Punxsutawney Phil's Big Day!

Every February 2, thousands of people from all over the country gather in Gobbler’s Knob, in the town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to witness a famous groundhog's prediction.

When Phil comes out of his house, the first thing he will do is check for his shadow...

because that's his job.

His shadow (or lack of one) will predict the fate of our seasons.

Here is a handy chart to help illustrate the strenuous task 

of being Punxsutawney Phil on February 2.

Makes perfect sense to me.

What did Punxsutawney Phil predict this time? Watch this video to find out.

When the first settlers arrived in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, they brought with them a German tradition known as Candlemas Day.

If the sun shone on Candlemas Day, the hedgehog would cast a shadow which they believed meant another six weeks of winter.

When the Germans first arrived in America, no hedgehogs were to be found. Another similar animal, the groundhog, was here. Believed by the native Indians to be "a wise and sensible animal," the groundhog became the new season predictor.

So it is, that the tradition was born.

Want more? Check out these links!

The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club

Send a Groundhog Day Postcard

National Geographic: Groundhogs

Groundhog Day Crafts

What do you think Phil likes to do in his spare time?

Click the image below for a free printable!

Thanks Phil!

Ben Ten Form (Not)

As we continue on with our decimal unit, we come across an interesting fact. There are many ways to write numbers.

We are going to focus on three:

Standard

Written

Base-10

Here is an example of a written number using each method:

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Standard form is just how it sounds. Standard. This is how we usually write numbers when solving math problems. Pretty standard stuff.

We can also write a number out in words. When doing this, it helps to say the number aloud. Then write what you hear. If there is a decimal, you write "and." That's the only time "and" should be in the written form of the number.

This video will help explain how to read a number that includes a decimal.

Next up is Base-10 Form.

Base-10 numbers are written as products added together. Use place values to help you. Imagine collecting base-ten blocks to show the value of the number. Essentially, that's how this form breaks down.

Here's a comparison:

Now you're getting the hang of it.

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Check out these helpful games and resources! 

Read and Write Decimals

Mathman: Expanded Form Game

5.NBT.3 Worksheets

Decimals of the Caribbean 

Learn Zillion Lessons

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Please make sure your math notebook is up to date before our next class! Check the archives on the left for past math lessons.

Keep up the great work!