welcome to the home of 4th grade online learning!
A NOTE FROM MRS. TAYLOR:
Hi families, I've been hearing that many families are having a hard time adjusting to online learning and completing assignments.
My goal is to have as many students as possible engaging in meaningful, enriching discussion about our class concepts, and I would rather have good thinking unfold over the course of a few weeks if that's what we need, than rush kids from assignment to assignment. Please reach out if you're having trouble completing assignments.
Suggested timelines for assignments found here:
Electric Circuits - Try to complete by April 10
Rocks and Minerals - Try to complete by April 24
Quarantine Time Capsule - Try to complete by April 30
Cardboard Construction - Try to Complete by May 8
Never quite got to one of these activities but now you're looking for something new to do? Go back and complete the ones you skipped. It's never too late to stretch your thinking.
Finished everything and looking for something new to do? Browse these pages for ideas:
Extra Challenges (resources for art, music, coding, science, math, and more)
Ideas for Kids - Cool ideas suggested by kids! Try these out and share your ideas, too!
Wildlife in Your Backyard (learn about the nature found all around you and share what you see in *your* yard)
<3 Love, Mrs. Taylor
electric circuits - try to complete by april 10
Hey there fourth graders!
1. Check out these online electrical circuit simulations then share your thoughts with the google form. You don't have to visit all these links, but you can if you want!
https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/circuit-construction-kit-dc/latest/circuit-construction-kit-dc_en.html
http://www.learningcircuits.co.uk/index.html
http://www.cleo.net.uk/consultants_resources/science/circuitWorld/index.html
Review Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oB1v-wh7EGU
2. Share your thinking with Mrs. Taylor through this google form:
https://forms.gle/q8ELvjW9dwhKm9MY6
3. Have more cool ideas? Want to ask a question? Just want to connect to other fourth graders? Go to the Discussion Board for 4th grade.
EXTRA CHALLENGES (INCLUDING STOP MOTION!)
Create a stop motion movie!
Some of you started creating stop motion videos in Enrichment class, demonstrating how to make a closed circuit. This is challenging, but fun work!
You will not likely have all the materials at home that we did at school to create the same kinds of circuits but... think outside the box! Tap into your art skills and create animations from drawings! Try taking apart a flashlight and putting it back together like we did in Enrichment several weeks ago... there are tons of options! Try out the "voiceover" function on Stop Motion Studio, as well, and tell us about what you are doing.
Use the resources below to create your own stop motion film showing what you know. If you share your movie with Mrs. Taylor, she can post it here!
Student Created Stop Motion #1
Student Created Stop Motion #2
Student Created Stop Motion #3
Learn about Stop Motion Studio (this is also an app that can be downloaded onto all tablets and phones)
Extra Challenge Resources (ask for parent permission - some require supervision)
Completing one of these experiments? Upload a file sharing what you did to the google poll linked above (last question allows file submission of all types)
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/18549
1. Check out these online electrical circuit simulations then share your thoughts with the google form. You don't have to visit all these links, but you can if you want!
https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/circuit-construction-kit-dc/latest/circuit-construction-kit-dc_en.html
http://www.learningcircuits.co.uk/index.html
http://www.cleo.net.uk/consultants_resources/science/circuitWorld/index.html
Review Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oB1v-wh7EGU
2. Share your thinking with Mrs. Taylor through this google form:
https://forms.gle/q8ELvjW9dwhKm9MY6
3. Have more cool ideas? Want to ask a question? Just want to connect to other fourth graders? Go to the Discussion Board for 4th grade.
EXTRA CHALLENGES (INCLUDING STOP MOTION!)
Create a stop motion movie!
Some of you started creating stop motion videos in Enrichment class, demonstrating how to make a closed circuit. This is challenging, but fun work!
You will not likely have all the materials at home that we did at school to create the same kinds of circuits but... think outside the box! Tap into your art skills and create animations from drawings! Try taking apart a flashlight and putting it back together like we did in Enrichment several weeks ago... there are tons of options! Try out the "voiceover" function on Stop Motion Studio, as well, and tell us about what you are doing.
Use the resources below to create your own stop motion film showing what you know. If you share your movie with Mrs. Taylor, she can post it here!
Student Created Stop Motion #1
Student Created Stop Motion #2
Student Created Stop Motion #3
Learn about Stop Motion Studio (this is also an app that can be downloaded onto all tablets and phones)
Extra Challenge Resources (ask for parent permission - some require supervision)
Completing one of these experiments? Upload a file sharing what you did to the google poll linked above (last question allows file submission of all types)
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/18549
rocks and minerals
try to complete by april 24
Hey there fourth grade geologists, your discussion post for the week of March 26 - April 2 is on rock formations.
Watch this video I took during my family's trip to Hanging Rock State Park, and then head over to the Discussion Board to talk about what you see. In your post, try to use at LEAST four of the following vocabulary words correctly in your post. There are links below the list in case you need to review any of the terms.
luster
sediment
properties
crystals
sedimentary rocks
igneous rocks
metamorphic rocks
erosion
weathering
cleavage
streak
https://www.quia.com/jg/1234738list.html
https://quizlet.com/101342732/rocks-minerals-vocabulary-bo-4th-grade-flash-cards/
Video link: https://youtu.be/vUPneHA40rY
Hey there fourth grade geologists, your discussion post for the week of March 26 - April 2 is on rock formations.
Watch this video I took during my family's trip to Hanging Rock State Park, and then head over to the Discussion Board to talk about what you see. In your post, try to use at LEAST four of the following vocabulary words correctly in your post. There are links below the list in case you need to review any of the terms.
luster
sediment
properties
crystals
sedimentary rocks
igneous rocks
metamorphic rocks
erosion
weathering
cleavage
streak
Watch this video I took during my family's trip to Hanging Rock State Park, and then head over to the Discussion Board to talk about what you see. In your post, try to use at LEAST four of the following vocabulary words correctly in your post. There are links below the list in case you need to review any of the terms.
luster
sediment
properties
crystals
sedimentary rocks
igneous rocks
metamorphic rocks
erosion
weathering
cleavage
streak
https://www.quia.com/jg/1234738list.html
https://quizlet.com/101342732/rocks-minerals-vocabulary-bo-4th-grade-flash-cards/
Video link: https://youtu.be/vUPneHA40rY
Hey there fourth grade geologists, your discussion post for the week of March 26 - April 2 is on rock formations.
Watch this video I took during my family's trip to Hanging Rock State Park, and then head over to the Discussion Board to talk about what you see. In your post, try to use at LEAST four of the following vocabulary words correctly in your post. There are links below the list in case you need to review any of the terms.
luster
sediment
properties
crystals
sedimentary rocks
igneous rocks
metamorphic rocks
erosion
weathering
cleavage
streak
quarantine time capsule
try to complete by april 30
For this Enrichment activity, you'll make a "time capsule" showing what your life was like during this time. I *think* the images above can be downloaded and printed at your house, but different computer systems will vary in how they "behave" for tasks like that, so I've typed up the directions below, too.
As you work on this project, you can talk to your classmates about what you chose for the time capsule in the Discussion Board. You can also keep this project private. It's up to you.
Try to complete this by April 24.
Didn't quite get to it? Complete it when you get to it.
As you work on this project, you can talk to your classmates about what you chose for the time capsule in the Discussion Board. You can also keep this project private. It's up to you.
Try to complete this by April 24.
Didn't quite get to it? Complete it when you get to it.
One day, when you are an adult, you will want to look back and remember exactly what you were doing and feeling during this dramatic moment in history. Making a time capsule is a good way to preserve this moment and send your future self the gift of memories.
Materials: Shoebox, wrapping paper writing/ art utensils, tape, computer/ tablet/ device, personal objects
1. Using stationery, plain paper, or typing on your computer, write a letter to your future self, answering as many of the following questions as you or your future family might want to know about:
* What was a typical day like before the COVID-19 pandemic?
* When did you first hear about the virus?
* How did you feel when you heard that school was moving to "distance learning?"
* What was the last "normal" day of school like?
* What was the first day of "distance learning" like?
* What were some of your feelings as you adjusted to the new "normal?"
* What is a typical "distance learning" day like for you?
* How are you staying connected with friends and family during this time?
* What are some new activities or skills you have tried during this time?
* What kinds of music, movies, books, and shows have you been enjoying during this time?
* What are some new activities or skills you have tried during this time?
* What is the hardest thing about social distancing?
* What is the funniest thing that has happened during this time?
* What are your biggest worries and your biggest hopes right now?
* Any other questions you can think of or things you want to share - add them!
Be sure to add your age and the date to your letter. Be honest. Don't censor yourself or "sugar-coat" your feelings.
2. Gather some artifacts. These can be anything that will fit in your shoebox. Try to represent what is important to you right now. Here are some suggestions:
- photos
- letters
- pressed flowers or leaves from your yard right now
- art you created
- small toys
- printouts of news articles
- a hand-drawn map of your home and/ or neighborhood
- anything else that tells about who you are and what you are doing and feeling right now
Place your artifacts in the shoebox along with your letter. Make sure those items are things you won't mind seeing for awhile!
3. Wrap your shoebox up in wrapping paper:
* Tape the lid shut.
* Wrap the box like a birthday gift, with any kind of wrapping paper. You can use a brown paper grocery bag or newspaper or old artworks or schoolwork if you don't have wrapping paper.
* Decorate the outside of the box however you like.
* Tape a label on the box with the date it was made and a date you want to open it. You can make it 10, 20, or even 30 years in the future!
4. Talk to your parents about finding a safe place to put the box where you will be able to find it later. Think of some way to remind yourself to come back and open it later.
This is adapted slightly from an idea created by Sally Meehan at The Montessori School of Winston-Salem. I loved this idea and wanted to share it with all of you! Let me know if there are things we should add to the lists above (email me at [email protected])
ENRICHMENT CARDBOARD CONSTRUCTION CHALLENGE: APRIL 24 - MAY 8Here's what you need to do:
- Collect cardboard around your house. Old cereal boxes? Toilet paper or paper towel tubes? All those boxes from your parents ordering stuff from Amazon? Put them to good use!!
- Build, build, build! If at first you don't succeed, learn from your mistakes and try again.
- Share with me: Make a short video or take some photos and write a description.
In your description, tell me:
- What you made
- What was challenging about your project
- What was fun about your project
Go to the Cardboard Construction page to share your thoughts and see what other kids have created:
Cardboard Construction
This will be our feature for Tinker Tuesday in a few weeks, and I would LOVE to share what YOU create!
- Need some inspiration or an extra challenge? Check out these resources!!
Caine's Arcade (this kid created a cardboard arcade full of games for the neighborhood to enjoy):
http://cainesarcade.com/
Marble Mazes:
https://edu.workbencheducation.com/cwists/preview/11276-stem-marble-maze-challengex
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3uH0wHRMho&disable_polymer=true
Rube Goldberg Machines from Recycled Materials:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEOB-iL-5VM
Materials: Shoebox, wrapping paper writing/ art utensils, tape, computer/ tablet/ device, personal objects
1. Using stationery, plain paper, or typing on your computer, write a letter to your future self, answering as many of the following questions as you or your future family might want to know about:
* What was a typical day like before the COVID-19 pandemic?
* When did you first hear about the virus?
* How did you feel when you heard that school was moving to "distance learning?"
* What was the last "normal" day of school like?
* What was the first day of "distance learning" like?
* What were some of your feelings as you adjusted to the new "normal?"
* What is a typical "distance learning" day like for you?
* How are you staying connected with friends and family during this time?
* What are some new activities or skills you have tried during this time?
* What kinds of music, movies, books, and shows have you been enjoying during this time?
* What are some new activities or skills you have tried during this time?
* What is the hardest thing about social distancing?
* What is the funniest thing that has happened during this time?
* What are your biggest worries and your biggest hopes right now?
* Any other questions you can think of or things you want to share - add them!
Be sure to add your age and the date to your letter. Be honest. Don't censor yourself or "sugar-coat" your feelings.
2. Gather some artifacts. These can be anything that will fit in your shoebox. Try to represent what is important to you right now. Here are some suggestions:
- photos
- letters
- pressed flowers or leaves from your yard right now
- art you created
- small toys
- printouts of news articles
- a hand-drawn map of your home and/ or neighborhood
- anything else that tells about who you are and what you are doing and feeling right now
Place your artifacts in the shoebox along with your letter. Make sure those items are things you won't mind seeing for awhile!
3. Wrap your shoebox up in wrapping paper:
* Tape the lid shut.
* Wrap the box like a birthday gift, with any kind of wrapping paper. You can use a brown paper grocery bag or newspaper or old artworks or schoolwork if you don't have wrapping paper.
* Decorate the outside of the box however you like.
* Tape a label on the box with the date it was made and a date you want to open it. You can make it 10, 20, or even 30 years in the future!
4. Talk to your parents about finding a safe place to put the box where you will be able to find it later. Think of some way to remind yourself to come back and open it later.
This is adapted slightly from an idea created by Sally Meehan at The Montessori School of Winston-Salem. I loved this idea and wanted to share it with all of you! Let me know if there are things we should add to the lists above (email me at [email protected])
ENRICHMENT CARDBOARD CONSTRUCTION CHALLENGE: APRIL 24 - MAY 8Here's what you need to do:
- Collect cardboard around your house. Old cereal boxes? Toilet paper or paper towel tubes? All those boxes from your parents ordering stuff from Amazon? Put them to good use!!
- Build, build, build! If at first you don't succeed, learn from your mistakes and try again.
- Share with me: Make a short video or take some photos and write a description.
In your description, tell me:
- What you made
- What was challenging about your project
- What was fun about your project
Go to the Cardboard Construction page to share your thoughts and see what other kids have created:
Cardboard Construction
This will be our feature for Tinker Tuesday in a few weeks, and I would LOVE to share what YOU create!
- Need some inspiration or an extra challenge? Check out these resources!!
Caine's Arcade (this kid created a cardboard arcade full of games for the neighborhood to enjoy):
http://cainesarcade.com/
Marble Mazes:
https://edu.workbencheducation.com/cwists/preview/11276-stem-marble-maze-challengex
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3uH0wHRMho&disable_polymer=true
Rube Goldberg Machines from Recycled Materials:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEOB-iL-5VM