Personal Blog: 11-6-11/11

     This week, we have been doing a lot with science.  We are continuing to learn about crystals.  We did lots of experiments this week.  One thing we learned about was the different types of crystals.  I thought it was cool to see the different crystals under microscopes.  It was interesting to see all the different ways they could look.  Another thing we learned about in science was the terms atom, element, compound, and mixture.  We did different experiments to practice those.  I think it is a little hard to know the difference between those words and I am having a little trouble with that.  We have a quiz on that on Monday, so I am going to practice those words.
     In English, we have been doing a lot of research on the 1930's because we will need to know that information for when we read the book Of Mice and Men.  We did group research on different things during that time period.  My group was the historians.  The question that I researched was the causes of the Great Depression.  When I was researching, it was sad to see all the pictures and things that happened during the Great Depression.  It must have been really hard to live during that time.  After looking at all the background information, I am looking forward to reading this book.
     At the beginning of the week, we had a Social Studies test on the three branches of government.  I thought the test was really hard, but I passed it.  Then, I did some research on where I lived.  Now, I am working on the budget activity.  This activity is cool.  It is interesting to see what the city of Milwaukee spends its money on, and different raises and cuts they make.  It is fun to decide what I think needs to be cut.  I am having a little trouble with deciding everything to cut.  It is also hard to cut the budget by 20%, but it makes a good challenge.
     In art, we just started to make a new project.  It is a geometric shape that is 3D made out of clay.  We started by picking a figure, and cutting out the different shapes needed for that figure.  Then, you had to cut the edges so they would fit together and start putting the figure together.  This project is really fun and exciting.  I enjoy using clay and building things.  I think it is going to be fun to glaze it.  I look forward to working more on this project.