, and the Chinese culture. In the play, Mulan’s Ancestors seem more important to the story while in the movie, you don’t get a very good idea of what they mean to Mulan and her family.

Performing in Chinese

Another cool thing about Mulan Jr. is that it will be bilingual. The three major leads (Mulan, Mushu, and Captain Shang) will be performing all their lines and one song in Mandarin Chinese. Also, there will be a Chinese Chi Fu and maybe a half – Chinese ensemble.
As the main Chinese performers, we believe that we can do this, but we will have to sacrifice a lot of time.

It will be difficult. For one, we have to speak our lines at the same time as the English performers. Sometimes it will be easy – for example, when the English Mushu says, “What did I miss? Am I late? Am I early?” and the Chinese Mushu says something of similar length. But other times it will be pretty hard, like when the English Mushu says “Poor kid!” and the line in Chinese is about twice as long. However, we are all willing to step up to the plate and get down to business (to defeat the Huns!).

The performance will be on May 8th, 9th, and 10th. That means that we have about three months to memorize our many lines…but we can do it! Please come and see our show. The cost is about $5.00, and children under three years old are free. If you comment, we can e-mail you our school name and address.

by Sam (Mushu), Luke (Qian-Po), Emma (Mulan), Toby (Captain Shang), and Zahra (Subar-Tu, Hun)

The crowd was cheering
Spirits soaring very high.
It was Obama.

While not everyone was at Inaugural ’09, and might not have been together physically, we were ALL together in our hearts.

Barack Obama had been inaugurated.

This moment was too big for words. Martin Luther King’s dream was coming true.
We, students at a DC Public School, witnessed this great moment – whether we saw it on TV, heard it on the radio, or were actually there. Either way, it was an amazing experience.
If you weren’t there, we’ll fill you in:

Imagine two million people packed onto the National Mall. All honored to be there. All gathered for one purpose. Crammed together like too many ants on a cookie. But when the event actually started, we knew that it was worth the wait.

It was the inauguration of our lives.

Below are our inauguration experiences.

My whole inaugural weekend was amazing. My family was hosting friends from
Rhode Island, who had come down just for the inauguration. With them being avid
Obama fans, positive energy flowed through our house like water flows out of a
waterfall. (Of course, our family contributed to that energy also).
On Sunday, we went down to the Opening Ceremonies. My mom had
the brilliant idea to take the Circulator, a Georgetown bus, down to the mall.
This was efficient, and got us to our destination only a little late. (My dad
was very disappointed that we missed most of “The Rising”, though). And while
definitely not the actual Inaugural, this event did have some of that
electricity buzzing through the air. You could feel people heating up for
Tuesday, a warm glow radiating off of everybody.


The concert took place at the Lincoln Memorial, which I thought was very
fitting. For one, it was where MLK gave his “I Have a Dream” speech, and since
Lincoln freed the slaves and Obama is African American…it just seemed
right.
At the concert, we saw celebrities such as Bruce
Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Jon Bon Jovi, U2, etc. etc. perform. But the best
part of it had to be when Obama gave a small speech. To know that you were
actually there, only a little way away from where he was actually speaking, was
almost mind-boggling. And even though I wasn’t able to see him a lot on the big
screen, his words washed over me, a wave about to hit the ocean
floor.

Also, we got to walk down the closed Washington
streets showing off all our Obama-ware – it was very satisfying!
All and all, this was truly an historic moment. And I don’t
mean the historic in your history books – I mean the times when every one of us
can feel good about the image that we have shown to other nations on
Inauguration Day. I mean the times when we break away from our old ways.

I, for one, felt very honored to be able to witness
this beautiful, wonderful moment. And I am glad that I took a mental picture of
the scene, strapped it down into my brain and will never forget
it.

Amazing. Joyful. Historic. Inspirational. Great in every way.
Peaceful. Free. Hopeful. Obama’s Inaugural ’09.

- Emma

Obama’s Inauguration for Sam

The drummer drummed. We
walked through the street. Finally we got there. I Sam (last name), was at an
historic event; one that will be marked down in history books; an event of our
first African-American president getting inaugurated. Barack Obama is his name.
I might have been standing behind the monument, but I was still there. People
walked out of the capitol. People gave speeches. But then Vice President Biden
was sworn in. The cheering was very loud. After the cheering was over, I sat
down and ate pretzel chips. Later, louder cheering happened. Well I shouldn’t
say loud. It was very, very, very, very, very loud. OBAMA WAS
PRESIDENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was bliss. There was no way I could be the
tiniest bit sad. I loved it. Just plain loved it.

The Inauguration

On Tuesday 20th January 2009, Mr. Barack Hossen
Obama was sworn in as the president of the United States of
America.

I watched it on TV. It took place at the National Mall in
front of the Capitol. It was a very cold day and over 2 million people came. My
mother said there was no way we were going there.

It was weird: Barack Obama looked like he didn’t know what he had to
say. He
said “I, Barack Hossen Obama will” and stopped and waited for the
Chief Justice
to say something. After that we read in the newspaper that he
had to retake the
oath because the words were not in the right
order.

I think it is
good he is elected because his mother is
white and his father is black, his
sister is Asian, he lived in Indonesia
and his father is Muslim. He has also
been adopted by a Native American
couple. “The one who helps people in this
land” is his “crow” name. He is
also Christian, unlike his
mother.

But I don’t really care
about
politics.

-Adam

How I Spent My Inauguration


For the Inauguration I did what millions of others did, I walked down to the Mall. I woke up bright and early at 5:30 and then went to get my parents up. Everybody bundled up. We finally left the house at about 9:15-9:20. Then we walked a few blocks and stopped at a bus stop. We rode the bus down to the third street tunnel where we hopped off and walked through the tunnel. In the tunnel my Mom got out the video camera and got people to cheer. When we got out we went to L’Enfant Plaza to rest. Then we started up again and we made it. I got scared at one point because the crowds were so jammed and I felt like we would never make it. When we got home I was glad.


The Inauguration was amazing. I thought that there would never be a colored president but I was wrong. When this happened I thought I was dreaming. I felt very happy and glad about it. When I was on my way back trying to find a bus to take home I thought we would never find one. I felt so cold on that day. Even though I didn’t see anything and I could only hear things at the Inauguration I witnessed history. I witnessed America becoming one.


Malachi



My inauguration

When I saw the inauguration most of my thoughts were based on the crowd of people standing around freezing. I also thought about the fact that slaves built the capitol dome where Obama was standing. And now descendent of those people has power over the whole country.

During or after the inauguration I felt proud to have witnessed an historical moment that will be passed down through generations. The main thing I felt is that the world will have a drastic change with this man. That was my inauguration experience.


BAKARI

My Inauguration Adventure
When I went to the Inauguration I was really excited. My mom and dad were at the private prayer service at St. John’s Church. My brother and I were with our friends Adam and Sharee and an old Civil Rights Leader named Dr. Vincent Harding. We had purple tickets and were trying to get to the gate to meet up with our parents. It took us three hours in the crowd but when we finally got in, we felt so happy to be free so we could walk and see Barack Obama become the President of The United States and hear his Inaugural Speech. Dr. Harding was so happy that he made it for this amazing moment. While we were waiting in the crowd we met old friends and they helped us get through it. Somebody else had a stroke; a lot of people gave up hope and left the line which was about 3 blocks long. When I got to the purple gate I looked back and saw how short the line really was and I felt a little bit angry and a little bit lucky. The weather was so cold. We had to wrap in sleeping bags, wore 5 layers, and even wore 3 coats. We also used hand warmers.

Luke

 

On the Day of Inauguration I felt like the world was changing and it was becoming history.  I was crying when Obama read his speech.  I felt good that we now have a black president.  I feel that Obama is going to change things that some presidents never changed. On that day my Grandparents and my parents were crying because they thought that they would never see this day come.  I was amazed at their facial expressions because they were so happy. 

The Inauguration was a very great thing to everybody. The news said that no one was fighting, everyone was just so happy.  A lot of people came from everywhere.  I saw this lady from Australia. On the way there I saw a lot of people and when I got there I saw even more people. Now people are happy everywhere. They think Obama is going to change things. People think Obama is just for black people but he is here for everybody.

Shaniah

  

How I Spent the Inauguration

On Tuesday I spent my time at home watching it on TV. Once I saw it I felt so happy that I bought an Obama hat to go with the Inauguration.  I thought that the Inauguration  was all about the president moving into the White House but now I know that they celebrate a new beginning of a very new president.  The first time I ever saw the Inauguration was really this one and now I know what it's all about.  I am surprised that this was the first African-American elected to be president. I am shocked - but in a nice way.  I witnessed a lot of things before but not today. It was the best moment in history.  In my defense I would say that from all of the presidents we have had I think that Obama will make a very wonderful president. When I saw the Inauguration on TV. I just wished that I was there because I would get a lot of pictures of our future President.  that was the best moment in my life and I hope that it stays that way and Obama will be president for a very long time.
Ademir

On the day of the Inauguration I was home watching Obama become president.  I knew this moment was huge. When I went to the grocery store I saw mugs, t-shirts, and even a cake of Barak Obama. The store had a TV and most people in the store gathered and watched Obama in his car. When I got back home I heard my Mom talk about Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream and how it came true. My dad said he never thought a moment like this would come. I thought about his Inauguration and how important it was compared to the others. I also thought about telling my grandchildren I witnessed history and how amazed they would be.
Karla

 

What I Experienced at the Inauguration

I watched the Inauguration from the Jumbo-Tron at the Washington Monument. When I was there I felt excited and happy.  I felt this way because I was going to see the first African-American President sworn in. I also felt this way because I am a supporter of Barak Obama.

I thought that this was an historic event that would be remembered for years. I also thought it was a very funny moment when people booed former President Bush when his face appeared on the screen. I also thought that people seemed happier when President Obama was taking the oath of office. I thought that it was a great day.

I witnessed thousands of people coming from all over the United States to see the Inauguration, Vice President Biden being sworn in, President Obama giving his Inaugural speech, and President and Mrs. Obama walking in the parade.

Zahra

Save or Destroy - Make the Right Choice!

Today in school, our class read "A Message from Jane Goodall" from National Geographic Magazine. Jane Goodall wrote about when a brave man risked his own life to save a chimp in danger. Goodall then talked about how scared the chimp was, and connected that to how people don't have the resources and help they need in the world today. She believes that, if we all contribute in some way, and work together, we can make a difference.

Some ways in which we can make a difference include doing little things to help the environment, such as: take 10 minutes to pick up trash in the park; follow the old rule: reduce, reuse, recycle; take your own bag to the supermarket instead of using the store bags; buying smaller portions of food - every time you buy more food than you can eat, you're wasting precious resources. That is food that could have gone to someone who really needed it.

These are just some simple, but very effective ways to change the way we treat our environment.

Ways We Waste and What We Can Do About It

Energy is wasted in several ways. Food, water and electricity are all different ways that we waste energy. The way we waste food in homes is by kids and adults not finishing their food and throwing it in the trash, instead of giving it to someone who needs it or saving it for later. The ways restaurants waste food are by serving larger portions than necessary and by throwing out perfectly good food instead of donating the food to people who need it.

Water is wasted when you leave the water on when brushing your teeth or shaving. Also, when tubs are overfilled and showers are left running unnecessarily. Restaurants have similar issues. For instance, most restaurants give us water that we haven’t asked for and refill the cups before you’re even finished a glass.


Electricity is misused everywhere. One way we waste electricity is by buying standard light bulbs instead of energy efficient light bulbs. Some energy efficient light bulbs use about 75% less energy than standard light bulbs and last up to ten times longer. Energy efficient bulbs give off less heat, helps you reduce costs in keeping your home cool. You can save a significant amount of money on your energy bill simply by changing the light bulbs in your house to energy efficient light bulbs.

In New York City in an effort to go green, many tall buildings (such as the Empire State building) have put in motion detectors that sense when the building is being used or not. If other companies did this we would use less energy.

Are You Aware? Or Think Before You Act

We learned from the Annie Leonard’s The Story of Stuff that at the rate we are consuming and using energy our planet’s resources might be completely gone in 100 years. And, think of this, in the Amazon alone 2000 trees are being destroyed every minute! We also learned that only 4% of our original forests are left and 40 % of our waterways are now undrinkable. The United States is 5% of the population of the world but uses 30 % of the resources. We hope that, from our post, you have become more aware of what is happening to our planet, our earth, our world. We hope you will go to websites such as The Story of Stuff (just click on the title) and to other environmental websites that we have links to in the sidebar of our blog.
Let us remember what Jane Goodall said:

Children are quick to see the value of individual action. All around the world,
when I talk to them, I find them aware that they are part of the problem,
convinced they can make a difference, and eager to help, just as Rick Swope did
for Joe-Joe. Therein lies our hope – more and more people are opening their
hearts to the desperation they see around them and springing to action. For this
is how we can attain our human potential for compassion. And for love.

Welcome to Our Classroom Blog

Welcome to our 5th grade class blog where we have small but determined spirits. In our class blog you can participate in polls and see our work. We are here to show you that D.C. Public Schools are better than your expectations. Please enjoy the rest of our blog.

Our Classroom

In our class we do a lot of fun and educational activities. We learn about many different genres in writing - whether we're reading poems by William Stafford, sonnets by William Shakespeare, or Greek myths. Parent volunteers make our class more enjoyable, too. Just yesterday, we finished watching an ABC show Nightline called "Profit and Loss" with the producer (a parent). Our special classes are also interesting. In Social Studies we are continuing to learn all the 48 contiguous states. And in Science, we are doing an experiment using levers and pulleys - as well as starting on our science fair projects. Math is also an important part of our day. We're learning many new ways to multiply and divide. As you can see we learn many wonderful subjects during our school days.

Our Beliefs

In our class we believe that every one counts as something important to our classroom. We also believe that we can make a change in what people think of D.C. Public Schools. We believe that learning can be more than simple school work, it can be fun and it can help you achieve things in life, and it can help you when life is a struggle. We believe that one person can make a difference for the world and we are that person. As one we come together and make a difference.

Conclusion

We, students at a D.C. Public School, hope you enjoy this blog. We hope you enjoy reading what we had to say. In conclusion we hope this blog will give you a good sense of D.C. Public Schools, a different view of us than is often seen in the newspapers or magazines. Please understand that we have put a lot of time and effort into this blog, and hope you come again!