Science Fair and Story Surgery Highlights

      Friday Mrs. Donovan began teaching the steps of the Scientific Method to prepare students for the upcoming Science Fair. The information below might give students some ideas of projects that might interest them. The projects aren't mandatory in 4th grade. However, I highly encourage all of my students to do one for extra credit. They don't have to be entered into the Science Fair to be judged, that decision can be made by the students. To prepare students to do a project Mrs. Donovan will do a class project in class and display our data on a full size board. There is a link on the school site to the  Science Fair packet with all of the information to explain each step in the process with deadlines to help the student stay on track and avoid the last minute rush!

Also a great site for ideas is:
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/

From our lesson today in class:
The Happy Scientist (Science Fair Info.)

 

 

The life size essay!

Another buzz around the room this week is the notorious "Story Surgery".  We had fun learning how to elaborate and create deeper meaning and greater interest within the expository essay. A friend supplied the medical accessories and a fun activity emerged to drive home the learning.

Saying Goodbye

     We will miss Christian who is moving to another school!  He has made an excellent start to Fourth Grade, reading 17 books with 245 points and over 1 million words. Wow!! A voracious reader to be sure. Best of luck in your new school. Keep on reading!

Toys in Space

  



Class participation! Interacting with NASA instructor.



     Using film of real astronauts, our NASA teacher- Mr. Witherspoon- demonstrated science in space as part of our videoconference on Friday. Jumping in the shuttle cabin contrasted first hand with a student jumping rope in our classroom.

 

 

 

         Thinking like a scientist!  Making sure that the science notebook includes the notes on the videoconference.

 

Remembering 9/11

On Tuesday, September 11 we saw a video that explained the importance of remember the events of 2001. The students participated in an excellent discussion of that day and the need to hold close the symbols of the USA. This mural represents their portrayal of popular American symbols. This week we have noted Constitution Day- September 17 and the meaning of our Constitution and the rights established by our Founding Fathers. As the week progresses students are creating posters and paragraphs during Daily 6 Work with Writing time. They are very creative!

What's the buzz on KenKen?

Hi Students,
This week we learned how to KEN KEN in math. Please share the link below with your parents so you can play along. You can also download the KEN KEN app. Have fun learning in math.
http://www.kenken.com

After the video click on the home link of Ken Ken to practice away!

Reminder for Tuesday

If your student has completed the extra credit mystery assignment, it is due in class tomorrow, September 11. Weekly Reading Log is due for all students.

Voracious Reading

Caught in the act!
Brooke brings her reading skills to the park!

     Brooke is demonstrating one of our important Daily 5 skills...voracious reading! Research shows that lots of reading time outside of class improves comprehension of both fiction and non-fiction. Big smile for Brooke from her reading teacher! Don't forget to add these minutes to your Weekly Reading Log.

Plain Polly- It's All About the Details!

We had two events today!  First of all, Bill DeLuccia an Indialantic parent, spoke to our 4th grade classes on the topic of Native and Invasive Plants. He included an interesting description of the Florida Aquifer and the way that our water supply filters down from the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia. He explained the importance of native plants to migrating birds like the small warbler that migrates from Central America, depending on the berries from our native trees for their food supply.

Later, an exciting writing activity ... again students from both classes gathered to transform "Plain Polly" and "Mediocre Mike" who were badly in need of interesting details. Lots of creative ideas from our students.

Every student had a turn adding a detail to the picture.

 

Class T-Shirt information coming on Thursday in your student's planner. We are excited about this shirt (color may be different than shown.  )  Each student's self portrait is on the shirt!  Cost is $8. We think it will be fun to wear this shirt to school and class events.

Try it out

Last Friday, Mrs. Donovan's son Ryan a seventh grader showed the students a great website:
Students are using ghd site in the Technology class at Hoover Middle. Our class  really enjoyed it and the link is below if they would like to try it for themselves. They can create a flipbook with this and it is very simple to do.
http://www.benettonplay.com/toybox.php

Celebrity of the Week

Today you received a letter and schedule for our ongoing activity that highlights one of our special students each week. Here is a copy of the schedule that extends until April. We had a lively discussion of special talents and I look forward to an entertaining parade of skills. I was helping the students think outside the  box when it comes to talent and they quickly caught the idea!!  Our first celebrity will make his appearance on September 17. We take time off for holidays as you may notice. It is a great idea to send in the items that your student will use on Monday, so that they will be prepared as each day unfolds.



                            Celebrity Schedule for the School Year  2012-2013

September 17 Matthew	November 12 Libby	February 4 Kayleen	April 8 Brooke
September 24 Patrick	November 19 Christian	February 11 Bella	x
October 8 Lex	December 3 Bailey	February 18 Evan	x
October 15 Stan	December 19 Melissa	February 25 Harmony	x
October 22 Jameson	January 14 Meghan Ma	March 4 Jennifer	x
October 29 Reese	January 21 Megan Mc	March 11 Jane	x
November 5 Grady	January 28 Lincoln	March 18 Julia	x