BUILDING WITH BUCKETS

Can you design and build a load bearing tower that includes a suspended container?

This was our challenge today. We worked in groups to construct a tower that would support a bucket that could hold a load of pennies. The materials we were given were:

• 20 straws
• string
• 1 meter of masking tape and
• a plastic cup with holes punched in it.

Each team received their materials and had 3 minutes to plan a design. They were then given 10 minutes to execute their plan. We learned a lot about teamwork, perseverance, design and redesign, problem solving and having fun while learning.

Each team worked cooperatively to create very different towers. Take a look to see what we invented.

LIVELY, LOVELY LANDFORMS!

We have been studying landforms in our current science unit. To reinforce and bring to life the vocabulary terms, 4K went to CLIC to create models of mountains, plateaus, plains, and much more. We  also watched this video (click here) in addition to reading about Earth's features.

Standard Addressed:

4-ESS2-2. Analyze and interpret data from maps to describe patterns of Earth’s features. 

OUR CHANGING EARTH

Our first unit in science asks us to think about the Earth's surface and its features. We are considering questions such as:

What are Earth's features?

How did they form?

Why are they constantly changing?

Why is this important to know about?

We conducted a simulation of earthquakes to help us develop answers to some of these questions. We covered styrofoam pieces with soil and then used a block to tap underneath the tray. Just like scientists, we carefully recorded our results and then analyzed our data. 

Here are the scientists in action.....

SUPER SCIENCE

In order to become more familiar with the tools and materials we will be using as we work in the new Inspire Science program, the 4th grade teachers set up some tasks for the children to explore with small groups. We learned about pan balances, gram weights, graduated cylinders, meter sticks, measuring cups and thermometers. 

This introduction sparked good science conversations and lots of interest and excitement about science for the coming year!

WORKING TOGETHER

What do you do when you have a problem to solve? One good approach is to work with others. The old saying "Two heads are better than one" applies here. Our class was challenged to work together to lift and lower a stuffed pumpkin without dropping it using strings that were tied to a metal ring. The key was they had to cooperate and problem solve as a unit in order to achieve the goal. The first time we tried it, the class persevered, but were only able to lower it. However, today WE DID IT! Next we will attempt to do the same thing lifting and lowering a super ball resting on an upside down plastic cup. 

WELCOME TO 4K

Growth Mindset is an important part of our class. In 4K we will focus on grappling with problems to stretch our brains. Our class approached this task where we had to complete the picture with all the creativity and resilience we had. Take a look at what we did..........

Here is the problem we tackled today.

We learned that the possibilities are endless.