A Blast from the Past

Here's the link to a game that no 4th grader should ever go without:

Oregon Trail

Colorado History and Primary Sources

We will be using the following website in many of our future Reading and Social Studies lessons:

Colorado Historical Society

Discovery Education

Starting today, we are going to start the exciting process of learning through Discovery Education.  This website it amazing!  Students can look at videos, complete assignments, play games, and much more!  Today, everyone will received their own username and password.  We will begin exploring this website today in computer lab.

Here's the link to get there:
http://www.discoveryeducation.com/

Quick Reviews of all Subjects

On which subject would you like to work today?

Math:  Fractions
Khan Academy fractions
other Fraction Math games

Science:  Magnets and Electricity
Build a Circuit  (do not do any of the other simulations)
Magnet and Compass Simulator
Magnets and Electromagnets

Social Studies:  Businesses, Products, and Resources
Go back to the old post that has these games

Writing:  How-To
Write Source-- Look at examples of student writing
How to draw Pokemon
Recipes on Food Network

Reading:  Poetry
Read some funny poems

Science Fair Web Sites

Having a difficult time finding some science fair ideas?  Try these websites:

Science Buddies
Science Fair Project Ideas
All Science Fair Projects
Science Kids
Science Fair Projects World
Science Fair Extravaganza

If you can't find what you're looking for on these sites, let me know.  I would be more than happy to help you create a science fair project that suits your interests.

Halfway through the Year: Things to Remember

We are done with second quarter!!!  Can you believe that we're halfway through the year?!

As we get ready to face the rest of the year (which, in my experience, goes waaaaaaay faster than the first half), here are some important things to remember:

• This week, students will be working on Homework Packet 13.  They are expected to do all of the pages.  We have been working on similar material in class, so they should be able to complete the packet without too much trouble.  However, I hope that they do not hesitate to ask me if they have any questions on the homework packet.  It is due Friday, January 16.
• For Fraction Friday this week, we made Shipwreck Stew.  Students will get this recipe, along with all others, in a classroom cookbook to be distributed at the end of our fraction unit.  Next week, we will be making either a chocolate mousse or some kind of a fruit dip.  I guess it depends on what goes on sale at grocery stores this week.  I'll let you know which ingredients we'll be using on Friday in case you would like to donate some to our class.
• Science Fair is quickly approaching--it will be on Thursday, January 22!  Students are not required to participate.  We have talked about experiments in class, and those who are participating should be working hard on their projects.  If a student participates and does a really nice job on their project, they will get 2 Free Homework Passes!  If a student participates and does an OK job on their project, they will be 1 Free Homework Pass.  If a student participates but their project shows a lack of effort, they will not get any free homework passes.  Let me know if you are having trouble with your projects.  I would love to help you get started!
• In about a month (mid-February), we will be having Parent-Teacher Conferences.  I believe that the dates for this will be Thursday, February 12 in the evening; Friday, February 13 from noon to 4; and Tuesday, February 17 in the evening.  Start clearing your schedules.  If you'd like to let me know in advance when you'd like to come in, I would be more than happy to accommodate your schedule.

Finally, I'd also like to thank all of my families and students for being so patient with me as I was out at the beginning of this week.  My students have shown an outpouring of sympathy at the death of my grandmother.  Their kindness and concern has touched me and made the experience a little easier.  You families are raising some great kids!  Let's keep up the good work!