Look what is growing
We planted beans and wheat grass! The class is making sure that our plants survive and thrive and get all their basic needs: Water, Sunlight and Air. We learned that every part of a plant is made in a certain way (structure) so that it can do a certain kind of job (function). They all work together to keep the plant healthy and alive.
Ms. Calma
We Are Scientists
In research teams we observed the three states of matter. After we placed antacid tablets and water into film cans, we watched the tops POP off. This activity explored the states of matter: Solid (antacid tablet) liquid (water) and gas (visible bubbles and foam). This was so much fun. Once was not enough!
Ms. Calma
Fun in Social Studies
As we continue our study of government in Social Studies this month we are covering the legislative and judicial branches of our government. Students taking part in the legislative branch have been elected Senators and House of Representatives members. This week our bill writers will try to get their classroom bill passed through Congress and make them into laws. Then it is time for the judicial branch. The Supreme Court Justices who were nominated by our new 4th grade President (Congratulations Amber Reyes!) will hold a mock trial.
Miss Laforest
Bugs
This month in Science we are investigating insects. We will study different groups including the dragonfly, aphid, true bug, bee /ant and butterfly /moth groups. We will not only learn about their life cycles and habits, but also do fun activities; such as acting out their occupations: waiters, pilots, mail carriers, nurses, secretaries, and soldiers.
Miss Laforest
Cast Your Vote
This month in Social Studies 4L is studying government. This week we are learning about the executive branch. In conjunction with our curriculum 4th grade will also be holding Presidential and Vice-presidential elections. Students will write campaign speeches and make a poster that includes their slogan. They have to campaign amongst each other before they give their speeches. Finally, the class votes by secret ballot for their new president and vice-president.
Miss Laforest
Courageous Men
In Bible we have been learning about the courageous life of Daniel and how he chose to worship God no matter the consequence. This month we are also beginning to study the life of Paul. We are following along on his four missionary journeys. We will see how through Jesus, he was changed from a person who hated and persecuted Christians to the greatest Christian missionary of all time.
Miss Laforest
Probability
This month in Math we are learning all about probability. We are exploring how event outcomes can be certain, likely, as likely as likely, unlikely, or impossible. We are not only doing experimental probability using colored tile and dice; but we are also discussing life event probabilities: What is the probability Hawaii will have a volcano erupt within the next ten years, the Yankees will win the next World Series, or we will be having pizza for lunch tomorrow?
Miss Laforest
Freedom for Slaves
In March we studied about black history from the time of slavery through the Civil War. In Social Studies we saw how abolitionists fought for equal rights and how the brave people in the underground railroad helped slaves escape to freedom. In Reading, we read about a family’s journey to freedom and how they helped build a town for freed and runaway slaves. We also went to see the play Freedom Train, which dramatized the real life story of Harriet Tubman- a runaway slave who went back 19 times to help 300 other slaves escape. Finally in Language Arts, the students memorize a poem about Tubman’s life, which they orally present to the class.
Miss Laforest
Great Projects
Students had fun working on their Academic Fair projects. Some students studied the Arts and learned about and did projects on anything from Beethoven and Flamenco dancing to cartooning, origami, and fashion design. Others studied the history and evolution of Sports; from football and baseball to soccer and Karate. Some explored Science and carefully examined insects, sharks, or volcanoes. Finally, some chose to delve deeper into the Bible and studied the Judges of Israel or the resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ. They all wrote a research paper, made a display board, and created a model or costume for whichever project they chose and then presented them at our Academic Fair.
Miss Laforest
Electricity
In Science we are being electrified! We are exploring static electricity. Not only are we learning about atoms and how electricity works by the exchange of electrons, we are also doing hair raising, paper shifting, and foil lifting labs. Students discover how and why static clings, lightning sparks, thunder snaps, and why opposites really do attract.
Miss Laforest