If We Only Saw Red...

This is a cool article and picture from NASA. For 2 extra points and a smartie board entry, let's link this article to the electromagnetic spectrum; why would Saturn's rings look like that if our eyes can only see the color red? Also, write at least one word you do not know with the definition.


http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA18301


Here is a picture of what Saturn's rings look like. This image was taken in March 2003 by NASA when Saturn's rings were at maximum tilt towards earth. This happens every 15 years! BONUS: What year will NASA be able to view Saturn's rings at maximum tilt towards earth?

Valentine's Day

Today is our Valentine's Day party, the results of our recycling contest, and doing fun experiments involving candy. I am taking our experiments from the link below. I encourage my students to try science experiments at home with parental consent.

http://kidshealth.org/kid/closet/experiments/experiments_candy.html?tracking=81696_C#

I Love Mountain Day

Today we did an activity educating 4th grade students about mountain top removal. This lesson was created by our 4th grade math teacher, Mrs. Mattingly.  We discussed renewable and non renewable energy sources, sustainability, problem and solutions, and used an instruction method that incorporated kinesthetic, visual, and audiological learning styles.

We also included diversity in our learning. Our students in our FMD classroom made the muffins themselves for our science lesson. We are so lucky to have such great students who share their talents.  

Our experiment was posted on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Berea-Community-Elementary-School/134059346654169

Moving on to Light

We took our test on sound and waves Tuesday 2/13/15. We are not transitioning into light. We will revisit waves after our next topic: thermal energy.

Here is a video from one of my favorite scientists Bill Nye

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtgBHsSzCPE

We will be watching this video in class and having a discussion about it.


Challenge Question: If a room is completely dark with no light coming through, will our eyes eventually adjust to the darkness?

Sound Waves & Amplitude

Here is the powerpoint we reviewed in class.  We will be having a quiz 2/3/15.  Questions and comments are always welcomed.  Have a great weekend!

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1cJWi-M737mBDVLxfHFLwns8-Cvcc-BMI6T04Y3RH-_s/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000

Cause and Effect

Our homework assignment this week will be cause and effect of sound.  The purpose is to develop a deeper understanding by explaining step by step the cause and effect.  This is a youtube video explaining cause and effect.  I will also attach the worksheet we are using. Students can use a blank piece of paper if they did not get a worksheet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-cl=84503534&v=rwDpJC6MEzo&x-yt-ts=1421914688#t=82

Homework Graph: Bug Sounds

The week of January 20th all classes had a homework assignment called Bug Sounds. This homework is posted on our science blog.  Writing, reading and math are vital to success in any field, including our 4th grade science class :) Students have been introduced to rubrics in their writing and I have introduced a rubric for our science homework.  Rubrics set goals and expectations, and it allows our class to improve their writing skills.  The bar graph examines three pieces of data: the number of students who revised their homework, the students who did not revise, and students who did not turn it in.  This is categorized by class and we will graph our homework progress.  Our class goal is to increase the number of students turning in their homework and making revisions.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1feaYFRwXC7SIfhBrypTLMi2QMX68F-8hRr-DXqUcJHM/pubhtml