We have begun our new unit of inquiry... starting with a study of maps.
We have a spelling test on 10/14/11. The words this week are focused on the continents.
la carte - the map
les continents - the continents
l’Amérique du Nord - North America
l’Amérique du Sud - South America
l’Afrique - Africa
l’Europe - Europe
l’Asie - Asia
l’Océanie - Oceania or Australia
l'Antarctique - Antarctica
culturel - cultural
les échanges - exchanges
Learning about the different continents is an interesting (and surprisingly complex) subject. Depending on the person asked, there can be a varying number of continents (usually between 5 and 7). Asking a group of people to name the continents may give you a variety of answers- particularly when an international perspective is included. For example, French students learn that there is a continent called "l'Amérique" that encompasses both North and South America (Americans usually learn that they are separate). Sometimes Europe and Asia are combined to make "Eurasia." Antarctica is not always counted. For those of us who like precise answers, the continent question is a bit messy. The important thing to remember is that - while the landmasses themselves are part of nature, the names of continents are a human-made classification. Here is an entertaining and informative video about this topic (for those who are interested!): http://blog.cgpgrey.com/what-
Reminder:
Scholastic book orders are due October 10 (and will subsequently be due on the 10th of each month, or on the first day back from school if the 10th falls on a weekend). Please let your teacher know if you need another day. A link to the online catalog can be found under the Scholastic tab.
Reminder:
Scholastic book orders are due October 10 (and will subsequently be due on the 10th of each month, or on the first day back from school if the 10th falls on a weekend). Please let your teacher know if you need another day. A link to the online catalog can be found under the Scholastic tab.
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