Biome Research Project

http://www.neok12.com/Ecosystems.htm

Food webs:
Build a food chain
Food chain game
Chain reaction
Food webs

Savannah

Brain Pop Video: Savanna
Definition of SavannaWikipedia: Savanna
Savanna Blue Planet Biome Information (map, plants, animals, climate)
Enchanted Learning: Savanna Animal Printouts
Tropical Savanna
Savanna Biome Information
Grassland Biome Information
Savanna Images
Savanna Video from NeoK12
Grassland Video from NeoK12

Grassland
Grassland Animals
Grassland Plants

Tundra
Brain Pop Video: Tundra Definition of TundraBlue Planet Tundra Biome information (map, plants, animals, climate)National Geographic Tundra InformationTundra Animal Printouts (information of tundra animals)
Wikipedia: Tundra
Tundra biome information
Taiga and Tundra Video from NeoK12
Tundra
Tundra Animals
Tundra Plants

Taiga
Brain Pop Video: Taiga
Definition of Taiga
Taiga Blue Planet Biome Information (map, plants, animals, climate)
Wikipedia: Taiga
Taiga Information
Taiga Images
Taiga Animal Printouts (information of taiga animals)
Taiga NatureWorks Taiga and Tundra Video from NeoK12
Taiga
Taiga Animals
Taiga Plants

Rainforest
Brain Pop Video: Tropical Rainforest Definition of RainforestWickipedia: Rainforest
Rainforest Blue Planet Biome Information (map, plants, animals, climate)
Rainforest Facts
What is a Rainforest?
Rainforest Animals
Enchanged Learning: All About Rainforests Tropical Rainforests for kids
Tropical Rainforest Video from NeoK12
Life in the Tropical Rainforest Video from NeoK12
Rainforest
Rainforest Animals / Animals 2
Rainforest Plants / Plants 2

Temperate Forest/Deciduous ForestDefinition of Temperate Forest
Temperate Forests Glossopedia
Wikipedia: Temperate Forest
Deciduous Forest Blue Planet Biome Information (maps, plants, animals, climate)Enchanted Learning: Temperate Deciduous Forest Animal Printout
Temperate/Deciduous Forest Information
Kids Do Ecology: Temperate Forest
Temperate Deciduous Forest Topic Information
Land Biomes: Temperate Forest
Images for Temperate Forest
Temperate Forest Video from NeoK12
Temperate/Deciduous Forest Video from NeoK12
Forest
Forest Animals
Forest Plants

DesertBrain Pop Video: Desert
Definition of DesertWikipedia: Desert
Desert Blue Planet Biome Information (maps, plants, animals, climate)
Enchanted Learning: Desert Biome Animal Printouts
Desert Animals and Wildlife
Desert Images
Desert Biome Information
Desert Topics
Sahara Desert Video from NeoK12
Desert Wildlife Video from NeoK12
Desert Cacti Video from NeoK12
Desert Plants and Cactus Video from Neo K12
Desert Biome Video from Neo K12
Plant Growth of Tropical Flowers in the desert Video from NeoK12
How desert insects, scorpions and snakes survive Video from NeoK12
Desert
Desert Animals
Desert Plants

Summer Reading: Reptiles and Amphibians

Book Title: Reptiles and Amphibians

Authors: Herbert S. Zim and Hobart M. Smith

Summary: This book introduces you to 212 species of reptiles and amphibians, what habitats they live in, and other amazing facts about what these unusual, but interesting animals do.

I like how the authors gave many charts and other explanations about each kind of topic, and the full color pictures. The information is very useful.

I would recommend this to people who want to know more about the many different types of these fascinating creatures.

Summer Reading: Space Facts

Book Title: The Usborne Book of Space Facts

Author: Struan Reid

Summary: This story is an informational book about certain objects in space and what they do. Many explanations and fun facts are also displayed throughout the book.

Even though it is nonfiction, I enjoyed it, since it had fun pictures, silly facts, and other interesting features. It could be ideal if you are researching about space, since it's quick to read, but teaches you many fascinating things.

I would recommend this book to people who like to read nonfiction books, or want to just learn something new.

Summer Reading: Socks

Book Title: Socks

Author: Beverly Cleary

Summary: Socks is a tiny kitten with white paws that look like socks. He was sold to the Brickers by a girl named Debbie. After entering the Brickers' life, Socks had been having a better time than he did when he was with Debbie. He was cuddled instead of squeezed and had plenty of play time. But when the Brickers bring a baby boy, named Charles Williams, home, Socks feels left out. But as he faced many challenges and grew, he realized that there is still another way to fit in with the new member of the family.

I like this story, because it's in Socks' point of view. It is also a challenging adventure, and a bit hilarious, too.

I'd recommend this book to people who like books that show what the main character thinks of.

Summer Reading: Cold Tom

Book Title: Cold Tom

Author: Sally Prue

Summary: Tom was a little boy that belonged to a tribe. But the tribe always taunted him for his disabilities, like his ugly voice, how slow he ran, etc. One day, the taunting became worse. A demon was trudging along the path where they lived. Tom told the tribe, but the tribe replied that he was as blind as a hedgehog, and later decided to kill him, since the tribe kills weak and useless people. So, he decided to care for himself by fleeing to the demon city. It was his one and only choice. But Tom has no idea what he will discover....

I liked this book, since it jumped right into the story in the beginning. Also, the author uses figurative and descriptive language to show what is happening, rather then simply telling it.

I would recommend this book to people who like adventurous and suspenseful stories.

Summer Reading: The Black Pearl

Book Title: The Black Pearl

Author: Scott O' Dell

Summary: A young boy, named Ramon Salazar, had heard tales of a monster creature that lurked in the deep sea of La Paz. The monster's name was Manta Diablo. Ramon always tried his best to believe that it was real, since many explorers claim that they've seen it. Anyway, Manta Diablo kept a black pearl in treasury, which was priceless. It was hidden somewhere in the stretching ocean. One day, Ramon Salazar unexpectedly found an underwater cave in a lagoon, which was where the pearl was kept in storage. After finding the pearl, Ramon showed it to Blas Salazar. He inspected it and told Ramon that it was the Pearl of the Universe. The two showed it to pearl merchants and bragged about its value. But the people in the village fear that a horrible curse has been put upon them. And they were correct. It was revealed that Manta Diablo was an enormous devilfish, which eagerly wanted his treasure back. So, the devilfish decided to combat for it. And now, Ramon and Blas are up for the biggest fight of their lives!

I like this story because it is a gripping adventure. Also, it is in Ramon's point of view.

I would recommend the book to people who like historical fiction.

Summer Reading: The Star Fisher

Book Title: The Star Fisher

Author: Laurence Yep

Summary: It is 1927, and Joan Lee's family takes a train ride from Ohio to West Virginia. They were going to start their lives fresh. But the instant they stepped off the steps of the train, they've been treated like outsiders. Even if her parents are Chinese, she was born here! She had no right to be left out from the fun. So, she must fight to show that she needs equal rights against the townspeople.

I like this book, because it is a great quest to show what Joan can really do.

I would recommend it to people who like books in the main character's point of view, and adventure.

Summer Reading: Island of the Blue Dolphins

Book Title: Island of the Blue Dolphins

Author: Scott O' Dell

Summary: In the Pacific there is an island, called the Island of the Blue Dolphins, because the island looks like a fish, and dolphins live around the island. A tribe lives there. One day, Aleutians discovered the island and stole most of their food. They also killed some people in the tribe! Now, the tribe intends to move away from their beloved island from a little boat, but accidentally leave two people from the tribe- a boy named Ramo, and his big sister, Karana. The tribe said that another boat would probably come back for them, but no one ever came back. Now, Karana must face the challenging jobs that must be done to survive. Can she do it, though? 

I like this book, because it is an unusual adventure about a remote island.

I would recommend this book to people who like historical fiction and adventure.

Summer Reading: Science Fair

Book Title: Science Fair

Authors: Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson

Summary: Toby Harbinger is an eighth grader at Hubble Middle School, who is looking forward for the science fair. But he is in big trouble now! Toby sells his dad's Star Wars blaster for a new computer, a Tarantula Disemboweler 666X, and now two weird guys are asking for more Star Wars props. The only way he can stop the two lunatics is to win $5,000 from the science fair. But there is a problem that lays there also, since a group of kids, called the Minor Estates (ME) kids, want to win. And their parents would do anything to help them.The ME kids don't make their projects themselves, but they pay $50 for project plans. But the person who is sending these plans actually wants to bring the United States to chaos, so he makes top secret technology plans for them. When Toby finds out about this, he gets teamed up with a scientist, two people from a foreign country, and his friends to stop the science fair before something disastrous happens!

I like this book because it's an action packed story that has lots of conflicts and solutions in the story.

I would recommend this story to people who like adventure and fictional, big chapter books.

Summer Reading: North by Night

Book Title: North by Night- A Story of the Underground Railroad

Author: Katherine Ayres

Summary: A girl, named Lucy Spencer, helps slaves come out of the clutches of their owners since she was twelve! Her family lives in Ohio in the Underground Railroad. Lucy loves to go on great adventures that are very daring. So, when she turned sixteen, she was asked to help Aurelia Mercer, a widow, on a quest to get some runaway slaves to Canada. She agreed without any hesitation! While on the adventure, she absorbed lots of knowledge. But when she is asked to sacrifice herself, what will she choose to do?

I like this book, because it is about an Underground Railroad adventure.

I'd recommend this to people who like historical fiction.

Summer Reading: Hoot

Hoot
by Carl Hiaasen

This book is about Roy, a boy who moves a lot. He moves with his family to Florida and tries to settle in. Roy tries to make friends, fend off a bully, and learn about a mysterious boy that runs with no shoes.

While this is going on, a new pancake house is opening in town and the construction site is experiencing acts of vandalism. Officer Delinko tries to catch the culprit who is leaving alligators in toilets and painting his squad car windows.

These two storylines seem separate, but they both tie in to ideas about our environment and saving owls (the "hoot" in the title).

I found this story fast to read and very interesting. It is fiction, but it is pretty realistic. There is also a movie by the same title. It follows the book fairly closely (of course the book is better).

Summer Reading: The Guardians

Book Title: The Guardians: Toothiana Part 1- A Tooth is Lost

Author: William Joyce

Summary: There is a new guardian, called Toothiana, coming in town. She exchanges baby teeth with gifts and coins. But she is also fierce and powerful, too. The teeth she collects contain forgotten memories of childhood which are invaluable to the Guardians. Pitch, the nightmare king, is an enemy of the Guardians. The teeth are also invaluable to him. In this part of Toothiana, a girl, named Katherine, loses her last baby tooth, and Toothiana will soon be arriving to swipe it!

I liked this book, since it is a Guardian book that has lots of detail and adventure.

I'd recommend this book for people who like Guardian books, adventure and action, and little chapter books.

Summer Reading: The Adventures of Ook and Gluk- Kung-Fu Cavemen from the Future

Book Title: The Adventures of Ook and Gluk- Kung-Fu Cavemen from the Future

Author: Dav Pilkey

Summary: It is the year 500,001 BC, and two cavemen, named Ook and Gluk, find a time portal that sends them to the year 2222. They meet the world's most evil corporation in the future and it's up to them to stop the corporation from hurting cavemen. They find a wise new friend that can help them, but can they save the day in time before 500,001 BC is completely changed?

I like this book, since it is from the creators of Captain Underpants, it is humorous, and is in a comic version. I also liked it taking place in the future.

I'd recommend this book to people who like science fiction, futuristic stories, adventure, and comic stories.

Summer Reading: Your Life but Better

Name: Your life but better
Author:Crystal Velasquez

 This book is actually taking the reader on a journey of a teenage girl's life in her school. The author really put a lot of detail that you actually feel like your in the story.
 I liked this book and the other book

Summer Reading: Cookie

Name: Cookie
Author: Jacqueline Wilson



 Her  dad was called Cookie when he was in school and everyone in her school calls her ugly.
Her dad sometimes loses his temper and starts throwing tantrums. She and her mom move to a place called Rabbit Cove and live their life from there.

Summer Reading: Surviving Antarctica: Reality TV 2083

Book Title: Surviving Antarctica: Reality TV 2083 (original title is "No Child's Game: Reality TV 2083)

Author: Andrea White

Summary: It is the year 2083, when people learn their school lessons from television! After high school, though, people have to pay a fee to go into television college. If someone does not have enough money, they play a game, called Toss, where you get a lucky chance to win a money prize. But many people lose the Toss, too. So, five kids, that have very different personalities, are going on an expedition to Antarctica, which will be displayed on TV by the Department of Entertainment (DOE). Whoever does the best in the enormous journey will earn $10,000, and whoever is rated the most popular person out of the five will win $90,000! But the head of the DOE wants to use all her effort to make trouble for the five of them. Can they all survive in the below zero temperatures and the dangerous adventures that lurk in Antarctica?

I liked this book, since it taught me many descriptive and figurative words and phrases. I also like it because it is a futuristic book that has lots of adventure. 

I would recommend this book to people who like future events, adventure, and like reading about fiction books that take place in historic places, such as Antarctica.

Summer Reading: The Old Man and the Sea

Book Title: The Old Man and the Sea

Author: Ernest Hemingway

Summary-

  This book is about an old fisherman. Sadly, the old fisherman hasn't caught a fish for eighty-four days! Just one morning he sets out to sea, hoping that he gets hold of a fish. Finally something pulls on his hook! The fish doesn't give up and keeps swimming far away from the docks. Throughout the book you will read about different adventures he goes through, some of them are deadly. Will the fisherman come back to the dock in one piece?

I loved how this book had figurative and descriptive language. Throughout the story I learned several new words I could use in my own writing.

I would recommend it to people who are interested with adventure. You won't regret reading this book.

Summer Reading: My Life as a Book

Book Title: My Life as a Book

Author: Janet Tashjian

Summary: Summer has arrived, and Derek Fallon is looking forward on doing his usual summer plans. But his parents want him sent to Learning Camp, which felt like prison to him. Who would dream of going to school in the summer? But ever since Derek's mom realized that he need to read way more books rather than books by Calvin and Hobbes, Derek had been spending every minute avoiding his mom's idea. One day, he finds an old newspaper that includes a family secret, involving him as a baby. What adventures shall happen to him as he finds shocking discoveries that lead closer and closer to the secret? And what will he think about reading after he encounters the secret?

I like the book because it shows everything in Derek's point of view. Also, I liked the topic of the story, since it was very unique.

I would recommend this book to people who like adventurous books and like learning many new words.

New Dinosaur Discovered

Not found in New Jersey, but found in one of our favorite states, is a new dinosaur distantly related to the Triceratops.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/07/130717-new-dinosaur-utah-nasutoceratops-paleontology-animals-science/

Summer Reading: The Key to Rondo

Book Title: The Key to Rondo

Author: Emily Rodda

Summary: Uncle Henry was the owner of a music box. He passed it on to Aunt Bethany, who passed it on to Leo Zifkak. Leo was given the music box because he seemed as responsible as Uncle Henry. There was something strange about the box, which was why it needed a very caring owner. The thing that was strange was the rules of it. The rules were to wind the box three times only, to not wind the box in the middle of the tune, to never move the music box anywhere while the music plays, and to not close the lid until the music has stopped. But when Mimi, Leo's awkward cousin, winds the box four times, butterflies from the picture on the box start to peel off and become reality! It was from a magical world, called Rondo. A sorceress, called the Blue Witch, also comes out of the box and takes Mimi's dog, Mutt, inside Rondo. Now, Leo and Mimi must stop the Blue Witch before she does something horrible to Mimi's dog. Also, the two of them must find the true secret to the music box. Can they do it in time, though?

I liked this book a lot, since there was lots of adventure, action, and suspense inside. Also, I like books that usually involve entering unusual worlds.

I would recommend this book to people who like enormous adventure books and fictional worlds.

Summer Reading: Fablehaven

I just finished reading the Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull. It's a series of 5 books about a brother and sister who discover that their grandparents are in charge of a very unique nature preserve. Instead of endangered animals, the preserve houses many different kinds of magical creatures. Over the 5 books, Kendra and Seth have a lot of adventures and meet many different magical creatures.

If you enjoy characters like Harry Potter or Percy Jackson, then I think you will enjoy these books. I'm going to try and get this series for the classroom library (I borrowed them from the public library). I'm also interested in reading some of the other books by this author.

These books are a little challenging for a fifth grade level if you aren't familiar with magical and mythical creatures. I wouldn't worry if you're not sure how to say a word like "naiad" out loud, but instead concentrate on creating really good pictures in your head. It will really help put yourself in the story.

Summer Reading: The Apollo 13 Mission

Book Title: The Apollo 13 Mission

Author: Judy L. Hasday

Summary: Even if Apollo 11 had already reached the moon, Apollo 13 was also aiming to travel there. But it all changes as an explosion happens in the spacecraft. Liquid oxygen started to leak out and into space! Soon, they would be stranded 200,000 miles away from Earth. The three astronauts inside decided to move to the lunar module, even if it wasn't fit for an emergency like this. Problems start forming in the lunar module, such as the lack of space and carbon dioxide poisoning. Can they make it back to Earth in time before all of their supplies run out?

I like this book, because it actually shows the Apollo journeys before the disaster, too. Also, it is packed with suspense and adventure that increases, page by page.

I recommend this book for people who like science with suspense, and adventurous stories.

Summer Reading: Half Moon Investigations

Book Title: Half Moon Investigations

Author: Eoin Colfer

Summary: Fletcher Moon was not like ordinary kids. He had a nickname which he had to tolerate, called "Half Moon". Also, he easily found out things like a detective since he was little! Even though his family doesn't appreciate this skill, he doesn't mind at all. After graduating Internet Class, he became the youngest private detective there ever was. The proof was a silver badge with his name on it. But even if he's a great detective, there are many twists and turns throughout his life. For instance, his badge was stolen and his classmate hires him to solve mysteries. It eventually makes one enormous problem that is hard to solve. Can Fletcher Moon solve the big problem that is forming?

I liked the book a lot, since it was filled with suspense and action. I also liked it because the big case that was forming was explained very well throughout the book, with descriptive words.

I recommend the book for people who like suspense, action, and mystery.


-D

Summer Reading: Titanic: Voices from the Disaster

Book Title: Titanic: Voices from the Disaster

Author: Deborah Hopkinson

Summary: This book is about when the RMS (royal maiden ship) Titanic sunk from a journey from Southampton to New York. Most people thought she'd never sink, because she was a glorious and beautiful ship, which was so big. But there was not enough lifeboats and people weren't aware of the disaster. The book also shows the points of view some survivors had when this huge event happened, and how they managed to survive.

I liked the book a lot, since it took you through all of the events of the Titanic in order, and you could visualize how the Titanic sank. I also liked it because it was a very exciting adventure.

I would recommend this book to people who like to read about adventure, and like reading about mysterious things that have happened in history.

-D

Summer Reading: Harriet the Spy

Harriet the Spy

By: Louise Fitzhugh

Summary-

 Harriet is a girl who "spies" on people and takes notes about them. She risks getting into trouble as she writes mean and nice descriptions about others. Suddenly after a game of tag, her notes get into the wrong hands. Her friends read every single word she wrote about them. Will Harriet save all of her relationships between her friends?

 I liked that Harriet the Spy contained several descriptive language that made me learn numerous interesting words.

 I would recommend this book to people who are pleased with adventure. Once I started reading this book, I couldn't stop.

Library Open

Just a reminder that the school library is open starting today from 9:30-11:30. It will remain open until the end of July.

NJ Day Video

Make sure that you take a look at the ESNTV NJ Day video...I saw a lot of you in there!
http://vp.telvue.com/player?height=300&id=T01509&noplaylistskin=1&video=159220&width=400

Summer Reading: Frindle

Book:Frindle
Author: Andrew Clements

I picked this book because Extra Credit was on the summer reading list. It was checked out but this is the same author. So I checked it out. I also picked this book because it is about a fifth grade boy and I am going into fifth grade.

In this book Nick makes up a word for pen to get the new word in the dictionary. His teacher is not happy because she really likes the way the dictionary is. One thing that surprised me about this book is that the teacher seems mean at the beginning but then she is nice. The ending is another thing that surprised me, but I won't tell you.

I think this book is for someone that wants to read a good story. It is a little bit funny and not too hard.

Paul Bunyan Day

Today, if you didn't know, is Paul Bunyan Day. Celebrate by reading a tall tale. Some we've read together  (along with some new ones):
Paul Bunyan
Pecos Bill
Slue Foot Sue
Old Stormalong
John Henry
Davy Crockett
Johnny Appleseed
Calamity Jane
Joe Magarac

Bored?

School ended one week ago, and as great as it is to be off, sometimes it's a little boring. Here are some sites that may help if you're looking for something to do:
NJ Kids on the Go
Summer Activities for Kids
Edison Library Children's Page - also click for information on the bookmobile and fun events!
Middlesex County Parks

Night Sky Activities

Warm summer nights are great for sitting outside and looking up! Here are some links to help you discover what you're looking at:
The full moon for this month is today/tomorrow. June's Full Moon is the called the Full Strawberry Moon.
Moon Phases Calendar - Draw what the moon looks like each night. If it's cloudy one night, don't worry! You'll probably be able to fill it in after you see the other nights around it.

Moon Phases Almanac - This can help you to know what phases we are in, even if it's cloudy.

Space Station - Find out who is on the Space Station right now and what they're doing. There's a link to video so that you can see them in action.

Space Station Spotter - Want to see the station for yourself? Type in the location where you are (or where you'll be) and find the times and directions for when and where you should look. It looks almost like a plane, but moves faster and doesn't have any blinking lights on it.

Happy Summer!

It's official...summer is here! We talked about the journey of Earth's yearly trip around the Sun, but here's some more information on the Summer Solstice:

Fact Monster

Talk to an Astronomer (not really)

NASA Kids site-cool pictures, games, etc.

Hunger Games book recommendation

The first recommendation came on the last day of school! Here it is:

 

The Hunger Games - Book 1

By: Susan Collins

-

( Summary )

The book had many twists and turns that made my skin quiver. The setting was placed in what was left over of North America. It was in a place called Panem, where a strict capital orders all the districts in the nation ( 12 districts ) to send one boy and one girl to fight in a bone chilling battle with the rest of the districts. In a raffle, Peeta Mellark and Prim-Rose Everdeen get chosen to be in the Hunger Games. Katniss Everdeen takes the place of her little sister. She had to look after her family after tragic things had happened to her.

District 12 is the underdog of all the districts. Could one of Peeta and Katniss win? After all, only one winner could be crowned.

-

I liked how the book had so much vivid detail. You could clearly paint a picture in your head even though most people haven't been in an event like this.

-

I would recommend it to people who love adventure and action because the Hunger Games is a bloody battle and half of me wanted to keep reading to see what happens, and the other urged me not to read on in fright.

Newseum

Want to know what's going on around the world? Traveling somewhere this summer and want to see what's happening there? Newseum has an amazing collection of today's front pages from around the United States and the world. Pick a new place each day and learn a little bit about it!

Geography Practice

World Map practice

United States Practice

Map Quizzes

Puzzle Map

National Geographic GoBee Challenge




NJ Landform and Water links
Landforms and water examples
Wikipedia landform index
Wikipedia water index

Math Games

Card Sharks probability game

Multiplication.com

Kakooma

Factorization Forest





Geometry Practice:
Sorts and games
Review transformations
Challenge transformations




It's in the Numbers information
Precipitation link

Summer Reading Circle

This summer, each time you finish a book, share your opinion with the class! Here's how it works:
-Read, read, read...
-When you finish a book, send an e-mail to me with the following information:
  Book title
  Author
  Short summary (like the blurb on the back of the book...use your own words but don't give away     the ending)
  What you liked/didn't like the book
  Would you recommend it? Why?

You can also create a word document with this information and load it onto SkyDrive. When I receive your work, I'll post it onto the blog. As other students read the book, they can share their opinions in the comments section. You can also write back, creating a book conversation.

Each time you enter a post or submit a meaningful comment, I'll add a Tiger Ticket for a special class-only drawing. Someone from our class will win a special prize in September and EVERYONE that meaningfully participates will earn a small prize.

Happy reading!

Science Links

Biome project
Factorization Forest
Population game