Every art should become science, and every science should become art.~Heinrich von Schlegel

Fifth grade concluded their unit of study over physical properties of matter this week. To show their knowledge of different physical properties of matter, students were instructed to create an alien with different physical properties of matter. In order to create the alien, students rolled a die and were given different physical properties depeding upon what was rolled. Students had to create an alien with a solid,liquid,or gas body; either a conductor or insulator for the face; long or short legs; and magnetic or non-magnetic arms and hands.

Combining science with art is a wonderful way to give students more freedom and choice but also allows interepretation of subject matter.

Physical properties can be observed or measured without changing the composition of the substance. Properties include density, color, taste, melting point, boiling point, brittleness, malleability, magnetism, mass, length, and volume.

Fifth grade completed a lab investigation into the physical properties of five different crackers. Students documented the data in a data table based upon type of cracker, size, color, texture, and shape of each cracker.

“Work hard, be kind, and amazing things will happen”

— Conan O'Brian

Fifth grade is off to a great start for the 2023-2024 school year. As a “Back To School” activity in Science class, we played a game of “Who Am I?” Students had a card with a science word/topic written on the card and taped to their backs. Students could only ask each other “yes” or “no” questions to try to figure out “Who” they were.

Students practiced questioning, reasoning, and science knowledge skills all while playing a game!

The 2022-2023 school year is coming to a close. Fifth grade is ready for Field Day!

Fifth grade at St. James always looks forward to the overnight field trip to the Arkansas Outdoor School…or better known as 4-H. Anticipation builds weeks before the actual trip with picking activities, going over the packing list, travel plans,and permission slips.

Then…the day of departure finally arrives. Fifth grade was able to experience team building, archery, canoeing, orienteering (using a map and compass), fishing, and rock climbing.

Field trips provide authentic, hands-on, experiential learning opportunities where students connect what they are learning in the classroom in a real-world context.