Electrical Energy

Students are learning how to build closed circuits and represent these circuits using schematic diagrams.  Schematic diagrams are an efficient, organized way to communicate information about circuits because they use an agreed upon set of symbols.  Electrical engineers use schematic diagrams.  Ask your student if they can show you the symbols for light bulb, battery, wire, and switch.

Recess Time!

Students had a blast playing with the freshly fallen snow today at recess.  It was perfect snowman snow!  This snowball was started by one student but quickly became too big for her to handle.  It took teamwork to roll this massive ball of snow around the playground.  It was great to get outside and enjoy the weather.  Lately, the frigid temperatures have meant many inside recess days.

Word of the Week

Our word of the week (W.O.W.) is judgment.  We defined judgment as the ability to judge, make a decision, or form an opinion objectively, authoritatively, and wisely.  Our synonyms are discernment and wisdom.  Each week our word is used as the "magic word" for transitions, writing prompts, or morning meeting discussions.  We have been focusing on character trait words so far this year.  Some of our past words are:  perspective, grit, humility, zest, humor, gratitude, and curiosity.

Nutcracker Performance

On Thursday fourth grade students performed the Nutcracker for  a large audience of parents.  Thank you all for coming!  Students will be putting on two more shows next week for GEMS students.  A big thank you to Mrs. Sweeney who has worked hard since fall to prepare students for their holiday show.

Sound Exploration

Students explored sound at three different stations In the Lightbulb Lab on Monday. They worked to observe and record what they heard and saw happening and to develop their own claim that could be supported with evidence.

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Severe Weather Public Service Announcements

During our study of weather students came to the understanding that humans can predict, but not control a weather event.  However, there are things we can do to limit the impact of the event and keep ourselves safe.  Students worked with partners to research various severe weather events. Then they worked in small groups to write a script and perform a PSA that would inform others about the severe weather and how to stay safe.  

Tsunami PSA

Tornado PSA

Lightning PSA

Hurricane PSA

Blizzard PSA

Vermont Geography

This week students explored Vermont maps and learned how to use map features to help them locate towns and geographical features of Vermont.  Ask your child how the following map features can help them:  title, index, map scale, map legend, symbols, compass rose, boundaries, and grid.  In addition, see if they can tell you the name of the largest lake and the tallest mountain peak in Vermont.