Learning the Scientific Method

We have been working on a mini unit called "What is a Scientist?"  On Thursday and Friday we talked about the scientific method and how it is like a pinball machine where scientists often go back and forth while conducting their experiments.  We conducted a simple experiment to see how many drops of water can fit on a penny.  We were amazed at how many drops could fit on them.  The class practiced creating a data chart  and recording their three trials and then we talked about why it is important to do more than one trial.

Here are a few pictures from the activity:

Homework and Important a Dates for Week on September 14-18

*Students should be going on xtramath.org at least two afternoons during the week and one day over the weekend.

Dot Day is Tuesday, September 15 - wear your dots and celebrate making your mark on the world
Picture Day is Thursday, September 17
Curriculum Night for parents is Thursday, September 17 6:30-7:30

Monday (Day 3):

Read for 15 minutes
Math - sheet 1-1
Spelling - Cut word cards and sort them (you don't need to write them down)

Tuesday (Day 4):
Read for 15 minutes
Math - sheet 1-2
Spelling -Sort words and record groups on sheet of lined paper

Wednesday (Day 5):
Read for 15 minutes

Math - sheet 1-3
Spelling - Speed Sort (record two times in your assignment books)

Thursday (Day 6):
Read for 15 minutes
Math- review sheet of 1-1 to 1-3
Spelling - Blind Sort

Friday (Day 1):

Read for 30 minutes
Go on xtramath.org

Aluminum Foil Boat Challenge

We worked as teams last week to build boats out of a piece of aluminum foil.  The goal was to work with two other students to build a boat which could hold the most paper clips.  The students did a great job talking out their ideas and compromising when making their decisions on the style of their boat.  Many teams tested to see if their boat would float and some needed to make adjustments.

I was very surprised at how many paper clips these little boats could hold.  We had to search other fourth grade classrooms for more paper clips.  The winning boat was able to hold over 500 paper clips.  I was very impressed with the team work shown during this activity.  Here are a couple pictures of the boats:

Homework for Week of September 7-11

*Curriculum Night is Thursday, September 17 from 6:30-7:30.

*Picture Day is Thursday, September 17.

*We are looking for grocery store flyers for a math lessons next week.  If you have any please send in with your child.  

Monday (Day ):
No School

Tuesday (Day 5):
Read for 15 minutes
Math -Sign up for xtramath if you have not done it yet - using the letter sent home last week
Remember sneakers for PE tomorrow

Wednesday (Day 6):

Read for 15 minutes

Math - Multiplication Sheets

Thursday (Day 1):
Read for 15 minutes
Math- 

Friday (Day 2):
Read for 30 min
Go on xtramath at least once

Homework for Week of August 31- September 4

Monday (Day 1):
Read for 15 minutes
Write a  letter to Miss Beauchesne introducing yourself to her - include interests, hobbies, what you did this summer, etc.
Show parents paperwork

Tuesday (Day 2):
Read for 15 minutes
Show parents paperwork

Wednesday (Day 3):

Read for 15 minutes

Writing - Start collecting pictures, stickers, etc to put on your writer's notebook (see notice sent home) - due Tuesday, September 8

Thursday (Day 4):
Read for 30 minutes
Math- have parents put email in for xtramath - see sheet
Writing - Start collecting pictures, stickers, etc to put on your writer's notebook (see notice sent home) - due Tuesday, September 8

Friday (Day 3):
NO SCHOOL

Welcome Back

I am really looking forward to working with my new group of 4B students and families.  We will be doing lots of activities during the first week to get to know each other and learn the classroom routines.

Our class will be having PE on Day 3 and Day 6.  Your child may leave an extra pair of sneakers in the classroom if they would like.  Ms. Locke is suggesting students bring an extra pair of socks and sneakers in case the field is wet.

I would also strongly suggest having your child bring a water bottle each day.  Our room is upstairs and it does get warm up there especially during the first few weeks of school.  We have a sink in the classroom where students can refill them during the day.  Please only fill with water, so we don't have  sticky spills on books and other classroom materials.  Children can bring other drinks for snack and lunch.

Please feel free to contact me at any point with questions or concerns.  I check assignment books daily, so you can write a note in there or email me at abeauchesne@sau16.org.   You can also call and leave me a message at ext. 159.

I can't wait to meet my new class on Monday, August 31!!!!

Field Day

We had such a fun field day yesterday!  Here are some pictures from the day.