In science, we have been working on a unit about classification of living things. The students have looked at examples from the kingdoms that are used to sort living organisms: plants, animals, protists, fungi, and bacteria. We have observed how various organisms survive using their unique features. Today we observed a spore print that the students made in pairs from a mushroom cap. They are also growing fava bean plants to observe how a plant can be classified based on its growth pattern. We welcomed 10 goldfish, 250 red worms, and 5 hermit crabs into our classroom this week. We will be observing their characteristics in upcoming science lessons.
One of our fantastic students researched a website that gives a plethora of examples of organisms from each type of classification. I have added the link under Student Links. Check it out to find information about specific plants, animals, fungi, and much more!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
New Student Link: Poptropica
Happy Mid-Week Fantastic 4th Graders! Here is a cool site to check out on your day off. It's called Poptropica.com and it is a virtual quest full of competition, games, and a little history! Create an avatar to travel through the island levels and meet famous historical figures along the way, all while competing to win medallions for each mission. The website includes places for you to chat with other players (using your safe avatar name), information about locations throughout the world, and games brimming with friendly competition. I have added a link to Poptropica under student links.
Leave a comment giving your review if you check it out!
Leave a comment giving your review if you check it out!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Edmodo is up and running!
Calling all fantastic 4th graders!
Our class edmodo account is now up and running after weeks of anticipation. The students have their usernames and passwords that they created during last week's computer lab time. To access edmodo, all you have to do is click the link on this page under Student Links or visit http://www.edmodo.com/.
Edmodo is a free and secure social learning network for teachers, students and schools. On edmodo, classes can safely connect and collaborate, in order to exchange ideas, share content, and access homework, grades and school notices.
Before we begin using edmodo on a regular basis, there are several guidelines for students to follow when on our group site:
1. Do not reveal any personal information on Edmodo. No telephone numbers, addresses, or other students’ names. Address your classmates either by initials or their username.
2. Do not post photos or videos showing yourself or classmates.
3. Keep conversations on topic. There is a proper place (for almost anything you’d like to share. Just be patient!
4. Use appropriate language. If you’re not sure if a word or joke is okay, then it’s not.
5. There will be a zero tolerance policy for posts that tease, bully, annoy, spam, or gossip about any other member.
6. If someone posts an inappropriate remark, kindly ask them to edit or remove it.
By following these guidelines, edmodo will be a fun, safe, and exciting place for us to share ideas and knowledge.
Our class edmodo account is now up and running after weeks of anticipation. The students have their usernames and passwords that they created during last week's computer lab time. To access edmodo, all you have to do is click the link on this page under Student Links or visit http://www.edmodo.com/.
Edmodo is a free and secure social learning network for teachers, students and schools. On edmodo, classes can safely connect and collaborate, in order to exchange ideas, share content, and access homework, grades and school notices.
Before we begin using edmodo on a regular basis, there are several guidelines for students to follow when on our group site:
1. Do not reveal any personal information on Edmodo. No telephone numbers, addresses, or other students’ names. Address your classmates either by initials or their username.
2. Do not post photos or videos showing yourself or classmates.
3. Keep conversations on topic. There is a proper place (for almost anything you’d like to share. Just be patient!
4. Use appropriate language. If you’re not sure if a word or joke is okay, then it’s not.
5. There will be a zero tolerance policy for posts that tease, bully, annoy, spam, or gossip about any other member.
6. If someone posts an inappropriate remark, kindly ask them to edit or remove it.
By following these guidelines, edmodo will be a fun, safe, and exciting place for us to share ideas and knowledge.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Welcome to Our Blog!
Welcome Fantastic Fourth Graders! This is our new class blog, where I will have lots great information about learning and working together as a community of learners. On this blog, parents can find links to great sites to enrich what we are learning in class. Students can find fun games to practice the skills we are learning and everyone will be able to stay up-to-date with upcoming events and special assignments.
Without a doubt, this first month of school has been a wonderful opportunity for the students in our class to get to know one another and to bond over their love of learning. We got started on the right foot by establishing our classroom routines and procedures. The students created exceptional "All About Me" newspapers to show off at Back to School Night. They have been working hard in math as well and have even gotten started with several science experiments.
Check out our year as we soar to success together! All of the highlights will be here!
Without a doubt, this first month of school has been a wonderful opportunity for the students in our class to get to know one another and to bond over their love of learning. We got started on the right foot by establishing our classroom routines and procedures. The students created exceptional "All About Me" newspapers to show off at Back to School Night. They have been working hard in math as well and have even gotten started with several science experiments.
Check out our year as we soar to success together! All of the highlights will be here!
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