Fourth graders were challenged with the task of examining the factors that contribute to their identity. To start our week, grade 4's were asked to brainstorm about themselves- from characteristics to likes and hobbies. From these student brainstorms, we complied a class list of factors that we felt contributed to identity.
Students were asked to choose 3 (from 16 possible categories) that they felt had the most impact on who they are. They needed to expand on their choosing and give 3 strong reasons for each selection.
In the coming weeks, fourth graders will continue to decipher what it is that makes them so unique and will begin exploring the connection of identity to artifacts. We have booked a program, through the Glenbow museum, that allows a curator to come to the school and further expand on this idea.
It was an amazing week of exploration in both mathematics and science. In mathematics, the students have been presented with 2 problems, 15 Cards and The Deca Tree. The biggest areas for growth have been how to present the work in an organized manner, being able to double check the work, utilizing the classroom community for support and building confidence. The most important aspect of working through a problem is in the process in which we communicate our findings. The final solution will be apparent if we can support it with proof. When all the work is on the page then we can find where in the problem there was an issue and find strategies to work through them.
The science and mathematical setting is one of sharing knowledge. We rarely work in isolation. We have been encouraging the students to try on their own first, then pair with a peer and finally we come together as a community to share strategies.
In science, we have furthered our exploration of the “unknown” through documenting our hands on activities. The grade 4’s used bone charts to see if their conjectures can be supported with more evidence. Once they had sufficient time to attempt a reconstruction of their specimens they made a conclusion of their exploration based on the questions: What do I know? How do I know? They looked back into all the sketches and notes to support their evidence. Yes, the original “unknown” was an Owl Pellet filled with fur, bones, feathers and miscellaneous items an owl would have eaten.
Quote from the science lab -“I’m not sure if it’s a baby mouse. We don’t have enough evidence yet”
Camp Sweet:
In addition to our daily schedule, fourth graders will also need to start getting prepared for their first Camp sweet experience. The 4.1/ 4.2 pod will be departing for Camp on Wednesday, September 10th and returning on friday, September 12th. The 4.3/ 4.4 pod will be leaving for camp on Tuesday, September 16th and returning Thursday the 18th.
In order to help families be prepared for this upcoming trip, a suggested packing list has been posted under "Links and Important Docs". Information booklets will go home with students on Wednesday, September 3rd. All forms will need to be signed and returned by Friday, September 5th.
We also ask that time is spent with your child to ensure that they can roll their sleeping bags and foamies/ mattresses themselves and are able to pack and unpack their belongings. We strongly encourage students to pack their own bags before heading out to camp and would ask that belongings are labeled.
Students were asked to choose 3 (from 16 possible categories) that they felt had the most impact on who they are. They needed to expand on their choosing and give 3 strong reasons for each selection.
In the coming weeks, fourth graders will continue to decipher what it is that makes them so unique and will begin exploring the connection of identity to artifacts. We have booked a program, through the Glenbow museum, that allows a curator to come to the school and further expand on this idea.
It was an amazing week of exploration in both mathematics and science. In mathematics, the students have been presented with 2 problems, 15 Cards and The Deca Tree. The biggest areas for growth have been how to present the work in an organized manner, being able to double check the work, utilizing the classroom community for support and building confidence. The most important aspect of working through a problem is in the process in which we communicate our findings. The final solution will be apparent if we can support it with proof. When all the work is on the page then we can find where in the problem there was an issue and find strategies to work through them.
The science and mathematical setting is one of sharing knowledge. We rarely work in isolation. We have been encouraging the students to try on their own first, then pair with a peer and finally we come together as a community to share strategies.
In science, we have furthered our exploration of the “unknown” through documenting our hands on activities. The grade 4’s used bone charts to see if their conjectures can be supported with more evidence. Once they had sufficient time to attempt a reconstruction of their specimens they made a conclusion of their exploration based on the questions: What do I know? How do I know? They looked back into all the sketches and notes to support their evidence. Yes, the original “unknown” was an Owl Pellet filled with fur, bones, feathers and miscellaneous items an owl would have eaten.
Quote from the science lab -“I’m not sure if it’s a baby mouse. We don’t have enough evidence yet”
Camp Sweet:
In addition to our daily schedule, fourth graders will also need to start getting prepared for their first Camp sweet experience. The 4.1/ 4.2 pod will be departing for Camp on Wednesday, September 10th and returning on friday, September 12th. The 4.3/ 4.4 pod will be leaving for camp on Tuesday, September 16th and returning Thursday the 18th.
In order to help families be prepared for this upcoming trip, a suggested packing list has been posted under "Links and Important Docs". Information booklets will go home with students on Wednesday, September 3rd. All forms will need to be signed and returned by Friday, September 5th.
We also ask that time is spent with your child to ensure that they can roll their sleeping bags and foamies/ mattresses themselves and are able to pack and unpack their belongings. We strongly encourage students to pack their own bags before heading out to camp and would ask that belongings are labeled.
A few pictures of our grade 4's co-constructing the identity categories:
On Friday, Sept. 5, all 100 grade 4's will be heading to the Weaselhead for the afternoon. We will be learning some of the games and activities that will be part of our Camp Sweet experience. Please ensure that your child has a water bottle and appropriate footwear. If you are interested in volunteering to help out on this field trip, please contact your child's homeroom teacher.
Have a terrific long weekend!
Have a terrific long weekend!