What We're Learning this Week (December 3-7, 2012)

In Math on Monday, we continued our study of fractions. We've already learned how to find equivalent fractions, convert improper fractions into mixed numbers and vice versa, mixed numbers into improper fractions. The next thing on the agenda was to learn how to add and subtract fractions with common denominators, which we accomplished and thought was quite easy!

In Science, we continued discussing fossils and the fossil record. We learned the different types of fossils, including cast, mold, trace, and petrified wood, as well as how each are made.

In Math on Tuesday, we M.A.P. tested, which took almost all of our Math AND Science time. In the Fall, our goal to be considered proficient in 4th grade was a 203.8. Our Winter goal is a 208.7 (basically a 209). Mrs. Elliott set a lofty goal for us to accomplish, a proficiency score of 60%. Although we didn't quite accomplish that goal, she is EXTREMELY proud of us, as all but a few (VERY few might I add) increased our Fall scores drastically! Some by as many as 16 points! Needless to say, she is one happy teacher! :)

What We're Learning this Week (November 26-30, 2012)

In Math on Monday, we continued working with fractions. We discussed what improper fractions and mixed numbers were, as well as learned how to convert improper fractions into mixed numbers by simply dividing. 

In Science, we began our study over chapter 8, which discusses how Earth changes. We began by talking about the different types of landforms found on Earth, including volcanoes, deltas, dunes, plains, plateaus, mountains, and islands. 

Apologies!

I apologize for the lack of posting this past week, in both keeping everyone up-to-date with our in-class studies, as well as homework. Our blog website host has been down and has not allowed us to even log-in, let alone post or link anything new. Hopefully everything is working and back to normal, just in time for our Turkey Day Holidays!

Rock Cycle (Science Song!)

Types of Rocks (Science Song!)

What We're Learning this Week (November 5-9, 2012)

In Math on Monday, we began our second unit covering fractions. We started by discussing how to find equivalent fractions (by multiplying or dividing BOTH the numerator and denominator by the same number), as well as using fraction models to help illustrate their equivalency. 

In Science, we began discussing the types of rock and how they form: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. We also learned a new song! (See the above post!) 

Wednesday in Math, we began studying factors, multiples, and prime and composite numbers. We discussed that a number has to be either prime or composite. Prime numbers have only two factors: 1 and the number itself. Composite numbers have more than two factors. 

In Science, we completed a Mystery Mineral investigation. We became "Experts" at investigating the physical properties of specific rocks. Then, together as a class, we had to figure out what type of rock each of our mystery rocks were, based upon their characteristics and attributes. Below are photos of us testing the color, streak color, luster, hardness, texture, whether or not it contains iron, and whether or not it contains carbonates.

What We're Learning this Week (October 29-November 2, 2012)

In Math on Monday, we began reviewing for our end of the unit assessment. Mrs. Elliott gave us a study guide that we will be using all week to help prepare us for our first Math Test.

In Science, we continued discussing food chains and food webs. Using cards with labels and diagrams, we took turns identifying various organisms as producers, consumers, or decomposers and then constructed a large food chain using the vocabulary we've been working on. We also discussed how EVERY food chain, no matter what organisms it's composed of, has to start with the sun, and has only one producer and one decomposer. It can have only one, or many consumers. 

In Math on Tuesday, we continued reviewing for our upcoming test. We reviewed the answers to questions 1-13 (last night's homework), worked them out as a class, discussed correct versus incorrect answers and began working on the next set of questions, 14-26 (Tuesday's homework). 

In Science, we continued our investigations of food chains and webs. In groups, we rotated through centers requiring us to complete a variety of different tasks. It was fun to change up our normal routine a little!

On Wednesday in Math, we continued working on our Study Guides in preparation for our test on Friday. 

In Science, we completed our station activities that we began yesterday and played a review game called "Scoot!". We "scooted" around the room when Mrs. Elliott said and answered a variety of questions about ecosystems, food chains, and food webs. It got us up out of our seats and moving around, while reviewing at the same time (kind of like musical chairs meets a study review!)

(Here we are in mid scoot!)

On Thursday, we spent the entire day studying and preparing for our tests. We practiced writing short answer and open response questions using the graphic organizer "RAE". R stands for restating the question, A stands for answering the question clearly, and E stands for explaining your answer or giving evidence to support the answer. We discussed how using this organizer to answer questions applies to all subject areas, not just Math and Science, but Reading and Social Studies as well. 

You're an Omnivore (Science Song!)

What We're Learning this Week (October 22-26, 2012)

In Math on Monday, we continued with what we began last Thursday...long division! We practiced dividing 3-digit numbers by 1-digit numbers with remainders. We practiced figuring out how to if there was a remainder, where to put it, and even how to write it in fraction form!

In Science, we began our next chapter of study which is over energy transfers in ecosystems. We defined our new vocabulary words, which were herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, producer, consumer, and decomposer AND learned a new song while we were at it! (See the above post!)

On Wednesday in Math we began working on dividing 4-digit numbers. We discovered that once you have the technique of long division down, it doesn't matter how many digits are in the number you are dividing, it's all the same. 

In Science, we created Wild Animal Menus. We had to get as creative as possible to create a menu fit for a wild animal! These included an entree and dessert for a carnivore, herbivore, omnivore and decomposer. Mrs. Elliott told us to get as creative as possible and come up with some unique, but nasty menu items! We loved it! Here's an example of some of our great work!

What We're Learning this Week (October 15-19, 2012)

On Monday in Math, we reviewed 2-digit by 2-digit multiplication yet again. Mrs. Elliott gave us a quiz and those of us who have mastered the concept got to work on the computers, iPads, and Kindle Fires while she worked in small groups with those of us who are still struggling a bit.

In Science, we picked up where we left off last week. We worked with partners on our Biome packets. We discussed how there are 6 different land biomes on Earth. These include the Desert, Tundra, Tiaga, Grassland/Savanna, Tropical Rain Forest and the Deciduous Forest. We located them on a map and read descriptions about each, including the types of wildlife, both plants and animals that live there, as well as weather conditions. We discovered that here in Kentucky, we live in the Deciduous Forest biome.

On Wednesday in Math, we began working on long division problems (3 digits divied by 1 digits) using the standard algorithm, which we refer to as the old school method. Mrs. Elliott showed us the "Long Division Cheat Code", which stands for divide, multiply, subtract, check, bring down and check to help us solve these problems. 

In Science, to continue our studying on ecosystems and how humans can negatively affect them, we simulated an oil spill. We had various different sorbents we had to use to help us clean up our polluted water ecosystem. When we were done with our investigation, we had to give our imput, ideas, and expertise, based upon what we had just investigated, to use to help the CEO and the head of the Disaster Control Team of a fuel company who had just experienced an oil spill. 

"Ecosystems" Science Song!

What We're Learning this Week (October 8-13, 2012)

This week is a short one and boy are we excited for Fall Break! That didn't keep up from getting down to business after an extended weekend, however. On Monday, in Math, we continued working with multiplication. We finished up our posters that we began last week. Working with a partner, we had to explain to and show a 3rd grader how to solve 2-digit by 2-digit multiplication problems. Check out some of our work!

In Science, we began studying ecosystems. We reviewed our new vocabulary for the first lesson, which included envirionment, ecosystem, population, and community. We discussed how one of a particular type of animal is an individual, while more than one of the same type of animal is a population. A community is a place where numerous populations co-exist, or live together. We also learned a new song that we love singing! (Check out the post above!)

"Circulatory System" Science Song!

What We're Learning this Week (September 24-28, 2012)

After an AMAZING field trip last week to 4-H camp, many of us were still recovering on Monday! (Teachers included, lol) However, it was back to business as usual. In Math, we began working on multi-digit multiplication. We started off by practicing multiplying 1-digit by 2-digit numbers. We observed that multiplying using the standard algorithm (the "old school" method) was actually very similar to addition. If you got an answer more than 9, you put the ones place answer down and carried the 10's. 

In Science, we began our study of chapter 4, which is over the human body. This chapter is LOADED with vocabulary words, many of which have definitions that are very similar, such as artery, capillary and vein. So, most of Monday was spent completing our V3 Vocabulary sheets and learning the definitions of our vocabulary words. 

On Tuesday in Math we continued working with multiplication. After reviewing and practicing 2-digit by 1-digit numbers Monday, Tuesday we were ready to move on to 3-digit by 1-digit numbers. 

In Science, we discussed how cells make tissues, tissues make organs, and finally how organs make organ systems. We also discussed how the digestive system works, including how it begins in the mouth the minute you begin chewing your food, before passing to the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. In groups, we began working on our human body models. We cut out, labeled, and identified the organs or parts discussed and what their function was within the digestive system. We will continue adding to our model as we discuss different body systems this week and next. 

On Wednesday in Math we worked with multiplication yet again. We conquered multiplying 4-digit by 1-digit numbers, which we decided was VERY familiar to 2-digit and 3-digit numbers like what we've worked with earlier in the week. 

In Science we continued our study of the human body. We discussed the respiratory system and it's important elements, such as the mouth, nasal passages, trachea, and lungs. We also talked about how oxygen travels from our mouth or nose, depending on how we breathe it in, to cells throughout our body. To add to our human body model, we again worked in our groups and labeled, cut out and identified key organs and parts, as well as their function within the respiratory system. 

"Adaptations" Science Song!