We live in a diverse world. Observe our 'newly discovered', recycled 'organisms' below? Are they living things? (Imagine they are real) How do you know? How do they meet their needs? How are they alike and different? How would you classify them? 

Observe the organism below. How would you classify this organism? How do you know? How does it adapt to survive in its environment?

Here is a link to facts about Iceland from Time for Kids. Where is Iceland located? Can you find its longitude and latitude? What is its climate? What is pictured in the image below? Click on 'A Day in the Life' and see what it is like to live there. Stay tuned for much more!

http://www.timeforkids.com/destination/iceland

We are going to be learning about the country of Iceland for International Days this week. Iceland is often referred to as the land of fire and ice. Watch the video below to see why! Can you make any connections between Iceland and the country you are researching for your report?

For the past few months we have been observing potato plants growing in our classroom. Are potato plants living things? How do you know? (Hint: consider the characteristics of all living things) What factors affect the growth of potatoes? ((Hint: consider what what living things need to survive) Some of the potatoes are growing better than others. Make an inference as to why this is happening. How do plants connect to our lives? How do other organisms use plants? What do you think would happen if there were no more plants on Earth?

Next week we are going to be learning about surrealism in Art class. Visit the link below (from the TATE museum) to preview Sunday's lesson!

Here is how you can grow your own bacteria (or fungi)!

Here is an experiment showing how you can grow mould (and bacteria) on food. Have a look!

Here is a video about the microbes that live in and on our bodies. Are they harmful or helpful?

Hi everyone. I was doing a search on EPIC and found a large number of books about different countries that could really help you with your reports. For those of you who have subscriptions I suggest you check it out. If you do not have a subscription, I want to remind you that you can get a free 30-60 day free trial. Happy searching!

https://www.getepic.com/promo/

Hi everyone,  I hope you are enjoying the National Day events. Your homework for next week is as follows:
1) Complete your research independently (in JOT NOTE form) for your country report.
2) Complete your cover slide, introduction slide and geography slide by December 27th. (You may complete the entire project at home during the week if you choose.) I will be checking Biteslide frequently to give you feedback and advice. You may email me if you have any questions.
3) Be creative, edit carefully, have fun, and remember 'a picture is worth a thousand words'.

We are continuing our country research project for social studies. I have added a few more links in case you have having trouble finding enough information about the country you chose. There are also new links for finding the specific longitude and latitude of your country, explanations about types of government and a currency converter!

http://www.timeforkids.com/around-the-world
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/
http://www.factmonster.com/countries.html
http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/globaltrek/
http://www.oddizzi.com/teachers/explore-the-world/places/ (If you want to use this site for this week only, ask me!)
http://www.kids-world-travel-guide.com
http://www.our-africa.org (Africa only)
Latitude and Longitude
Types of Government
Currency Converter

This should help you with some of the new vocabulary (about arthropods) in your homework!

http://www.kidzone.ws/animals/arthropod1.htm

Why do all living things need to eat? Watch the video below and find out!

In case you missed it, or would like to watch it again, here is the video, The Secret of NIMH from youtube.