Springing into action

Our class has been very busy over the past month.  We have been grateful for pleasant weather; the third graders have enjoyed a few science classes outside as they explore forces of motion.  Here they are testing gravity with a few classroom objects.  They made predictions and recorded their results in a forces of motion journal they kept over the past few weeks.  This led into a discussion of simple machines where more explorations and experiments continued as the girls researched their own topic and presented their findings.

Recording our observations

Testing our hypotheses

Letting go

Testing friction and resistance

Figuring out how simple machines work

The fourth graders are motivated and continuing on with their extensive studies on Ohio history. Various trips to Carillon Park have further enriched their knowledge of their surroundings and a research project on a significant topic will be included in an Ohio scrapbook.  Look at the beautiful mural of Ohio they created!

The fourth graders took an interest in the creation of the Ohio seal and each came up with their own seal to represent themselves.  This led into a discussion on symbolism and why artists and writers use symbols in their work.  The fourth graders are now busy compiling their notes to create a scrapbook of Ohio history--they are well-versed on the subject and are happy to share their insights!

In science, the fourth graders explored states of matter and how physical and chemical changes can affect matter.  They compared mixtures and solutions and conducted an experiment that tested the density of certain liquids and how a chemical change can affect a solution.

Other activities in April have included a unit on research, including a trip to the Wright Memorial Public Library in Oakwood where the class used what they know on the Dewey Decimal System to look up books relevant to their research topics.  Photos will follow of their hard work on their floats they made for their Ohio history and animal parade.