Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Patterning

Students,

In class this week we have been learning about Patterning in Math. During this time we have been describing, extending and creating a variety of numeric and geometric patterns. Some of you have been having some difficulty with patterning so I would like you to take a look at this activity from the
Math Practice website. It is an activity that will help you to find the missing number in the sequence. I hope this activity helps in clarifying any of your concerns about patterning. If you are still having trouble please feel free to speak to me in class tomorrow.

Geometry & Spatial Sense Math Unit

Hello Grade 4's!

Please visit this website called
Math Practice and practice identifying two-dimensional shapes. Also, there is another practice activity on comparing sides, edges, faces and vertices of three-dimensional shapes, two-dimensional shapes and polygons, please click on Math Practice. Tomorrow we will be creating models or skeletons of three-dimensional shapes. Have fun and good luck!!!!

Introduction to Pulleys & Gears Unit

Students,

In class today we began to discuss our new science unit on Pulleys and Gears. In this unit we will broaden our understanding of simple machines by looking at two special kinds of wheels: Pulleys and Gears. We will also learn that pulleys and gears can transfer motion from one object to another, transform one kind of motion into another, change the speed and direction of an objects motion, and change the amount of force needed to move an object. Lastly, by the end of the unit we will be able to identify how these devices are used to improve everyday life! To help you get started on the unit I have provided you with a link to a fun game called
Simple Machines that you may find helpful. Have fun playing and don’t forget to think of some creative and exciting ideas for your Science Fair Project!!!!

Congratulations!

Grade 4’s you have all been chosen to participate in the St. Clements Catholic Elementary School Science Fair. The Science Fair is an activity intended for the students at St. Clements to gain insight and experience into scientific processes. All projects and expectations are intended to be age-specific. An important objective of this Science Fair is to have fun while learning. All students are asked to produce a poster board presentation of their work for display in the hallways at St. Clements during Science Fair week April 21th through April 29th. A written report may also be displayed with the poster at the Fair. Thursday evening, April 29th, from 6-7 p.m. we will have an open house for display of student projects, an awards ceremony and a special show for the scientists. Students come to class prepared tomorrow to begin our next Science unit on Pulleys and Gears. This unit would be a great unit to help you with your project for the Science Fair.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Rock Cycle Song



Students here is a song to help you learn about the different types of rocks and how they are formed. I hope this song helps you remember the different types of rocks because you will be tested on them on your unit test.


(Sing to the tune of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat")
SEDIMENTARY rock
Has been formed in layers
Often found near water sources
With fossils from decayers
Then there's IGNEOUS rock
Here since Earth was born
Molten Lava, cooled and hardened
That's how it is formed
These two types of rocks
Can also be transformed
With pressure, heat and chemicals
METAMORPHIC they'll become!!!!

Introduction to Rocks and Minerals

Dear Students,

Over the next month or so we will be discovering Rocks and Minerals together. This unit introduces us to the science of geology. As a class we will examine different types of rocks and minerals found in the earth’s crust. We will also learn the unique characteristics and properties of rocks and minerals and how they are formed. Lastly, as a class we will become aware of how human uses of rocks and minerals are not only the landscape but also affect the environment in various other ways.

In tomorrow’s lesson we will begin our focus on rocks and minerals. To get us started please visit the website
Rock Hounds and take a closer look at how rocks are formed. You will be able to obsereve three animations of how these three kids of rocks are formed: sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous. Students please come to class with a rock or mineral that you have found. We will use these rocks and minerals to begin our unit on rocks and minerals.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Welcome Junior Scientists!

In grade four, you will explore light, discover rocks, minerals, erosion, pulleys and gears and learn about habitats and communities, and much more! You will also conduct hands-on scientific explorations, placing the newly acquired knowledge into a real-life and real-world context. Please come to class tomorrow prepared to learn some fun and exciting new things!!!