Lots of students are incredibly excited about learning all they can in our Astronomy unit. Today we learned all about the earth revolving and rotating around the sun. We also learned why we have seasons. Take a look at the two videos in case you need to brush up on things you have forgotten. I am really looking forward to seeing all the creative pictures that show models of earth's rotations around the sun. Be sure to click the Science Homework link if you need a reminder. Also, the links for the videos we watched in class are listed above.
Parents,
Please check in with your child today regarding the science project students will be completing. They will be bringing home a handout that gives more information. In the event you do not see the handout, please see the information below. We've begun our Astronomy unit. Students have learned that in ancient times people used the sun and moon to tell time over long periods. However, the students are going to be making a 30 second timer using something other than the sun and moon (to tell more accurate time in a short period). They'll be able to use materials from school and home. It is expected that students test, improve, test and improve until they create a 30 second timer. This is going to be due Wednesday, March 16, 2016. If you have any questions, please let me know. Fourth grade students took part in a presentation from the Museum of Science. Students used their background knowledge from their previous science unit as a building block. They knew an adaptation is a way an animal's body helps it survive, or live, in its environment. As humans, we have many adaptations, such as our teeth. With our incisors, k-9's and molars for teeth, that allow us to pierce, tear and grind all sorts of food (they make survival simpler).
During the presentation the students learned how the White Tree Frog has mucus on its feet to help it climb. They learned about the prehensile tail that acts as another leg for the Prehensile-tailed Skink and the flexible spine of the Ferret which allows it to burrow in tight places.. The annual Bowman Science Fair is going to be held January 28th from 7pm to 8pm. Every student is encourage to attend, even if they do not present a science topic.
For more information, please check out the Bowman PTA Science Fair webpage for more info. This past Tuesday the students went on a field trip to the "Old Res." With morning showers and potential for a cold day in the forecast, we braved the elements and had an awesome day. I think it goes without saying that the students had a great time. We were able to search for the crayfish in their natural habitat. Some students found crayfish, others found tadpoles, and one found a catfish. Who would have thought we'd find a catfish! A HUGE HUGE HUGE thank you to the chaperones that volunteered their time. You didn't have to give up time in your busy schedules to go on a fourth grade field trip, but you did. Hopefully you learned something about crayfish, the Old Res, and what it is like to lead a group of nine and ten year olds. I can't say it enough, the students and I really appreciated having you with us! The students have become experts at handling the crayfish. Some of the students have even named the crayfish since they've been in our class for such a long time. Please ask you child what they've learned about the crayfish in science? Be sure your child goes deeper than, "Jaw feet." That isn't a full sentence and the students know lots about the crayfish. So that you don't have to feel like your pulling teeth to get more information out of a relutant learner, you can ask probing questions like:
At back to school night a parent asked me how do we help our kids on homework. I answered the question by saying, "Ask you child to show you their process." However, A few days ago a student put my words into friendlier fourth grade words, "When I get stuck, I start with what I know." Give your child multiple chances to work or tinker with the problem and explain their thinking. See the chart below that is a good way for you to assist your child.
When I looked at the graphic, I realized the graphic doesn't just represent how to help your child with homework, it will also help you build an independent learner who is able to take risks. Try thinking about how you solve a difficult problem. Do you feel yourself going through the same steps? If so, then you can relate to your child and show the importance of persistence. Now that the crayfish are in the classroom, the big questions coming from students are: Can a touch the crayfish? Do I have to touch the crayfish? Can I poke them with a pencil? What do they eat? Mr. Bruff, it's not moving. How can I tell if it's alive? |
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July 2016
A Noteworthy 4th Grade Bowman Blog
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