A Long Trip

This week in library, we finished reading Roughing it On the Oregon Trail by Diane Stanley. We learned that the pioneers travelled 2,000 miles from Independence, Missouri to Oregon Country. The trip was slow-going and took 6 months by wagon! Think about the longest trip you have been on. How did you get to your destination (bike, car, plane)? What did you do for entertainment? How did you feel when you arrived?

Westward Expansion

Stay or Leave?

The year is 1844. People are talking about President Polk's words, "Manifest Destiny." We learned today that Manifest Destiny was the belief that Americans were destined to conquer the continent Ocean to Ocean. Will you be a pioneer and travel the Oregon Trail for 6 months to help America grow? Or, will you choose to stay put. What are your reasons for leaving on the trail or staying in your current home? Use your knowledge of why people stayed and why people headed West to help guide your decision. 

International Fair 2014

This week we visited Australia and India!
What are your feelings about your travels?
What was your favorite experience in both countries?
Please share your new learning with us too!

Westward Expansion

Today we viewed a short video about the Oregon Trail. What is a fact that impressed you or stood out to you?  What are at least two wonders you would like to investigate further? Please read each other's comments and try not to repeat posts.

Realistic Fiction

In preparation for our realistic fiction writing unit, we have been identifying character traits in the stories and texts we are reading. Please start brainstorming a fictional character you might want to write a story about. What are his or her physical traits (looks) and personality traits (how he/she acts)? Think of a problem your character might face in your fiction story and share with us!

International Fair

Have you found the answer to your wonder about Australia or India yet? Use this link LS Subscription Databases to read more about Australia and India. Please write two new facts you have learned about either country. Please read your classmates' responses and try to post something new and different. 

International Fair Wonders

What are your wonders about India and Australia? Please write at least one QUESTION you hope to learn the answer to for each country. Read your classmates' posts. Please do not repeat questions!