We completed our second Project Lead The Way activity this month, called Variation of Traits. First, students took a trait survey about inherited and learned traits. They collected data and graphed the class results. Then, they looked at different characteristics in plants, such as stem length, flower color and the shape of leaves. They watched videos and participated in activities to learn about dominant and recessive genes, and the difference between genotype and phenotype. They gathered data and constructed Punnett squares to determine what genes were possible in successive generations of plants. They sprouted their own seeds to look at stem color in three generations of pea plants. Some students planted the sprouts, hoping they would grow.
The 4 Winds topic this month was Winter Ways, focused on how plants and animals survive in the winter. They learned that animals might migrate, hibernate, stay dormant or remain active during these months. They participated in a puppet show, and other indoor activities, including two where they had to guess an animal from a series of clues, or place a plant or animal in the correct season. They also constructed a “bouquet” of winter weeds. Time was then spent going into the woods and looking and listening for animals and signs of their presence. There were lots of footprints, bark rubbings, woodpecker holes and other evidence of activity.
As a follow up activity, we read the book Who Lives in the Snow? by Jennifer Berry Jones and constructed a mural of Vermont plants and animals in the winter.
Students read a variety of novels, participating in group discussions, focused vocabulary and comprehension activities and journal writing. At the conclusion of the book, they wrote a Response to Text, focusing on the characteristics of one of the main characters. Students identified the structure of the genre, before creating their own pieces, with clear introductions, focus statements, paragraphs with supporting details, and conclusions.
Standardized Tests - SBAC and NAEP
Both grades have started to practice a little for the standardized tests that they will be taking in May. This is the SBAC (Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium). We have used a few math periods to practice and review math skills, and will also spend time on reading skills.
The fourth graders will also participate in NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) on Monday, February 6. This is a separate assessment that fourth graders across the country complete, just lasting one session. Students might take a reading or math test on this day, which is selected randomly.
On Monday, February 13, our classes will be traveling to the Flynn Theater, along with the rest of the school, to see Momix: Opus Cactus. There is a charge for this performance of $8.50. Please send this in by the end of this week. If this presents a problem, please let us know. We will be leaving around 8:00, and be back in time to have lunch at school.
The following description is from the Flynn Website:
From the incredible mind of Vermont’s own Moses Pendleton (former founding member of Pilobolus), MOMIX was born—a group of amazingly athletic dancer/illusionists who bring students on an unforgettable journey into the imagination. In the multimedia spectacular Opus Cactus they bring to fantastical life the flora and fauna of the American Southwest using outlandish dance, outrageous costumes, inventive contraptions, and riveting Native American music to explore life in the desert. Contorting themselves into dynamic images of cacti, slithering lizards, bounding antelopes, and windblown tumbleweeds, MOMIX dancers explode our sense of the possible with quirky humor and incredible visuals.
We will be celebrating Valentine’s Day/Friendship Day on Tuesday, February 14th. Students may choose whether or not to bring in valentines for their classmates. If they choose to bring in cards, they must include valentines for EVERYONE in their class, or NONE at all. If they want to give valentines to students in the other 3/4 classroom, these must also be for EVERYONE in the class, or NONE at all. We will have a small celebration at snack time when we exchange the valentines. If you would like to send in a healthy snack for February 14th, please let us know by email.