Math update from Mrs. Neal

Hello all!
We have been digging deep into geometry lately. We have learn all the shapes and their attributes. We also learned about different types of triangles. We have been using our previously learned knowledge as well to identify parallel and perpendicular lines within shapes as well as classify and measure angles. Here are some pictures from a poster the kids created:

Have a wonderful week!

4th Grade Projects - Methods of Energy Production Continued

Hello parents! 

This week we are continuing to study different methods of energy/electricity production. Yesterday, students were assigned their partner and method of energy production that they will be researching for their project. With their partner, students will create a slide presentation that they will present to their classmates. Originally the plan was to have students present on Thursday, but I will likely extend that to Monday so that students can produce quality work.

Thank you for raising such great students!

Reading update from Mrs. Windriver

This week we continued finding the main idea and supporting details of an article. We also read our Scholastic News article and answered questions.

The students participated in another debate this week: Should girls and boys be taught separately? If they haven't already discussed this with you, please have your child share with you their answer. Our goal with the debates is two-fold: strengthen their accountable talk (disagreeing/agreeing respectfully) and supporting their opinions with evidence.

They received new Latin/Greek and will take a test on 1/26.

Projects update from Ms. Williams

Hello parents of 4th graders!!

I apologize for not posting on the blog or emailing an update for so long. I allowed other things to come first and was remiss in my duties. I will work to be more diligent in posting/emailing this semester!

In this new semester we are shifting over from Social Studies to Science, a shift which I am very excited about! First we will be learning about Earth Science, which we have broken into two smaller units based on how the standards are organized.

Last week we did a small unit about how natural earth processes impact humans. Essentially, we learned about different kinds of natural disasters and how humans are impacted by them. To culminate this short unit, the students had to research, design, and build an earthquake proof house for a little figurine out of graham crackers and other building materials. They had some constraints, such as a budget for materials and a time limit, that they had to work within. The students rocked it! Only a few students' structures started to fall apart when shaken on the shake table for 20 seconds, which was impressive! The students also completed a reflection sheet about the process. They had a great time building and testing their buildings. Mrs. Mackedon was kind enough to take a picture for us, which I will make sure to get and share with you!

This week and next week, the students will be studying how the use of natural resources to produce energy impacts the environment. Today we talked about what natural resources are and the difference between renewable and non-renewable natural resources. For their final product, students will work with a partner to research and create a slideshow presentation about one method of making energy, and they will present this to the class next Thursday.

Thank you for raising such amazing kids! I am so grateful to have the privilege of being their teacher. And I will work to be better about posting on the blog weekly!

Reading update from Mrs. Windriver

Reading: 

We began reading Scholastic News and answering questions on paper.  The students will not have an assignment on Edmodo again this next week.  

The students are continuing to work on answering their questions completely by using evidence-based terms and restating the question.  

We also worked on finding the main idea and supporting details of an article.  This is something that will transfer into writing a summary. 

Students will receive new Latin/Greek on Tuesday, January 17.

Your child may bring in their headphones if they'd like to watch Scholastic videos.

Update from Mrs. Windriver

Reading:

The last day before break, I read The Biggest Christmas Tree and the students participated in a couple of STEM challenges. They had to create Christmas trees out of marshmallows and toothpicks and plastic cups. It was fun.

Coming up: 

We are starting non-fiction. To start, your child will not be completing Edmodo assignments. We will be completing other assignments using our Scholastic News weekly readers. 

Happy New Year!

Hello all!
I hope everyone had a wonderful winter break! Here are some pictures from the day before break with all our Christmas fun!