Reading, Writing, and Responding!
Science
Let the Plant Experiment Begin!
Jan 6th
We started talking about the science fair today. Although students are not required to enter th science fair, I’d really like to see many of our classmates choose to take on this project outside of class! They can work with a friend or on their own. I recommend http://www.sciencebuddies.org as a very helpful science fair website. We will be doing a class science project, mainly to get students using the scientific method. So, today we began our great plant experiment. Our question is, “What do plants need to live?” Our hypothesis is that plants need food and water to live, as that is what past research and knowledge has told us. 
Here are our test subjects before we begin….
Owl Pellets!
Oct 20th
Today we dissected owl pellets in class. We found out that the average pellet in our class had 1 skull. We figured that with 2 owl pellets a day, an owl is likely eating 2 rodents or birds a day. That means 14 in a week, 56 in a month, and 672 in a year! Many of us were glad that we are not owls. Pictures coming soon, but here’s a glimpse at what the students got to explore today:
Homework 9/27
Sep 27th
Math: Practice Test & Parent Signature. Chapter 4 math test is tomorrow (Wednesday).
Spl: 10 sentences
Reading Comp Worksheet (“Surprise!”)
Social Studies Study Guide p. 66 & 67 is due on Thursday and will be counted as a test grade. There will be a test on chapter 7 this Thursday. It will be open book. Students can bring home the text to reread and practice vocabulary.
Science: Students need to finish the science paper given to them by Mrs. Rutherford today by Thursday.
Science Fair
Feb 18th
Many students asked me today about projects they could do this weekend. The website http://www.sciencebuddies.org/ has lots of great ideas and strategies for creating a great science fair project.
For judging criteria and information, please visit: http://www.egusd.net/cpl/contests.html
Michaels has science fair trifold boards and lots of poster making supplies, if you are looking for backboard ideas. Here’s a sneak peek at our classroom entry!
Our Science Fair Backboard
More Science!
Jan 12th
I am at a science workshop this week, so here is another fun science link! We will be studying matter later on this year. Check this simulation out (it is the same site that gives us the electrical circuits):
New Science Link
Jan 11th
This is a great one! Check it out this year and next year for 4th grade science!
Curriculum Update
Sep 20th
Some thing we are working on in class:
Science
We have been learning about the Sun, Earth, and Moon. This week we are studying the phases of the moon. Students were asking questions about time zones, and thinking back to the last two week’s study of the seasons (Earth’s orbit around the sun) and the Earth’s rotation (night and day). Here is a web site to give specific information about different time zones:
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/
Also, for those students interested in the lunar eclipse, here is a website to learn more about the partial and full lunar eclipses:
http://www.mreclipse.com/Special/LEprimer.html
Math
We are studying multiplication! This begins in chapter 4 of our math textbook. It is time to break out the multiplication flash cards and practice 5-10 minutes a night. The First in Math website has facts practice that would work well in lieu of flash cards.
Reading
We are finishing Unit 1 on Friendship. Next week we begin Unit 2 which is about City Wildlife.
Writing
We will be learning how to write summaries in the next few weeks.
Food Chains
Jun 14th
Today we are discussing food chains. Check out this website to put the plants and animals in order on a food chain! Click the back button to come back to this post when you are done.
http://www.ecokids.ca/pub/eco_info/topics/frogs/chain_reaction/play_chainreaction.cfm
Then check out this website:
http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/food/food_menu.html
Finally, try this one:
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/content/animals/kidscorner/games/foodchaingame.htm
Let us know what you learned and which one you liked the best in the comments!
Volcanoes and Survival
Apr 26th
Watch this news report on the volcano that erupted recently in Iceland. Then click the back button and tell us in the comments how a volcano can cause destruction and devastation when it erupts. How do you think someone would survive a major event such as a volcano erupting, an earthquake, or a tsunami?
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/icelands-active-volcano-10422241
Build Your Own Circuit!
Feb 16th
We have been discussing electrical circuits in class. Go to this website and build your own circuit! Remember that you just click “Run Now” to use the simulation.
http://phet.colorado.edu/simulations/sims.php?sim=Circuit_Construction_Kit_DC_Only
