Our Unique United States!

Mrs. Ranney's class  has been learning about 

 United States history and government!

We have focused much of our learning

on our country's most important documents...

The Declaration of Independence

The United States Constitution

The Bill of Rights

 and on the 

three branches of our government.

 

Watch the slide show below and study for our test at the same time!

The Good Old U. S. A! on PhotoPeach

What interesting facts have you learned about our government?

What facts can you add about our government,
  our nation's symbols,  or our nation's monuments?

What facts can you share about the famous Americans: 
George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abigail Adams, and Benjamin Franklin? 

Quizzical Quadrilaterals!

In our polygon unit we are learning about four-sided figures called

QUADRILATERALS!

Quadrilateral just means "four sides"
(quad means four, lateral means side).

Any four-sided shape is a Quadrilateral.

But the sides have to be straight, and it has to be 2-dimensional.

Many people were confused about why some shapes have more than one name. Here are some interactive quadrilaterals to help you explore and learn more! 

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What is a trapezoid?

Here is an interactive trapezoid. 




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What is a parallelogram?

Here is an interactive parallelogram.

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What is a rectangle?

Here is an interactive rectangle.

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What is a rhombus?

Here is an interactive rhombus.

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What is a square?

Here is an interactive square.

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Choose a quadrilateral and describe 
its characteristics in your comment!

What quadrilaterals have you seen 
in your house or community?

A Very Happy Valentine's Day!

We had a wonderful day together, and we

hope you did too!

Please enjoy our slideshow!

A Very Valentine's Day! on PhotoPeach

What was your favorite part of Valentine's Day?

What did you do to celebrate with your family?

Will the Real George Washington Please Stand Up?

Mrs. Ranney's class has recently begun a unit on the 

history of our country and government.

Certainly,  we can't think of the beginning of the 

United States of America without thinking about

George Washington!

(also known as The Father of Our Country)

During a visit to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library,

Mrs. Ranney was able to view the temporary exhibit called

Discover the Real George Washington! 

The exhibit helps viewers get to know what George Washington 

was really like, what he thought was important, and what

his special talents were.

 

This scale model diorama of Mount Vernon, George Washington's home in Virginia was on display.

Each inch represented about one foot.

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Three very special parts of the exhibition were the life-size models of George Washington. Each one represented a different age and important event in his life. These figures were created using some amazing technology!  Articles of Washington's own clothing, a life mask created by French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon, and even Mr. Washington's dentures were all part of the process used to figure out exactly what he would have looked like at these stages of his life!

George Washington as a 19-year-old surveyor

Some of Washington's surveying equipment

General Washington during the Revolutionary War

President Washington taking the oath of office in 1789

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There were many other interesting displays and artifacts!

The signing of The Constitution

Mr. Washington's very own dentures!

The Washington Family Bible

A beautiful gown worn by First Lady, Martha Washington

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In addition, two years ago when Mrs. Ranney was spending time with her
daughter in New York, she was able to visit the Fraunces Tavern Museum, an important meeting place during the Revolutionary War. When the war was over, this is where
 General Washington celebrated with his men!

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What did you find most interesting in this post?

What facts can you add about George Washington 
or this important period in United States history?

Use World Book Online
to do some additional research.
Remember to take notes first. Then rewrite your notes 
in your own words in your comment!