Thursday, June 9, 2011
Summer Math Practice
The best thing you can do to prepare for next year is build your fact fluency. Visit this site to play different games all summer long. Put in just a little practice each day and you'll rock fourth grade! Be sure to try the sketch game. It's one of my favorites. It reminds me of Mario Brothers, but it's mixed in with math facts.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Social Studies: Immigration Info
This week's focus will be immigration. The official definition of this word is the arrival of settlers in a new country for permanent living. We discussed what it means to immigrate, or be an immigrant today and we broke this definition down. We know that immigration basically means going to a new country to live there.
Today, our homework was to interview our family to find out where our family came to America from. This information will be used in our quiz on Friday. The quiz will differ from the normal format. We will be writing a letter. The following elements will be included in the letter: you are an immigrant to America, you are writing to a family member that is still in the old country, you must describe the immigration experience of arriving to Ellis or Angel Island, and you must include a picture with a caption. The picture should be a simple sketch that illustrates one of the details mentioned in the letter.
In order to get an idea of what the immigrant experience was like long ago, we did a little research online. Visit this link to explore Ellis Island and read diaries from real immigrants. You can also look at charts and graphs of immigrant data over time.
Today, our homework was to interview our family to find out where our family came to America from. This information will be used in our quiz on Friday. The quiz will differ from the normal format. We will be writing a letter. The following elements will be included in the letter: you are an immigrant to America, you are writing to a family member that is still in the old country, you must describe the immigration experience of arriving to Ellis or Angel Island, and you must include a picture with a caption. The picture should be a simple sketch that illustrates one of the details mentioned in the letter.
In order to get an idea of what the immigrant experience was like long ago, we did a little research online. Visit this link to explore Ellis Island and read diaries from real immigrants. You can also look at charts and graphs of immigrant data over time.
Last Newsletter
Second Step
Now that our musical is over, we are hoping to devote more time to our poster project. Most groups have selected a topic and are beginning work on their rough draft. By the end of this week, all groups will have a topic.
Science
We are finishing our unit on light energy this week. We will play Jeopardy in class on Tuesday to review for our unit test on Wednesday. Later in the week, we will continue working with our mystery beads. We concluded that they change color when exposed to UV rays. This week we will continue to investigate the importance of protecting ourselves from these harmful rays. We will cover the beads with sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to help us observe how these items can protect our skin.
Social Studies
We will begin a study of immigration in America this week. We will begin with a virtual tour of Ellis Island. The format this week will not consist of the daily questions. Instead, we will be doing various in class activities throughout the week to prepare for the quiz on Friday. Please check the blog periodically this week for updates, so you can be sure your child is prepared.
Math Workshop
As we wrap up the school year, we are reviewing our skills with the four basic operations: adding, subtracting, multiplication, and division. The students are practicing how to accurately and efficiently compute answers to real world problems. We are also continuing to develop our understandings and strategies of multiplication and division facts. Ask your child how multiplication and division are related? Your child will earn 3 success tickets if they write in their planner the multiplication and division fact family using the numbers 7, 8, and 56. It should be the two multiplication and two division facts using those four numbers. We will have a Math quiz on Tuesday. The students will solve problems, using their most efficient strategy, in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division story problems. They will have Homework Sheet #34 for the week. Due to the short week, the entire sheet will be checked in class on Friday.
Now that our musical is over, we are hoping to devote more time to our poster project. Most groups have selected a topic and are beginning work on their rough draft. By the end of this week, all groups will have a topic.
Science
We are finishing our unit on light energy this week. We will play Jeopardy in class on Tuesday to review for our unit test on Wednesday. Later in the week, we will continue working with our mystery beads. We concluded that they change color when exposed to UV rays. This week we will continue to investigate the importance of protecting ourselves from these harmful rays. We will cover the beads with sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to help us observe how these items can protect our skin.
Social Studies
We will begin a study of immigration in America this week. We will begin with a virtual tour of Ellis Island. The format this week will not consist of the daily questions. Instead, we will be doing various in class activities throughout the week to prepare for the quiz on Friday. Please check the blog periodically this week for updates, so you can be sure your child is prepared.
Math Workshop
As we wrap up the school year, we are reviewing our skills with the four basic operations: adding, subtracting, multiplication, and division. The students are practicing how to accurately and efficiently compute answers to real world problems. We are also continuing to develop our understandings and strategies of multiplication and division facts. Ask your child how multiplication and division are related? Your child will earn 3 success tickets if they write in their planner the multiplication and division fact family using the numbers 7, 8, and 56. It should be the two multiplication and two division facts using those four numbers. We will have a Math quiz on Tuesday. The students will solve problems, using their most efficient strategy, in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division story problems. They will have Homework Sheet #34 for the week. Due to the short week, the entire sheet will be checked in class on Friday.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Newsletter Info
Second Step
We will continue working in small groups to create posters outlining some of our favorite lessons from the year. Completed posters will be presented to the class next week and then put on display in our "Character Counts Classroom Museum." Ask your child about their poster theme. They are excited to use the strategies they have learned this year for calming down, solving problems, and developing super sensible solutions.
Social Studies
Our journey through the regions of the United States reaches its finale this week with a look at the Northeast. We will study the land, climate, and notable landmarks in city's like Philadelphia, New York, and Washington D.C. Other highlights of the region we'll discuss are the rocky soil, harsh winters, and lobster industry. The quiz will be on Thursday due to the short week. Please help your child adjust their study schedule accordingly.
Science
We will finish up our light energy unit this week with a last look at how light is absorbed, before we begin a review of all the things light can do (i.e. travel in a straight line until it strikes an object, reflect, refract, and absorb). Take a moment to look through your child's science notebook. Notice their growth as a scientist this year. Write an improvement you notice in their planner. If they put their planner in the basket so we can enjoy the note, they will win five tickets for sharing their work with you. We will not have a quiz this week, but the unit test will be next week. Look for specific info in your child's planner.
Math Workshop
We have been representing and describing numerical data using bar graphs and line plots. We have beeen interpreting what the numbers and symbols on a line plot mean. Please go to the link to read more about line plots and see an example. During class discussions, we have been using summaries such as: almost all, very few, half, or more than half to make true mathematical statements about our graphs. The students will have a quiz on Tuesday. The quiz will be on reading, interpreting and creating a line plot. Please refer to Unit 2, pages 21-35 in the Math Investigations workbook for studying. The students will have homework sheet #33 and will be checked in class on Thursday.
We will continue working in small groups to create posters outlining some of our favorite lessons from the year. Completed posters will be presented to the class next week and then put on display in our "Character Counts Classroom Museum." Ask your child about their poster theme. They are excited to use the strategies they have learned this year for calming down, solving problems, and developing super sensible solutions.
Social Studies
Our journey through the regions of the United States reaches its finale this week with a look at the Northeast. We will study the land, climate, and notable landmarks in city's like Philadelphia, New York, and Washington D.C. Other highlights of the region we'll discuss are the rocky soil, harsh winters, and lobster industry. The quiz will be on Thursday due to the short week. Please help your child adjust their study schedule accordingly.
Science
We will finish up our light energy unit this week with a last look at how light is absorbed, before we begin a review of all the things light can do (i.e. travel in a straight line until it strikes an object, reflect, refract, and absorb). Take a moment to look through your child's science notebook. Notice their growth as a scientist this year. Write an improvement you notice in their planner. If they put their planner in the basket so we can enjoy the note, they will win five tickets for sharing their work with you. We will not have a quiz this week, but the unit test will be next week. Look for specific info in your child's planner.
Math Workshop
We have been representing and describing numerical data using bar graphs and line plots. We have beeen interpreting what the numbers and symbols on a line plot mean. Please go to the link to read more about line plots and see an example. During class discussions, we have been using summaries such as: almost all, very few, half, or more than half to make true mathematical statements about our graphs. The students will have a quiz on Tuesday. The quiz will be on reading, interpreting and creating a line plot. Please refer to Unit 2, pages 21-35 in the Math Investigations workbook for studying. The students will have homework sheet #33 and will be checked in class on Thursday.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Newsletter Info
Social Studies
Our journey around the United States brings us to the Midwest this week. We will study the gentle, rolling farmland that is popular in this region. We will also learn about the climate of the region, with its cold, snowy winters. Students will be introduced to the notable landmarks and attractions like the Great Lakes, Sear's Tower, and St. Louis Arch. The quiz will be Friday.
Science
We will have a quiz on Wednesday that will cover reflection and refraction. Later in the week, we will experiment with how light can be absorbed and how we see color. Students will experiment with compact discs and prisms to explore rainbows.
Math Workshop
We are continuing our studies of surveys and graphs. This week, we will dive into representing categorical data by using a picture or graph. The students are using data to compare groups. We are also learning the characteristics of bar graphs (i.e. title, x and y axis with labels, intervals, bars, a key, etc.). As we notice things about graphs, we are using a list of useful phrases to help us go deeper in our analysis. The list includes the following phrases: almost all, very few, half, less than half, or more than half. Please continue to look for real-world examples of bar-graphs and send them in for the class to share. Your child will earn 3 success tickets if they do so. So far, only one student out of 55 has brought in a graph to share.
Our journey around the United States brings us to the Midwest this week. We will study the gentle, rolling farmland that is popular in this region. We will also learn about the climate of the region, with its cold, snowy winters. Students will be introduced to the notable landmarks and attractions like the Great Lakes, Sear's Tower, and St. Louis Arch. The quiz will be Friday.
Science
We will have a quiz on Wednesday that will cover reflection and refraction. Later in the week, we will experiment with how light can be absorbed and how we see color. Students will experiment with compact discs and prisms to explore rainbows.
Math Workshop
We are continuing our studies of surveys and graphs. This week, we will dive into representing categorical data by using a picture or graph. The students are using data to compare groups. We are also learning the characteristics of bar graphs (i.e. title, x and y axis with labels, intervals, bars, a key, etc.). As we notice things about graphs, we are using a list of useful phrases to help us go deeper in our analysis. The list includes the following phrases: almost all, very few, half, less than half, or more than half. Please continue to look for real-world examples of bar-graphs and send them in for the class to share. Your child will earn 3 success tickets if they do so. So far, only one student out of 55 has brought in a graph to share.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Newsletter Info
Scholarship Warning Reminder for parents to check Oncourse.
Field Trip
Our field trip to O2b is next Monday, May 16th. Please remember to send your child in their green Chets Creek t-shirt with a bag lunch. As we will be eating on site, everything in the lunch needs to be sent in disposable containers.
Musical
Please remind your child to study their lines, if they have a speaking part. All lines need to be memorized by this Friday, May 13th, in order for us to maintain our rehearsal schedule. Don't forget to return the costume info/donation form that went home last week. All t-shirt sizing info and donations are due to our Room Mom by tomorrow (Tuesday).
Second Step
This week's Anger Management lesson will focus on telling our angry feelings what to do when we need to make a complaint about something. People may be poor at getting their needs met because they don't speak up with complaints when it's necessary, or they speak up too aggressively and inappropriately. Complaints are often associated with angry behavior, but we will learn that if they are expressed appropriately (calmly and logically), they can be used to communicate important information to others.
Social Studies
Our journey around the United States will take us to the West Region which is further subdivided into two groups: Pacific and Mountain. This region is further divided because of its large size. Please help your child review the eleven states by looking over the daily questions, as well as the map. We will discuss several landmarks, including the Great Salt Lake and the Redwood Forest. The quiz will be Friday.
Science
Our study of light energy continues with a look at what light can do (besides reflect). We will investigate how light can refract, or bent, because it passes through objects at different speeds. Try putting a spoon in a glass of water. Observe how the handle appears broken, or bent, from the side view. Ask your child to explain this phenomenon to you. There will be no quiz this week due to Musical Rehearsals.
Math Workshop
In Math Workshop, we are continuing our studies into representing and describing data. The students are using data to compare groups, as well as reading and interpreting a bar graph. During class disucssions, we have been using summaries such as almost all, very few, half, or more than half. Ask your child about their "Places We Like to Eat" representations we have been working on in class. Please continue to look for real-world example of bar-graphs and send them in for the class to share. Your child will earn 3 success tickets if they do so. The math quiz on Tuesday will be a mixed review of objectives worked on during Calendar Math. The students will have Homework Sheet #31 to complete. It will be reviewed in class on Wednesday and Friday.
Field Trip
Our field trip to O2b is next Monday, May 16th. Please remember to send your child in their green Chets Creek t-shirt with a bag lunch. As we will be eating on site, everything in the lunch needs to be sent in disposable containers.
Musical
Please remind your child to study their lines, if they have a speaking part. All lines need to be memorized by this Friday, May 13th, in order for us to maintain our rehearsal schedule. Don't forget to return the costume info/donation form that went home last week. All t-shirt sizing info and donations are due to our Room Mom by tomorrow (Tuesday).
Second Step
This week's Anger Management lesson will focus on telling our angry feelings what to do when we need to make a complaint about something. People may be poor at getting their needs met because they don't speak up with complaints when it's necessary, or they speak up too aggressively and inappropriately. Complaints are often associated with angry behavior, but we will learn that if they are expressed appropriately (calmly and logically), they can be used to communicate important information to others.
Social Studies
Our journey around the United States will take us to the West Region which is further subdivided into two groups: Pacific and Mountain. This region is further divided because of its large size. Please help your child review the eleven states by looking over the daily questions, as well as the map. We will discuss several landmarks, including the Great Salt Lake and the Redwood Forest. The quiz will be Friday.
Science
Our study of light energy continues with a look at what light can do (besides reflect). We will investigate how light can refract, or bent, because it passes through objects at different speeds. Try putting a spoon in a glass of water. Observe how the handle appears broken, or bent, from the side view. Ask your child to explain this phenomenon to you. There will be no quiz this week due to Musical Rehearsals.
Math Workshop
In Math Workshop, we are continuing our studies into representing and describing data. The students are using data to compare groups, as well as reading and interpreting a bar graph. During class disucssions, we have been using summaries such as almost all, very few, half, or more than half. Ask your child about their "Places We Like to Eat" representations we have been working on in class. Please continue to look for real-world example of bar-graphs and send them in for the class to share. Your child will earn 3 success tickets if they do so. The math quiz on Tuesday will be a mixed review of objectives worked on during Calendar Math. The students will have Homework Sheet #31 to complete. It will be reviewed in class on Wednesday and Friday.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Newsletter Info
Math Workshop
We are continuing our work in Surveys and Line Polts. In this unit, the students are collecting, representing, describing and interpreting data. They are also designing and carrying out their own data investigations in class. Ask your child about the data we have collected so far as a class. The homework sheet for this week is Sheet #30 and will be checked in class on Wednesday and Friday. The students will have a quiz on Tuesday. The quiz will be a mixed review of items we have covered during our calendar math time. Please note: We are offering a revision opportunity on last week's fraction assessment. Students who earned a 14 out of 20 or lower may revise their work to earn up to 15 out of 20 points. Revisions are due no later than Friday, May 6th. Late revisions will not be accepted. The assessments (with revision directions) were distributed to students who qualified for revisions on Thursday (April 28th) of last week. Please check the grade portal or talk with your child about their score to verify whether or not they qualify for revisions.
Second Step
This week we will continue with anger management as it relates to dealing with disappointment. We all feel disappointed at different times when things don't go our way or when situations do not work out as we expected them to. We will discuss how to anticipate and cope with feelings of disappointment.
Social Studies
Our tour of the United States continues with a visit to the Southwest. Students will map the 4 states in this region: Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma. We will learn about the desert that covers much of the region, as well as major landmarks like the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam. The quiz will be Friday.
Science
Our study of Light Energy continues with a more in depth look at how light travels. We will have a quiz on Wednesday where students will have to be able to explain how light travels, identify sources of light energy, and be familiar with our new light vocabulary words: reflect, refract, and absorb.
We are continuing our work in Surveys and Line Polts. In this unit, the students are collecting, representing, describing and interpreting data. They are also designing and carrying out their own data investigations in class. Ask your child about the data we have collected so far as a class. The homework sheet for this week is Sheet #30 and will be checked in class on Wednesday and Friday. The students will have a quiz on Tuesday. The quiz will be a mixed review of items we have covered during our calendar math time. Please note: We are offering a revision opportunity on last week's fraction assessment. Students who earned a 14 out of 20 or lower may revise their work to earn up to 15 out of 20 points. Revisions are due no later than Friday, May 6th. Late revisions will not be accepted. The assessments (with revision directions) were distributed to students who qualified for revisions on Thursday (April 28th) of last week. Please check the grade portal or talk with your child about their score to verify whether or not they qualify for revisions.
Second Step
This week we will continue with anger management as it relates to dealing with disappointment. We all feel disappointed at different times when things don't go our way or when situations do not work out as we expected them to. We will discuss how to anticipate and cope with feelings of disappointment.
Social Studies
Our tour of the United States continues with a visit to the Southwest. Students will map the 4 states in this region: Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma. We will learn about the desert that covers much of the region, as well as major landmarks like the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam. The quiz will be Friday.
Science
Our study of Light Energy continues with a more in depth look at how light travels. We will have a quiz on Wednesday where students will have to be able to explain how light travels, identify sources of light energy, and be familiar with our new light vocabulary words: reflect, refract, and absorb.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Newsletter Info
Second Step
In our Anger Management unit we have concentrated on the importance of calming down so we can make logical decisions. Ask your child about their calming down technique. This week students will be presented with a problem and they will work in small groups to brainstorm solutions to the problem. They will test their ideas using the Super Sensible Solution Question Poster. Help them use these questions when working through problems with friends and family at home. When they are calm and think they have an idea to solve a problem, test it with these questions: Is it safe, How will it make others feel, Is it fair, and Is it possible? If they answer no to one or more, then they need to keep brainstorming.
Social Studies
We will use the basic map skills we acquired last week to begin a journey across the five regions of the United States, starting with the Southeast. We will learn about the states that make up this region, as well as some of the landforms and special features of this part of America. We will not be using the textbook, as it does not contain information on this standard. Instead, we have worked to create a folder that contains info on all five regions. These belong to the class and can be checked out, but students are asked to return them each day and not make any markings in them. We appreciate your support in keeping these pristine, so they can be utilized year after year without being reprinted. The quiz will be Friday.
Science
We will be starting a new unit on Light Energy this week. We will use the following questions to guide our initial investigations: What happens when light hits objects or travels through a different substance and What happens when light energy is absorbed? We will use flashlights and baby powder to observe how light travels (in a straight line until it strikes an object or travels from one medium to another). Later in the week, we will use flashlights and index cards to see what happens when light is blocked. There will be no science quiz this week.
Planner: Important messages that come up last minute or cannot fit in the newsletter are put on the board for your child to copy down each morning. If they consistently bring home a blank planner, please send us an email so we can encourage them to record these important notes that keep the whole team (us, your child, and you) on the right track and in the know. We do our best to monitor this, but we are unable to check 55 of them each day.
In our Anger Management unit we have concentrated on the importance of calming down so we can make logical decisions. Ask your child about their calming down technique. This week students will be presented with a problem and they will work in small groups to brainstorm solutions to the problem. They will test their ideas using the Super Sensible Solution Question Poster. Help them use these questions when working through problems with friends and family at home. When they are calm and think they have an idea to solve a problem, test it with these questions: Is it safe, How will it make others feel, Is it fair, and Is it possible? If they answer no to one or more, then they need to keep brainstorming.
Social Studies
We will use the basic map skills we acquired last week to begin a journey across the five regions of the United States, starting with the Southeast. We will learn about the states that make up this region, as well as some of the landforms and special features of this part of America. We will not be using the textbook, as it does not contain information on this standard. Instead, we have worked to create a folder that contains info on all five regions. These belong to the class and can be checked out, but students are asked to return them each day and not make any markings in them. We appreciate your support in keeping these pristine, so they can be utilized year after year without being reprinted. The quiz will be Friday.
Science
We will be starting a new unit on Light Energy this week. We will use the following questions to guide our initial investigations: What happens when light hits objects or travels through a different substance and What happens when light energy is absorbed? We will use flashlights and baby powder to observe how light travels (in a straight line until it strikes an object or travels from one medium to another). Later in the week, we will use flashlights and index cards to see what happens when light is blocked. There will be no science quiz this week.
Planner: Important messages that come up last minute or cannot fit in the newsletter are put on the board for your child to copy down each morning. If they consistently bring home a blank planner, please send us an email so we can encourage them to record these important notes that keep the whole team (us, your child, and you) on the right track and in the know. We do our best to monitor this, but we are unable to check 55 of them each day.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Heat Energy: Calling All Conductors!
Heat Energy: Calling All Conductors!
In our study of heat transfer, we have begun to discuss conductors. And we're not talking about the people who drive trains! We're talking about materials that allow heat energy to move through them easily. Our spoon lab in class clearly showed that metal is a much better conductor than either wood or plastic. In fact, wood and plastic are actually very poor conductors of heat energy because they do not allow the heat energy to move through them easily. This is why the handles of your parents pots and pans are made of plastic or wood; it keeps the cook from burning their hand when they pick up the hot pot. They don't allow the heat from the metal part of the pan to reach your hand and hurt you.
If you did have a pan that was solid metal, including the handle, how would you pick it up? Potholder to the rescue!!! Potholders are made of cloth, which is another material that blocks heat energy. It is an example of an insulator. It traps the heat of the metal handle and keeps it close to the handle so it can't get to your hand. Can you think of other insulators...how about blankets, winter coats, feather comforters, and so on? All of these items trap the heat of your body and keep it from conducting to another object. This keeps you warm and cozy!
Can you think of other examples of conductors or insulators? Leave a comment! I want to hear what you think!
In our study of heat transfer, we have begun to discuss conductors. And we're not talking about the people who drive trains! We're talking about materials that allow heat energy to move through them easily. Our spoon lab in class clearly showed that metal is a much better conductor than either wood or plastic. In fact, wood and plastic are actually very poor conductors of heat energy because they do not allow the heat energy to move through them easily. This is why the handles of your parents pots and pans are made of plastic or wood; it keeps the cook from burning their hand when they pick up the hot pot. They don't allow the heat from the metal part of the pan to reach your hand and hurt you.
If you did have a pan that was solid metal, including the handle, how would you pick it up? Potholder to the rescue!!! Potholders are made of cloth, which is another material that blocks heat energy. It is an example of an insulator. It traps the heat of the metal handle and keeps it close to the handle so it can't get to your hand. Can you think of other insulators...how about blankets, winter coats, feather comforters, and so on? All of these items trap the heat of your body and keep it from conducting to another object. This keeps you warm and cozy!
Can you think of other examples of conductors or insulators? Leave a comment! I want to hear what you think!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Heat Energy
Excerpt from NSTA Sci Links:
Have you ever touched a hot pot? If you have, you know that heat energy can move from one object to another object, or from the pot to your hand. Heat energy also moves from one area to another area-for example, from a warm room to a cool room.
Heat energy always moves from a warmer object or area to a cooler object or area. If you hold an ice cube in your hand, heat energy moves from your hand to the ice and melts it. If you open a door on a cold winter day, heat energy moves from inside your warm house to the cold outdoors.
Heat energy moves in three different ways. They are conduction, convection, and radiation.
1. Conduction:
The movement of heat between objects that touch each other.
Example: Think of cooking vegetables in a pan. Heat energy moves from the hot metal to the vegetables.
Some materials allow heat to move through them more easily than others. We will learn more about these materials later this week.
2. Convection:
The movement of heat energy through liquids and gases in currents.
Example: Think of water heating up on a stove. As the water heats up, the particles at the bottom start moving faster and farther apart. The water at the bottom of the pot becomes lighter than the cooler water above it. The lighter, warmer water rises in the pot. The heavier water falls to the bottom of the pot. In this way, heat moves upward in the pot in currents. This movement in currents is called convection.
3. Radiation:
Heat energy that moves through space.
Example: Energy from the Sun travels to Earth by radiation. When the energy reaches Earth, it warms the Earth's surface. The heated surface then heats the air above it. If you sit near a fireplace or campfire, you feel heat coming from the burning logs. The heat reaches you by radiation.
Have you ever touched a hot pot? If you have, you know that heat energy can move from one object to another object, or from the pot to your hand. Heat energy also moves from one area to another area-for example, from a warm room to a cool room.
Heat energy always moves from a warmer object or area to a cooler object or area. If you hold an ice cube in your hand, heat energy moves from your hand to the ice and melts it. If you open a door on a cold winter day, heat energy moves from inside your warm house to the cold outdoors.
Heat energy moves in three different ways. They are conduction, convection, and radiation.
1. Conduction:
The movement of heat between objects that touch each other.
Example: Think of cooking vegetables in a pan. Heat energy moves from the hot metal to the vegetables.
Some materials allow heat to move through them more easily than others. We will learn more about these materials later this week.
2. Convection:
The movement of heat energy through liquids and gases in currents.
Example: Think of water heating up on a stove. As the water heats up, the particles at the bottom start moving faster and farther apart. The water at the bottom of the pot becomes lighter than the cooler water above it. The lighter, warmer water rises in the pot. The heavier water falls to the bottom of the pot. In this way, heat moves upward in the pot in currents. This movement in currents is called convection.
3. Radiation:
Heat energy that moves through space.
Example: Energy from the Sun travels to Earth by radiation. When the energy reaches Earth, it warms the Earth's surface. The heated surface then heats the air above it. If you sit near a fireplace or campfire, you feel heat coming from the burning logs. The heat reaches you by radiation.
Newsletter
Social Studies
We will discuss popular clothing that was worn in Ancient Greece. We will also address the importance of their religion and temples, like the Parthenon, in their daily life. We will also introduce students the Olympics that the Ancient Greeks used to celebrate the king of their gods. There will be no quiz on Friday, due to FCAT prep and the pep rally.
Science
We will be addressing the concept of flow, or heat transfer, this week. Students need to be able to recognize that heat flows from hot objects to cold objects and that heat flow may cause materials to change temperature. We will investigate how heat energy moves using hot and cold water. There will be a brief quiz on Wednesday. Students will need to be able to infer the direction of heat flow by comparing temperatures of one object to that of another, as well as the three ways that heat is transferred: radiation, conduction, and convection. See blog and notebooks for additional info.
Second Step
A portion of our newsletter will now be used to keep you informed on the character education that your child is receiving each week; this way you can discuss and reinforce these concepts at home. This week we will continue to work at controlling our impulses so that we can solve problems better. The specific impulse we will be addressing is resisting the impulse to lie. It can be hard to overcome feelings of guilt and fear of getting into trouble. However, telling the truth is a way of taking responsibility for our actions. Being honest lets people know we are trustworthy.
Math Workshop
During this week in Math, we will be reviewing 3rd grade benchmarks areas. We will begin with Measurement Monday. The students will be working with rulers to take the measurement (in inches and centimeters) of different objects. The answers will include mixed fractions, with halves and fourths. On Tuesday, we will focus on multiplication and division strategies. The students will be given various story problems and will use their problem solving strategies to determine the correct equation that matches a story problem (also knowing multiplication and division are inverse) and solving various problems. On Wednesday, the students will practice area, perimeter and elapsed time. The students will be applying their knowledge of area (the space inside of a figure) and perimeter (the distance around a figure) to solve problems. On Thursday, we will focus on a review of fractions. The students will be working with finding equivalent fractions (for example 1/2 =3/6 or 3/4 = 6/8), identifying mixed and improper fractions from a picture given, and comparing fractions (greater than, less than, or equal to). Finally, on Friday, we will have a mixed review for the students. Please look for their work to come home each evening and ask your child to show you how they solved a few of the problems. The practice FCAT will not go in the gradebook, but was used as data to show us what areas we needed to focus on. This was a new test given this year, but historical data shows, those students who scored at least half correct, typically got a 3 or better on the FCAT. This week will be spent working on areas with room for improvement shown from the practice test. The homework sheet for this week will be Sheet #27, and will be checked on Wednesday and Friday.
We will discuss popular clothing that was worn in Ancient Greece. We will also address the importance of their religion and temples, like the Parthenon, in their daily life. We will also introduce students the Olympics that the Ancient Greeks used to celebrate the king of their gods. There will be no quiz on Friday, due to FCAT prep and the pep rally.
Science
We will be addressing the concept of flow, or heat transfer, this week. Students need to be able to recognize that heat flows from hot objects to cold objects and that heat flow may cause materials to change temperature. We will investigate how heat energy moves using hot and cold water. There will be a brief quiz on Wednesday. Students will need to be able to infer the direction of heat flow by comparing temperatures of one object to that of another, as well as the three ways that heat is transferred: radiation, conduction, and convection. See blog and notebooks for additional info.
Second Step
A portion of our newsletter will now be used to keep you informed on the character education that your child is receiving each week; this way you can discuss and reinforce these concepts at home. This week we will continue to work at controlling our impulses so that we can solve problems better. The specific impulse we will be addressing is resisting the impulse to lie. It can be hard to overcome feelings of guilt and fear of getting into trouble. However, telling the truth is a way of taking responsibility for our actions. Being honest lets people know we are trustworthy.
Math Workshop
During this week in Math, we will be reviewing 3rd grade benchmarks areas. We will begin with Measurement Monday. The students will be working with rulers to take the measurement (in inches and centimeters) of different objects. The answers will include mixed fractions, with halves and fourths. On Tuesday, we will focus on multiplication and division strategies. The students will be given various story problems and will use their problem solving strategies to determine the correct equation that matches a story problem (also knowing multiplication and division are inverse) and solving various problems. On Wednesday, the students will practice area, perimeter and elapsed time. The students will be applying their knowledge of area (the space inside of a figure) and perimeter (the distance around a figure) to solve problems. On Thursday, we will focus on a review of fractions. The students will be working with finding equivalent fractions (for example 1/2 =3/6 or 3/4 = 6/8), identifying mixed and improper fractions from a picture given, and comparing fractions (greater than, less than, or equal to). Finally, on Friday, we will have a mixed review for the students. Please look for their work to come home each evening and ask your child to show you how they solved a few of the problems. The practice FCAT will not go in the gradebook, but was used as data to show us what areas we needed to focus on. This was a new test given this year, but historical data shows, those students who scored at least half correct, typically got a 3 or better on the FCAT. This week will be spent working on areas with room for improvement shown from the practice test. The homework sheet for this week will be Sheet #27, and will be checked on Wednesday and Friday.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Newsletter Info
FCAT Info
Please look in your child's Tuesday Take Home Folder for information on FCAT dress up days that will begin the first Monday after spring break, as well as candy and snack donations and instructions for "the super secret surprise letters!"
Social Studies
There will be a change in our schedule due to the shortened week; we will have our weekly quiz on Thursday this week. We will continue with our study of ancient Greece. This week's focus will be on daily life in the city-state of Athens. We will learn about the role of wealthy men in the governmental system, as well as the role of women in caring the home and children. We will compare and contrast this with the roles of poor men and women in this ancient community. We will also briefly discuss contributions the ancient Greeks made with their alphabet and theater productions.
Science
Our focused study of heat energy is underway. So far we have discussed how scientists can measure how much heat energy an object has by using a thermometer to take the temperature of an object. We have practiced using this tool in the sun and shade, using Fahrenheit and Celsius. There will be a short quiz on Wednesday that reviews these skills. Meanwhile, we will be exploring how the temperature of a cup of tap water can be changed without the use of an appliance like a fridge or microwave. Essentially, we will work as a whole group to make a plan to change how much heat energy is in the cup of tap water, which will give us more practice using the F and C scales to measure temperature. Ask your child for updates as we work to develop and carry out our plan throughout the week.
Math Workshop
We are continuing our unit about fractions called Finding Fair Shares. In this unit, students investigate the meaning of fractions and the ways fractions can be represented. Our benchmark goals are: to divide a single whole or a quanity into equal parts and name those parts as fractions or mixed numbers, identify equivalent fractions, and to find combinations of fractions that are equal to one. Questions to ask your child:
* Is 2/3 equivalent to 3/2?
* How would you divide 7 brownies with 4 people equally?
* What is an equivalent fraction to 1/3?
There will be a Math quiz on Tuesday. You can review any completed pages in the Math Investigations Workbook (Unit 7)that have been completed. The homework sheet is #26 this week and will be checked on Thursday. In Tuesday Take-Home Folders, there will be a practice FCAT test the students completed. Please review this with your child carefully.
Please look in your child's Tuesday Take Home Folder for information on FCAT dress up days that will begin the first Monday after spring break, as well as candy and snack donations and instructions for "the super secret surprise letters!"
Social Studies
There will be a change in our schedule due to the shortened week; we will have our weekly quiz on Thursday this week. We will continue with our study of ancient Greece. This week's focus will be on daily life in the city-state of Athens. We will learn about the role of wealthy men in the governmental system, as well as the role of women in caring the home and children. We will compare and contrast this with the roles of poor men and women in this ancient community. We will also briefly discuss contributions the ancient Greeks made with their alphabet and theater productions.
Science
Our focused study of heat energy is underway. So far we have discussed how scientists can measure how much heat energy an object has by using a thermometer to take the temperature of an object. We have practiced using this tool in the sun and shade, using Fahrenheit and Celsius. There will be a short quiz on Wednesday that reviews these skills. Meanwhile, we will be exploring how the temperature of a cup of tap water can be changed without the use of an appliance like a fridge or microwave. Essentially, we will work as a whole group to make a plan to change how much heat energy is in the cup of tap water, which will give us more practice using the F and C scales to measure temperature. Ask your child for updates as we work to develop and carry out our plan throughout the week.
Math Workshop
We are continuing our unit about fractions called Finding Fair Shares. In this unit, students investigate the meaning of fractions and the ways fractions can be represented. Our benchmark goals are: to divide a single whole or a quanity into equal parts and name those parts as fractions or mixed numbers, identify equivalent fractions, and to find combinations of fractions that are equal to one. Questions to ask your child:
* Is 2/3 equivalent to 3/2?
* How would you divide 7 brownies with 4 people equally?
* What is an equivalent fraction to 1/3?
There will be a Math quiz on Tuesday. You can review any completed pages in the Math Investigations Workbook (Unit 7)that have been completed. The homework sheet is #26 this week and will be checked on Thursday. In Tuesday Take-Home Folders, there will be a practice FCAT test the students completed. Please review this with your child carefully.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Newsletter
Social Studies
Today kicks off our three week unit on our final ancient civilization: Greece! Unfortunately, due to the timing of FCAT, we will not be having a celebration at the conclusion of this unit. We will need to use that time to finish our math review. This week we will be focusing on the location of this ancient civilization in the Mediterranean Sea and how living on the sea helped them with trading. There will be a quiz on Friday.
Science
We have finished our introduction to the five basic forms of energy: light, heat, sound, electrical, and mechanical. Hopefully you have visited the blog to learn about the energy posters we have been working on at school. Students will need to know about all five forms, although their poster is only on one. In order to help students organize information about all five forms, they have been given a chart to organize their notes. We will glue it into our notebooks on Tuesday, so they can use it to study and review for Wednesday's quiz on the Sun's energy and the five basic energy forms. On Thursday we will dive into a concentrated series of labs on heat energy. If you have any thermometers with a Celsius scale that could be borrowed for the next two weeks, please send them in but be sure to label them with your name.
Math Workshop
We are continuing our unit about fractions called Finding Fair Shares. In this unit, students investigate the meaning of fractions and the ways fractions can be represented. Our benchmark goals are: to divide a single whole or a quanity into equal parts and name those parts as fractions or mixed numbers, identify equivalent fractions, and to find combinations of fractions that are equal to one. Ask your child about the Fraction Cookie game we will be playing later on in the week. Ask them what fraction combinations equal one whole. They will have a fractions quiz on Tuesday. Look over Unit 7 in their workbook (pages 1-17) and their fraction pieces to review. The students will have Homework Sheet #25 assigned for the week. Also, don't forget to keep logging into Number Worlds for some awesome games to play!
Today kicks off our three week unit on our final ancient civilization: Greece! Unfortunately, due to the timing of FCAT, we will not be having a celebration at the conclusion of this unit. We will need to use that time to finish our math review. This week we will be focusing on the location of this ancient civilization in the Mediterranean Sea and how living on the sea helped them with trading. There will be a quiz on Friday.
Science
We have finished our introduction to the five basic forms of energy: light, heat, sound, electrical, and mechanical. Hopefully you have visited the blog to learn about the energy posters we have been working on at school. Students will need to know about all five forms, although their poster is only on one. In order to help students organize information about all five forms, they have been given a chart to organize their notes. We will glue it into our notebooks on Tuesday, so they can use it to study and review for Wednesday's quiz on the Sun's energy and the five basic energy forms. On Thursday we will dive into a concentrated series of labs on heat energy. If you have any thermometers with a Celsius scale that could be borrowed for the next two weeks, please send them in but be sure to label them with your name.
Math Workshop
We are continuing our unit about fractions called Finding Fair Shares. In this unit, students investigate the meaning of fractions and the ways fractions can be represented. Our benchmark goals are: to divide a single whole or a quanity into equal parts and name those parts as fractions or mixed numbers, identify equivalent fractions, and to find combinations of fractions that are equal to one. Ask your child about the Fraction Cookie game we will be playing later on in the week. Ask them what fraction combinations equal one whole. They will have a fractions quiz on Tuesday. Look over Unit 7 in their workbook (pages 1-17) and their fraction pieces to review. The students will have Homework Sheet #25 assigned for the week. Also, don't forget to keep logging into Number Worlds for some awesome games to play!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Energy Poster
We are currently getting a grasp of the basic forms of energy. In order to better understand each of the 5 basic energy forms third graders need to know, we have divided up into groups and each group is taking charge of one of the energy forms. We are working in class to research and collect 3 examples that show how people use their assigned energy form. Each group is also providing a short explanation of how the energy form causes change or motion (i.e. does work). Groups can also earn points for neatness (museum quality work with no scribbles) and teamwork (everyone has to compromise and put in an effort). Parents, ask your child how their poster is going. Kids, teach your parents about your energy form.
When we present our posters next week, we will use a graphic organizer to take notes on all five energy forms (light, heat, sound, electrical, and mechanical), since we will need to be able to identify examples of all five forms on the quiz next Wednesday. The quiz will also focus on the importance of the light and heat energy that we get from the Sun. Studying the notes we took in class on the Sun is a great review. Doubt the energy of the Sun...just remember "The Atomic Penny Vaporizer" video we watched in class! It proves how powerful the Sun's energy can be!
When we present our posters next week, we will use a graphic organizer to take notes on all five energy forms (light, heat, sound, electrical, and mechanical), since we will need to be able to identify examples of all five forms on the quiz next Wednesday. The quiz will also focus on the importance of the light and heat energy that we get from the Sun. Studying the notes we took in class on the Sun is a great review. Doubt the energy of the Sun...just remember "The Atomic Penny Vaporizer" video we watched in class! It proves how powerful the Sun's energy can be!
Social Studies Research
Many students have found this website to be very helpful and informative in their research of the Mayan people. Even if you are not choosing to do the extra credit project, you may still enjoy looking over this information. Leave a comment and let me know what you think!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Energy is Everywhere!
Energy is everywhere. You should now be able to recognize that energy is the ability to do work (as in causing motion or creating change, not homework!). We've looked around the playground and the classroom for things that move or create change a.k.a. energy sources. Have you looked around your home? Can you spot any examples of electrical, mechanical, heat, light, or sound energy? These are the 5 basic forms of energy that we will be focusing on this year as third graders. If you see some, leave a comment and tell us about them.
For some more information about energy, read the energy story! Keep in mind that this site contains more detailed information about many other types of energy than we will need to know about this year...but super scientists can zoom in on the key details and always love a little extra info!
Newsletter
Social Studies
Reminder! If your child is interested in participating in the extra credit presentation at this Friday's fiesta, we need to receive a note in the planner or via email by tomorrow (Tuesday, March 8th) so we can add them to the schedule. This week will conclude our study of the Maya people. We will discuss the contributions these people made in the arts, as well as in science and mathematics. Ask your child about their writing and number system. If you would like to donate food items for the fiesta, please contact us immediately. We will still have a quiz this week, with extra credit presentations and themed snacks to follow.
Science
Our energy unit is underway. We will spend much of the week investigating the following questions: What is energy? (something that can cause motion or change) What are the basic forms of energy? (heat, light, electrical, sound, and mechanical). We will begin an in class group poster activity. See the blog midweek for more details.
Math Workshop
We are continuing our unit about fractions called Finding Fair Shares. In this unit, students investigate the meaning of fractions and the ways fractions can be represented. Our benchmark goals are as follows: for the students to divide a single whole or a quanity into equal parts and name those parts as fractions or mixed numbers, identify equivalent fractions, and to find combinations of fractions that are equal to one. Take advantage of any natural opportunities to use fractions as they arise. You and your child can share and compare strategies for solving problems such as these: If a recipe calls for one half cap of an ingredient, pretend that the measuring cup that holds that amount is broken. Ask your child how else you can measure that amount. For example, 1/2 can also be represented as 1/4+1/4. You might check the answer by pouring those amounts into the one half cup measure to see whether they will equal the one half cup exactly. They will have a short fractions quiz on Tuesday. Look over Unit 7, pages 1-10 and their fraction pieces to review. The students will have Homework Sheet # 24 assigned for the week.
Reminder! If your child is interested in participating in the extra credit presentation at this Friday's fiesta, we need to receive a note in the planner or via email by tomorrow (Tuesday, March 8th) so we can add them to the schedule. This week will conclude our study of the Maya people. We will discuss the contributions these people made in the arts, as well as in science and mathematics. Ask your child about their writing and number system. If you would like to donate food items for the fiesta, please contact us immediately. We will still have a quiz this week, with extra credit presentations and themed snacks to follow.
Science
Our energy unit is underway. We will spend much of the week investigating the following questions: What is energy? (something that can cause motion or change) What are the basic forms of energy? (heat, light, electrical, sound, and mechanical). We will begin an in class group poster activity. See the blog midweek for more details.
Math Workshop
We are continuing our unit about fractions called Finding Fair Shares. In this unit, students investigate the meaning of fractions and the ways fractions can be represented. Our benchmark goals are as follows: for the students to divide a single whole or a quanity into equal parts and name those parts as fractions or mixed numbers, identify equivalent fractions, and to find combinations of fractions that are equal to one. Take advantage of any natural opportunities to use fractions as they arise. You and your child can share and compare strategies for solving problems such as these: If a recipe calls for one half cap of an ingredient, pretend that the measuring cup that holds that amount is broken. Ask your child how else you can measure that amount. For example, 1/2 can also be represented as 1/4+1/4. You might check the answer by pouring those amounts into the one half cup measure to see whether they will equal the one half cup exactly. They will have a short fractions quiz on Tuesday. Look over Unit 7, pages 1-10 and their fraction pieces to review. The students will have Homework Sheet # 24 assigned for the week.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Newsletter Info
Social Studies
A blue half sheet was sent home with your child today regarding an extra credit opportunity that is worth 5 pts. The sheet gives detailed information on the required 5 step process, as well as information on optional treats that can accompany the project. This is different than the thinking mats. The thinking mats are an in class art activity that we are working on as we finish our questions each day. Ask your child about their design. If you are a newsletter fan this week, tell your child to give Mrs. Z a high five at recess on Tuesday and say the code, "Responsibility!" This will earn them a success ticket.
Science
Our unit on Water will be coming to and end this week. The unit test will be Wednesday. Your child should bring their science notebook home on Monday and Tuesday night to prepare. Visiting the blog entries is also helpful. They need to be familiar with condensation, evaporation, how changes in energy (heat) can cause matter to change states, melting point of water, boiling point of water, freezing point of water, explaining data differences, importance of water, and the habits of good scientists (repeated trials, communications). We will play a round of Jeopardy in class on Tuesday to review at school, but reviewing their notes at home is also helpful. The test will contain multiple choice and short answer and will be worth 20 pts.
Pencil Sharpeners: Patterson Homeroom in Desperate Need
Donations of manual pencil sharpeners would be greatly appreciated!
Math Workshop
Our class is starting a new mathmatics unit about fractions called Finding Fair Shares. In this unit, students investigate the meaning of fractions and the ways fractions can be represented. One of our benchmark goals is for the students to divide a single whole or a quanity into equal parts and name those parts as fractions or mixed numbers. Take advantage of any natural opportunities to use fractions as they arise. You and your child can share and compare strategies for solving problems such as these: If you cut a whole pizza into 6 equal slices and ate 3 of the slices, what fraction of the pizza did you eat? If you want to share 10 cookies among 4 people, how can you share them equally? How much does each person get? The gas tank in our car holds 12 gallons, but right now it is only one fourth full. How many gallons of gas do we need to buy to fill up the tank? The students will have Homework Sheet # 23 assigned for the week. On Tuesday, they will have their February Calendar Math Quiz. It will consist of questions reading a calendar, knowing the difference between parallel and perpendicular lines, making a bar graph, and rounding numbers to different place values.
A blue half sheet was sent home with your child today regarding an extra credit opportunity that is worth 5 pts. The sheet gives detailed information on the required 5 step process, as well as information on optional treats that can accompany the project. This is different than the thinking mats. The thinking mats are an in class art activity that we are working on as we finish our questions each day. Ask your child about their design. If you are a newsletter fan this week, tell your child to give Mrs. Z a high five at recess on Tuesday and say the code, "Responsibility!" This will earn them a success ticket.
Science
Our unit on Water will be coming to and end this week. The unit test will be Wednesday. Your child should bring their science notebook home on Monday and Tuesday night to prepare. Visiting the blog entries is also helpful. They need to be familiar with condensation, evaporation, how changes in energy (heat) can cause matter to change states, melting point of water, boiling point of water, freezing point of water, explaining data differences, importance of water, and the habits of good scientists (repeated trials, communications). We will play a round of Jeopardy in class on Tuesday to review at school, but reviewing their notes at home is also helpful. The test will contain multiple choice and short answer and will be worth 20 pts.
Pencil Sharpeners: Patterson Homeroom in Desperate Need
Donations of manual pencil sharpeners would be greatly appreciated!
Math Workshop
Our class is starting a new mathmatics unit about fractions called Finding Fair Shares. In this unit, students investigate the meaning of fractions and the ways fractions can be represented. One of our benchmark goals is for the students to divide a single whole or a quanity into equal parts and name those parts as fractions or mixed numbers. Take advantage of any natural opportunities to use fractions as they arise. You and your child can share and compare strategies for solving problems such as these: If you cut a whole pizza into 6 equal slices and ate 3 of the slices, what fraction of the pizza did you eat? If you want to share 10 cookies among 4 people, how can you share them equally? How much does each person get? The gas tank in our car holds 12 gallons, but right now it is only one fourth full. How many gallons of gas do we need to buy to fill up the tank? The students will have Homework Sheet # 23 assigned for the week. On Tuesday, they will have their February Calendar Math Quiz. It will consist of questions reading a calendar, knowing the difference between parallel and perpendicular lines, making a bar graph, and rounding numbers to different place values.
Science Help At Home
Sometimes parents express an interest in helping their child at home with science but just don't know where to begin. The way we teach science is a very hands-on and interactive approach. Although research definitely has it's place in science, the emphasis is more about being engaged in "doing" science and less on reading from the science text book. This approach is fantastic because it provides students with a meaningful experience at being a scientist. We realize that this approach can also be challenging when parents would like to help support their child in developing into a scientific thinker. We hope that this list of suggestions will help support your efforts at home when working on science.
1. Be familiar with your child's science standards. Visiting this link will help you understand what your child is expected to know at each grade level.
2. Go to the local library to check out some Outstanding Science Trade Books. Reading any science books, even if it is not the the current topic of study, will help your child become a more critical science thinker.
3. Conduct simple science experiments at home.
Home Experiments Link #1
Home Experiments Link #2
Home Experiment Link #3
4. Understand misconceptions in science so that you can help your child understand the concepts correcly.
5. Visit the science links provided on our blog. The Gizmos provides fantastic online simulations that power inquiry and understanding.
6. Always, show a positive attitude towards science even if it may not be your favorite subject.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Evaporation Explanation
Family Connection: Want to help your child prepare for Wednesday's quiz? Take a moment to peruse their science notebook with them. They have notes on the processes of condensation and evaporation that they are proud of and eager to share with you! Look back at some of their previous note-taking ventures and compliment them at how they've grown and improved over the year. Then take a walk together to look for examples of condensation and evaporation. For example, you might find condensation on the windows of cars or homes. You might discover evaporation in action as you pass a clothesline full of drying laundry. Have your child record their findings by making a list or drawing a quick sketch. This will give them a point of reference for your follow up discussion back at the house. Encourage them to bring in these examples; they will have an opportunity to share them in class.
Here's the science scoop on evaporation. Over the past week, we've gotten the opportunity to see evaporation in action. We know that this process takes time, but can go faster with the help of a hair dryer. The hot temperature of the air coming from the dryer makes the liquid water gain heat energy very quickly, which helps it change to a gas more rapidly than normal.
We discussed that evaporation is kind of like the reverse process of condensation. In condensation, water vapor changes to liquid droplets. In evaporation, liquid changes to water vapor, once the liquid gains enough energy.
Here's the science scoop on evaporation. Over the past week, we've gotten the opportunity to see evaporation in action. We know that this process takes time, but can go faster with the help of a hair dryer. The hot temperature of the air coming from the dryer makes the liquid water gain heat energy very quickly, which helps it change to a gas more rapidly than normal.
We discussed that evaporation is kind of like the reverse process of condensation. In condensation, water vapor changes to liquid droplets. In evaporation, liquid changes to water vapor, once the liquid gains enough energy.
Newsletter Info
Newsletter Info
Social Studies
A big thank you goes out to all the families who donated items for our Rome celebration and/or tried their hand at clothing design and adorned their child in togas. The students really enjoyed themselves and they all looked great. This week we will begin our three week study of the ancient Mayan civilization of Mexico. This week we will learn about the climate and geography of Mexico, then and now. We will also discuss ancient Mayan community life. There will be a quiz this Friday.
Science
Our study of evaporation continues this week with an extend lab called “The Broken Dryer.” Help hold your child accountable by asking them to explain the themes of this lab to you at home. (Attention: If you are reading this, open your child’s planner and write the following sentence on the 2/22/11 comment box: I am a newsletter fan!) We will have a quiz on Wednesday, which will focus on the processes of condensation and evaporation. It will also have several questions about the science tool we have been working with: the thermometer. Students should prepare by looking over their notes on condensation and evaporation, as well as the blog entries on these two topics.
Math Workshop
Our class is wrapping up our unit about geometry and measurement called Perimeter, Angles, and Area. During this unit, students measured length by using U.S. standard units (inches, feet, yards) and metric units (centimeters, meters). They investigated characteristics of triangle, rectangles, and other polygons. They used right angles as a reference to identify other angles as being greater than or less than 90 degrees. Students solved problems about perimeter (the length of the border of a figure) and area (the measure of how much flat space a figure covers). Please look for more information and activities about Perimeter, Angles, and Area that is being sent home with the newsletter. The unit assessment for the students is on Thursday, February 24th. We will be playing a fun, Jeopardy style review game on Wednesday. The homework sheet for the week is Sheet #22 and will be checked on Wednesday and Friday.
Social Studies
A big thank you goes out to all the families who donated items for our Rome celebration and/or tried their hand at clothing design and adorned their child in togas. The students really enjoyed themselves and they all looked great. This week we will begin our three week study of the ancient Mayan civilization of Mexico. This week we will learn about the climate and geography of Mexico, then and now. We will also discuss ancient Mayan community life. There will be a quiz this Friday.
Science
Our study of evaporation continues this week with an extend lab called “The Broken Dryer.” Help hold your child accountable by asking them to explain the themes of this lab to you at home. (Attention: If you are reading this, open your child’s planner and write the following sentence on the 2/22/11 comment box: I am a newsletter fan!) We will have a quiz on Wednesday, which will focus on the processes of condensation and evaporation. It will also have several questions about the science tool we have been working with: the thermometer. Students should prepare by looking over their notes on condensation and evaporation, as well as the blog entries on these two topics.
Math Workshop
Our class is wrapping up our unit about geometry and measurement called Perimeter, Angles, and Area. During this unit, students measured length by using U.S. standard units (inches, feet, yards) and metric units (centimeters, meters). They investigated characteristics of triangle, rectangles, and other polygons. They used right angles as a reference to identify other angles as being greater than or less than 90 degrees. Students solved problems about perimeter (the length of the border of a figure) and area (the measure of how much flat space a figure covers). Please look for more information and activities about Perimeter, Angles, and Area that is being sent home with the newsletter. The unit assessment for the students is on Thursday, February 24th. We will be playing a fun, Jeopardy style review game on Wednesday. The homework sheet for the week is Sheet #22 and will be checked on Wednesday and Friday.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Condensation Connection and Phase Changes
Where does condensation come from? Now, we know! It isn't magic. It isn't water leaking from inside the glass. It's the collection of water vapor from the air. When the water in the air cools down and loses energy, the particles are forced to change state, from a gas (water vapor) to a liquid (water).
When a substance, like water, changes from one state, or phase, of matter to another we say that it has undergone a change of state, or we say that it has undergone a change of phase. These changes of phase always occur with a change of heat. Heat, which is energy, either comes into the material during a change or out of the material during a change.
For example, when solid ice melts into liquid water heat is going into the solid as it melts. Although heat is being added to the ice, there will be no temperature change during the actual phase change. That will occur later.
An example of heat leaving a material is when liquid water freezes into solid ice. As heat leaves the liquid, it freezes. Again, there is no temperature change during the actual phase change.
Want to try your hand at changing the phases of water? Then, click on the link and try this cool phase changing game.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Newsletter Info
Social Studies
We will finish our study of Ancient Rome this week with a look at daily life. We will learn about the homes, clothing, and food of these ancient people. There will be no quiz this week. Instead, we will celebrate our learning with a video on Rome and a Toga Celebration; this will take place on Friday. Students will also be served a Roman-inspired treat. If you are interested in contributing, please contact Mrs. Z via email. Remember, that students do not have to wear togas, but if they do, school clothes are required underneath. Encourage your child to take advantage of this fun opportunity to be creative and bring the past to life!
Science
The Create-a-Lab projects are graded and will be coming home in tomorrow's Tuesday Take Home Folders. Please review it with your child. A revision opportunity will be offered for students who scored a 16 or lower. Students may revise their work and resubmit it to earn up to a 17 out of 20. The deadline for resubmission is Friday, February 25th. Students who simply need to edit their work (or who left portions blank) may make adjustments, or rewrite portions, of the lab sheet needing correction on a separate sheet of paper. The corrections should be stapled to the original lab sheet and rubric. If the lab itself needs to be redone, this will need to be done at home due to time constraints, but students may conduct the lab alone; they do not need to redo it with their lab group.
Our water unit will continue this week with a focus on condensation. We will learn where it comes from and what it is (the process in which water vapor, a gas, in the air turns into liquid water). This will help us continue to learn about how water can change states when it is heated or cooled, a requirement for third graders. We will have another opportunity to do some research in the textbook for a grade. On Wednesday, we will have a quiz, which your child should have written in their planner last Thursday. Please check to see if they are taking the initiative to communicate with you and be more responsible. The quiz will focus on making simple charts, how data differences can be explained (class examples included: broken thermometer, user error, cup spills, variations in ice cube amount), and how water is used and its importance. To study, talk with your child about the charts we created last week in the "Accurate Temperature Data" Lab. You can also review the lesson one review in their take home folder this week.
We will finish our study of Ancient Rome this week with a look at daily life. We will learn about the homes, clothing, and food of these ancient people. There will be no quiz this week. Instead, we will celebrate our learning with a video on Rome and a Toga Celebration; this will take place on Friday. Students will also be served a Roman-inspired treat. If you are interested in contributing, please contact Mrs. Z via email. Remember, that students do not have to wear togas, but if they do, school clothes are required underneath. Encourage your child to take advantage of this fun opportunity to be creative and bring the past to life!
Science
The Create-a-Lab projects are graded and will be coming home in tomorrow's Tuesday Take Home Folders. Please review it with your child. A revision opportunity will be offered for students who scored a 16 or lower. Students may revise their work and resubmit it to earn up to a 17 out of 20. The deadline for resubmission is Friday, February 25th. Students who simply need to edit their work (or who left portions blank) may make adjustments, or rewrite portions, of the lab sheet needing correction on a separate sheet of paper. The corrections should be stapled to the original lab sheet and rubric. If the lab itself needs to be redone, this will need to be done at home due to time constraints, but students may conduct the lab alone; they do not need to redo it with their lab group.
Our water unit will continue this week with a focus on condensation. We will learn where it comes from and what it is (the process in which water vapor, a gas, in the air turns into liquid water). This will help us continue to learn about how water can change states when it is heated or cooled, a requirement for third graders. We will have another opportunity to do some research in the textbook for a grade. On Wednesday, we will have a quiz, which your child should have written in their planner last Thursday. Please check to see if they are taking the initiative to communicate with you and be more responsible. The quiz will focus on making simple charts, how data differences can be explained (class examples included: broken thermometer, user error, cup spills, variations in ice cube amount), and how water is used and its importance. To study, talk with your child about the charts we created last week in the "Accurate Temperature Data" Lab. You can also review the lesson one review in their take home folder this week.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Newsletter Info
Science
Our new unit on Water has begun. Ask your child about the results of Super Ice Bowl I. In that exciting competition we learned what is required to change ice into water in the most efficient way possible. This week, we will become better acquainted with an important tool: the thermometer. We will practice taking the temperature of ice as it melts. This will enable us to practice the habits that good scientists use: chart making, taking accurate measurements, and recording observations. We will use the data from each group to make one large class chart, which will focus our discussion on the importance of similar data/explaining data discrepancies. We will also do some research in the textbook on the many uses of water; this will be a graded assignment where the textbook can be used as a guide. We will then move on to condensation and evaporation. Look for more info next week.
Note: Please be patient with us as we work to score the "Create-a-Lab" projects. Due to many student absences and the time required to complete the evaporation labs that students proposed, we are still finishing up the scoring rubrics.
Social Studies
Our study of ancient Rome continues with a more focused look at the intricacies of the Roman government system. We will learn about the voting practices and assembly system that was used. We will also learn about the highly organized system of roads and aqueducts that were utilized in this society for efficient transport of armies, goods, and water. There will be a quiz on Friday. Don't forget to start planning ahead for the Toga Celebration on Februrary 18th. Remember, costumes are optional, but if you choose to wear one, school clothes must be worn underneath.
Valentine's Day Ice Cream Social
Thanks so much for all your generous donations and support. Our party is going to be a great success! Please remember to send all items in by Friday, February 11th. Also, if your child plans to make cards, they must include one for all members of their homeroom class. We want to be sure everyone feels loved on this special day!
In our Math Investigation studies we have been focusing on polygons! The students know the attributes of a polygon (i.e. it has 3 or more straight, closed sides). We discussed and sorted examples and non-examples of polygons and we had a great time using Power Polygons! This week, the students will sort quadrilaterals according to a variety of criteria and we will discuss the properties of quadrilaterals. Ask your child the relationship between squares and rectangles. We will have a Math Quiz on Tuesday. Homework Sheet #20 will be checked in class on Wednesday and Friday.
Our new unit on Water has begun. Ask your child about the results of Super Ice Bowl I. In that exciting competition we learned what is required to change ice into water in the most efficient way possible. This week, we will become better acquainted with an important tool: the thermometer. We will practice taking the temperature of ice as it melts. This will enable us to practice the habits that good scientists use: chart making, taking accurate measurements, and recording observations. We will use the data from each group to make one large class chart, which will focus our discussion on the importance of similar data/explaining data discrepancies. We will also do some research in the textbook on the many uses of water; this will be a graded assignment where the textbook can be used as a guide. We will then move on to condensation and evaporation. Look for more info next week.
Note: Please be patient with us as we work to score the "Create-a-Lab" projects. Due to many student absences and the time required to complete the evaporation labs that students proposed, we are still finishing up the scoring rubrics.
Social Studies
Our study of ancient Rome continues with a more focused look at the intricacies of the Roman government system. We will learn about the voting practices and assembly system that was used. We will also learn about the highly organized system of roads and aqueducts that were utilized in this society for efficient transport of armies, goods, and water. There will be a quiz on Friday. Don't forget to start planning ahead for the Toga Celebration on Februrary 18th. Remember, costumes are optional, but if you choose to wear one, school clothes must be worn underneath.
Valentine's Day Ice Cream Social
Thanks so much for all your generous donations and support. Our party is going to be a great success! Please remember to send all items in by Friday, February 11th. Also, if your child plans to make cards, they must include one for all members of their homeroom class. We want to be sure everyone feels loved on this special day!
In our Math Investigation studies we have been focusing on polygons! The students know the attributes of a polygon (i.e. it has 3 or more straight, closed sides). We discussed and sorted examples and non-examples of polygons and we had a great time using Power Polygons! This week, the students will sort quadrilaterals according to a variety of criteria and we will discuss the properties of quadrilaterals. Ask your child the relationship between squares and rectangles. We will have a Math Quiz on Tuesday. Homework Sheet #20 will be checked in class on Wednesday and Friday.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Newsletter Info
Social Studies
We will take a closer look at one of the world's early civilizations: Mesopotamia. We will learn about the farming practices of these people who lived in the land of two rivers. We will discuss how irrigation changed the landscape and helped the Sumerian people of southern Mesopotamia. Later in the week, we will look at how people were able to specialize and learn other skills because of the food surplus in the region. There will be a quiz Friday.
Science
Please see the blog for a detailed explanation of our "Create-a-Lab" activities. Our student led experiments are scheduled to finish Thursday. If all goes according to plan, we will play Jeopardy in class on Friday. We will then take the unit test on the properties of solids and liquids on Monday the 31st. If this changes, students will be asked to write a note in their planner on Thursday. Please look there for updates. Thank you for your patience as we take this opportunity to let them tinker with the scientific process.
Math Workshop
We are beginning Unit 4, which is called Perimeter, Angles, and Area. In this unit, we will develop ideas about the attributes of 2-dimensional (2-D) and 3-dimensional (3-D) shapes and help the students understand how these attributes determine their classification. They will also develop ideas about linear measurement (which includes perimeter), square measurement (area), the measurement of angles, and volume. This week the students will develop their ability to use measurement tools to accurately measure objects. They will learn that perimeter is the distance around the outside edges of a 2-dimensional figure and that it can be measured. The homework sheet for this week is Sheet #18 and will be checked in class on Wednesday and Friday. The students will have their January Calendar Math quiz on Tuesday.
We will take a closer look at one of the world's early civilizations: Mesopotamia. We will learn about the farming practices of these people who lived in the land of two rivers. We will discuss how irrigation changed the landscape and helped the Sumerian people of southern Mesopotamia. Later in the week, we will look at how people were able to specialize and learn other skills because of the food surplus in the region. There will be a quiz Friday.
Science
Please see the blog for a detailed explanation of our "Create-a-Lab" activities. Our student led experiments are scheduled to finish Thursday. If all goes according to plan, we will play Jeopardy in class on Friday. We will then take the unit test on the properties of solids and liquids on Monday the 31st. If this changes, students will be asked to write a note in their planner on Thursday. Please look there for updates. Thank you for your patience as we take this opportunity to let them tinker with the scientific process.
Math Workshop
We are beginning Unit 4, which is called Perimeter, Angles, and Area. In this unit, we will develop ideas about the attributes of 2-dimensional (2-D) and 3-dimensional (3-D) shapes and help the students understand how these attributes determine their classification. They will also develop ideas about linear measurement (which includes perimeter), square measurement (area), the measurement of angles, and volume. This week the students will develop their ability to use measurement tools to accurately measure objects. They will learn that perimeter is the distance around the outside edges of a 2-dimensional figure and that it can be measured. The homework sheet for this week is Sheet #18 and will be checked in class on Wednesday and Friday. The students will have their January Calendar Math quiz on Tuesday.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Create-a-Lab Projects
Over the next two weeks, our class will be embarking on a scientific adventure...the students will be designing and conducting their own experiments, focusing on the properties of liquids and solids. The students are very excited about this project! So far, students have brainstormed ideas as a whole group, before submitting their top three choices for review. Groups were then matched according to interest. Hopefully, your child shared their lab topic with you over the weekend. The labs will be conducted at school during class time, however, we will need parent support in collecting the materials. Each group has already made a list of supplies they need to begin collecting, so if you are interested in assisting us, please talk with your child about their specific needs. This week, we will work at school to finish up the planning stages of the lab. Students will be working in groups for a portion of the science workshop, each day. They will work together to develop a group lab sheet, which includes a lab title, guiding question, a list of materials, and a list of procedures they plan to follow to conduct the lab. Next week, groups will meet again to begin carrying out their lab plans. They will record their predictions, make observations, record results, and finish up with a final conclusion. Again, this will be done at school. This will be a graded assignment, and students will be presented with a rubric that will be used for evaluation later this week. How can you help? Ask them about their progress each day. Share in their excitement. Encourage them to do their best! And as always, if you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to send us an email. We will be happy to address your concerns.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Newsletter Info
Social Studies
Our focus will shift back in time to the world's earliest communities. We will learn about this prehistoric time before people learned to write. We will learn how early people lived, and we will discuss the similarities and differences between our civilization and theirs. We will also learn about the farming practices of these early people, as well as how these practices changed the land.
Science
We will spend the first part of the week learning about the scientific process in greater detail (i.e. how scientists gather evidence to prove their conclusions), so that we can spend the latter half of the week developing and carrying out our own student-designed experiments on solids and liquids. There will be a quiz on Wednesday, which will be a review of the properties and molecular configuration of solids, liquids, and gases. Your child's science notebook, which includes notes from class and lab sheets from experiments, is the best study tool for this quiz.
Math Workshop
Our class is wrapping up our work with the Math Investigations unit about patterns and functions called Stories, Tables, and Graphs. In this unit the students learn about situations that involve change and ways to mathematically describe and represent this change. They will use tables and graphs to represent how one quantity changes in relation to another quanitity. A family letter was sent home on Tuesday, January 4th that included the benchmark goals for this unit and examples of graphs and tables with example questions for each. The students will have the end of unit assessment on Friday.
Our focus will shift back in time to the world's earliest communities. We will learn about this prehistoric time before people learned to write. We will learn how early people lived, and we will discuss the similarities and differences between our civilization and theirs. We will also learn about the farming practices of these early people, as well as how these practices changed the land.
Science
We will spend the first part of the week learning about the scientific process in greater detail (i.e. how scientists gather evidence to prove their conclusions), so that we can spend the latter half of the week developing and carrying out our own student-designed experiments on solids and liquids. There will be a quiz on Wednesday, which will be a review of the properties and molecular configuration of solids, liquids, and gases. Your child's science notebook, which includes notes from class and lab sheets from experiments, is the best study tool for this quiz.
Math Workshop
Our class is wrapping up our work with the Math Investigations unit about patterns and functions called Stories, Tables, and Graphs. In this unit the students learn about situations that involve change and ways to mathematically describe and represent this change. They will use tables and graphs to represent how one quantity changes in relation to another quanitity. A family letter was sent home on Tuesday, January 4th that included the benchmark goals for this unit and examples of graphs and tables with example questions for each. The students will have the end of unit assessment on Friday.
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