Today 5D, along with the rest of Wescott, went to the polls.  We placed our votes for President and Vice President through our mock election in the library.  After weeks of learning about the candidates’ views on education, health care, and taxes, it was exciting to put our knowledge into action!

Thank you to our election coordinators, Ms. Lenger and Mrs. Spencer, for giving us the opportunity to practice this pillar of citizenship by voting for our elected officials!

For the past few weeks we’ve been studying about the candidates for the upcoming election.  We’ve learned about Paul Ryan and Joe Biden, Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, and how they feel about certain issues.  With voting only a couple weeks away, it’s time to learn about the actual election process.  On November 6th, citizens from all over the United States will go to their designated voting location and fill out a ballot saying which candidate they would like to be president.   Though we do vote indirectly for our president, they are actually elected through something called an electoral college.  Read the following article and listen to the song to find out more information.

Voting is a right that many people take for granted. A lot of you have realized and mentioned that in your previous weeks’ blog posts. It might seem weird to us, but many people over the age of 18 do not vote in elections even though they are able to do so.

People say that it is our civic right to vote. You might notice that the word “civic” looks a lot like the word “citizenship.” Those words go hand-in-hand. Civic duty also has a lot to do with responsibility.

4th grade students from Harlem Prep Elementary School in New York felt so strongly about voting that they created a parody of the well-known song “Call Me Maybe” that they titled “Vote For Somebody.” In the song, they mention that it’s our civic right to vote. What do you think they mean by this? Based on all the information you’ve read about the candidates and the election, why do you think it is so important for people to exercise their right to vote? Share your ideas below after watching the video.

If you’re feeling exceptionally creative, write a song verse to “Call Me Maybe” using information you’ve learned about the election over the past few weeks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVkfNUxRh7g

Today all 5^th graders at Wescott had a great opportunity to Skype with the Head of Astronomy (officially the Director of Astrophysics), for NASA!  Dr. Paul Hertz also happens to be the uncle of one of our own, Peyton Bernstein.

We learned a lot in a short time.  Dr. Hertz taught us that there are thousands of items in space that are similar to Pluto.  He told us about stars that he discovered.  He even said that the first person that will go to Mars is probably in elementary school right now!  We now know that in order to become a scientist, you need to take as many math and science classes that you can.  But, when scientists discover something, they need to write about it to teach other scientists about what they found.  So, you also need to have strong language arts skills!  It was a very interesting and informative session!

What was most interesting to you about our discussion with an astronomer?

If you didn’t get your question answered, or you’re interested in learning more, check out the link below.  Here you can read other answers to questions that people have asked or even ask your own!

 http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/ask_astro/ask_an_astronomer.html

At one point or another, we have all gone to see a doctor.  Whether we go for a routine annual checkup or a more serious condition, someone has to pay for the time and expertise of the doctor(s), equipment used, and tests done.  And with the rising cost of health care in our country, Americans are concerned about how they will be able to receive and pay for these services.  This is where healthcare insurance comes in, and it is a topic of great interest to voters in this election.

This is an area in which the presidential candidates, Obama and Romney, have very different views.

You may find that understanding the details of the candidates’ plans is challenging, as there are a lot of ideas and terms involved with which you may not all be familiar.  Here is a list of vocabulary terms that might be helpful to know as you read the Time for Kids article below entitled, “Election 2012: Health Care.”

Health Care Terms:

Consumer

A person who purchases goods and services for personal use

Provisions

an amount or thing supplied or provided

Medicare

A federal system of health insurance for people over 65 years of age and for certain younger people with disabilities

Preexisting conditions

A medical condition existing at a time when new insurance is applied for, for which treatment is not covered by the insurance

Repeal

to formally withdraw, or to take something back (such as a law)

Waiver

the act of voluntarily giving up rights or privileges, usually through a written statement

Reform

Make changes in (something, typically a social, political, or economic institution or practice) in order to improve it

As you read and reflect on this important issue, please respond by following the Blogpost Guidelines we have discussed.  What grabs your attention?  Why?  What questions do you still have about this issue.

http://www.timeforkids.com/news/election-2012-health-care/44481

*Remember, we do not want you to tell us whom you are voting for.  We are trying to become more educated about our presidential candidates and where they stand on different issues.  Although you may have knowledge about this issue, please focus your comments on what you learned from this article.

Only 24 more days to the election!  The countdown is on!!

Over the past couple of weeks, we have spent time learning and blogging about Barack Obama, Mitt Romney, Joe Biden, and Paul Ryan.  They have each had unique experiences and responsibilities that could help them in leading our country.  And, we learned some interesting personal facts about these candidates along the way!

Now, it’s time to get to the important topics.  This week we are going to read about Obama’s and Romney’s views on the education system.  We are all very lucky to be at Wescott, but there are other children out there that are not as lucky as we are.  Both candidates want to help improve schools.  Read the following article and choose to blog about anything that stands out to you.  What are the ideas that you agree/disagree with?  Why?

*Remember, we do not want you to tell us whom you are voting for. We trying to become more educated about our presidential candidates.

http://www.timeforkids.com/news/election-2012-education/44476

It has been said that the vice president of the United States is “a heartbeat away from the presidency”. Should the president die, resign, or be removed from office, the vice president would take over the Presidency. For this reason, it is important to be knowledgeable about the vice president’s background and viewpoints in order to make an informed voting decision.

President Obama’s current vice president is Joe Biden. Paul Ryan will be running with Mitt Romney for this office in the upcoming election.

2012 marks an important time in our country. As you know, we have a democratic form of government which means every 4 years we elect a president. On November 6, 2012, many of your parents and other people over the age of 18 will be rushing to their polling center to vote.

The two main candidates in this year’s election are Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. In fifth grade we are going to be talking about both candidates and gathering knowledge about each to make a more informed vote on November 6th. Even though none of you are old enough to vote in the actual election, it doesn’t mean your voice can’t be heard. We’ll be hosting our own mock election right here at Wescott. From now until then, we’ll post articles with more information about the candidates.

Take time this week to get to know the candidates in more depth. Please use your blogging checklist to share your thoughts about the articles. What surprised you about each candidate? Do you have anything in common with either man?

Remember, just like we don’t share grades, who you vote for is a private decision. We’re not looking to know who you’re planning on voting for on November 6th, but we would love to hear your thoughts about the election process and the information presented in the articles.

Please respond to the articles in two paragraphs (one for each candidate).  Remember to use the “Blogging Checklist” when writing your comments.  I can’t wait to read your thoughts and reactions!

Meet Barack Obama:

http://www.timeforkids.com/news/meet-barack-obama/44386

Meet Mitt Romney:

http://www.timeforkids.com/news/meet-mitt-romney/44401

Greetings, 5th Grade Explorers!

The year is 1606, and you have been selected by King James I to establish an English colony in the New World that will enhance England’s dominance and power in the world.  The Virginia Company of London has agreed to sponsor your trip in hopes of gaining profit from the riches you may find.  Although this is an honorable mission, it is one that requires thoughtful consideration and understanding of the land, the natives, and the settlers that you have brought with you.

Take heed as you embark on this exciting, but dangerous, journey!  Your country and your king are counting on you to make wise decisions that will result in a successful English colony (unlike the “Lost” Roanoke, which to this day remains a mystery…)

As you thoughtfully consider the decisions you must make along the way, you may find it useful to consult a colonist, a native or the Jamestown Charter for advice…

After you have taken your maiden voyage and reaped the benefits (or consequences!) of your actions, please reflect on and share the lessons you learned from your experience for our community of fellow explorers.  Did your decisions result in a successful colony?  Why or why not?  What do you think would have been the hardest part of settling a brand new colony in the New World?  Would you have been a volunteer for this adventure?

Tally Ho!

http://www.historyglobe.com/jamestown/popupwindow.html

Wow!  That was just all about I could say… “Wow!”

Today 5D, along with the other fifth grade classes, presented Wescott’s “Expected Behavior” lessons to the rest of the grade levels.  From Day One, our class worked in small groups to plan, write and practice creative skits and presentations that demonstrated how Wescott students should behave in all of the various parts of our school.  With a limited amount of time, this was no small task!  But these fifth graders took this task in stride.

Walking around the room as they worked together, I saw true leadership from this amazing group.  They listened to each other’s ideas, problem-solved and collaborated in a respectful way, and supported each other throughout the process.  This was truly a team effort, and each person got a chance to shine.

As I walked around to observe each of their lessons to the 2nd graders today, I was full of pride with the wonderful job each of the groups did.

Being a fifth grader at Wescott is a big responsibility.  As the oldest in the school, all of the other grades watch and learn from them.  After seeing the effort, maturity and cooperation that went into their Expected Behavior presentations, I would say that these 5th grade leaders are up for the challenge!

Keep up the great work, 5D!