Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Force of Attraction

The 3rd and 4th graders are exploring magnetism and electricity.  They have enjoyed learning about the force of magnetism.  In learning the words attract (pull) and repel (push), they got to push and pull Mrs. Moulton around the classroom.  I don't know why, but they loved it! 

The students are learning to conduct a science experiment to test a hypothesis and then analyzing the data.  Thinking about the science behind why or how things happen can be challenging.



"Time Out for Whoopie" - Learning About Economics


Our Craft Fair was a huge success!  All the students made a profit and enjoyed the experience.  Our class was even able to donate $69.34 to the United Way of Grand Isle and Franklin County to help fight Homelessness.  Each student donated a small percentage (between 10% and 35% ) of their profits to this excellent charity.  The students showed great concern for those that are less fortunate.

In developing their own small business and learning about economics, the students had the opportunity to hear from a local, small business owner.  Shannon Kadish of "Time out for Whoopie" came to the classroom to talk about her experiences as a small business owner.  She answered all of our questions and even shared a taste of her delicious product.  It was a true delight and wonderful learning experience!  Thank you Mrs. Kadish.




 

Yum!! Those Whoopie Pies are Delicious!!

Monday, November 3, 2014

Math and Science with Pumpkins


We started our pumpkin investigation last week by reading the first part of Margaret McNamara's book, "How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin?"

Before counting the seeds, there was much work to be done.  The students first named their pumpkins.  We welcomed, Alice, Steve, Billy-Bob Jo, Amelia Bedelia, Fred, Amy, and Alvin to our classroom! 

The students then began to collect QUALITATIVE and QUANTITATIVE data about their pumpkins.  Qualitative data is information you can collect using your senses; smell, sight, sound, and touch.  Quantitative data is information that names a quantity or a number; for example, we collected information on our pumpkins weight, circumference, and the number of creases.

Time to start counting!!!  After a discussion about whether or not our qualitative or quantitative data could help us predict the number of seeds in our pumpkin, we made predictions.  Then we got messy!

Finally it was time to start counting the seeds.  We had people grouping their seeds into groups of 2, 5, 10, and 20.  This lead to a lot of great discussions about counting with large numbers.

Friday, August 29, 2014

Welcome Back!


Ask Me About…

Did you know that we need to learn at least 1,000 new words each year during school to have a healthy vocabulary?  In third and fourth grade we are happy to report that we have already added 3 new words to our vocabulary! 

Currency – This is money!  Or in general, anything used in exchange for another item.  For example, in Mrs. Moulton’s classroom, BOXTOPS are a form of currency.  10 Boxtops can be exchanged for 1 prize from the prize box.

Transfer – To move from one place to another.  The first day of school brought conversations about Forest Fires and heat transfer.  We read the article, “Battling Blazes” by J. Bubar and the Scholastic News team and conducted a science experiment, “Bubble and Boil,” to make observations about energy and how it can be transferred by heat.

Preference (prefer) – to like one thing better than another.  I am very excited to report that the third and fourth graders are very enthusiastic about mathematics this year!  This makes me J!  Most of the students prefer to do math with a friend or in a small group, not alone. 

Along with building our vocabulary we are learning the “Expectations” of being a third and fourth grader.  For example, this week we have already learned the 3 important line expectations (also known as ‘rules’): Face forward, Stay quiet so we don’t disrupt others, and have a plan for our hands.  We also traveled to the playground with Mr. Resteghini and learned the many playground expectations so that we can all stay safe.

We have had Music, Library, and P.E. this week as well.  In music we sang a song all about the United States.  We will be learning about the Regions of the United States soon.  In Library the students got folders and passwords for the computer and in P.E. there was a lot of running!  The Unified Arts schedule for the year is as follows:

Monday & Friday – P.E. (*sneakers!)

Tuesday – Art (with our new Art Teacher, Mr. Lee)

Wednesday – Music

Thursday – Library and Guidance


This is going to be a great year!