Blogging 'bout Science!

TLC Elementary School: People and the Environment.
Summer Productions, 2004. Full Video.
3 February 2011. <http://www.discoveryeducation.com/>. 

This video highlights the causes and effects of air and water pollution and hazardous waste and the impact on our planet. We will be looking at how our own human actions impact the world around us and discuss ways in which we can minimize the negative impacts by making better decisions for the future!

***INSTRUCTIONS: Before we view this video in class, please post a comment that addresses one or more the following questions (note: these questions will be discussed in class): Give examples of water and air pollution. How does water become polluted? What are some toxic substances that contribute to water pollution? Why is there pollution in the air? What are some harmful effects of pollution? Comment on Ways we can help minimize negative impacts using the link provided.

A Final note:

More discussion questions will be covered after viewing the film. I will post your ideas after class. Also, we will be conducting experiments on this topic this week!

A Message to Parents and/or Guardians:

This activity covers the curriculum expectations of the Habitats and Communities strand from the Science and Technology Document. Students will be able to analyze the positive and negative impacts of human interactions with natural habitats and communities.The Curriculum Documents For Parents page contains a copy of the specific and overall expectations that i will be covering in my upcoming lessons for this strand.

~Ms A-P

Blogging 'bout Math!

Last week, I asked you to get ready to blog about math! Starting this week, we will be engaging in interactive Math lessons using online videos and links. We have started our new unit on Patterning and Algebra and i am excited for you to use MathLive as a tool for learning both in class, and at home!

***INSTRUCTIONS: Click the link provided above. Then click Lessons and select the Patterns activity. Now, click play and enjoy your virtual learning experience!  Once you have completed the activity, I would like you to post a comment below. In your comment, you must answer the following questions:

1. Did you enjoy the Patterns activity from the MathLive website? Why or why not.
2. Create your own growing or shrinking number pattern that you would like your classmates to solve. (These patterns will be used for our next lesson!)

Message to Parents and/or guardians:

The link provided above provides students with a series of interactive activities to help develop and apply reasoning skills to explain/describe relationships related to numeric patterns. This activity covers the expectations of the Grade 4 Patterning and Algebra Strand from the Ministry of Ontario Mathematics curriculum document. Strand expectations are posted in the Curriculum Documents Page.With this link, Students will be given the opportunity practice and learn topics within the patterning and algebra unit at home.

~Ms-AP

3 Links to Help you Think!

 Grade 4s, here are some links that provide fun ways to learn online. Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a graphic novel filled with adventure and humor! This book will be part of our novel study and luckily it is available to us in print, and online! Here is a Math Game that will help you exercise your skills. This link also contains other games that you might enjoy. Lastly , Eco Kids Activities and Games another site I thought you might enjoy is. Feel free to browse this site for more games and/or interesting information. I highly recommend that you surf these links as they provide you with loads of fun and games. If you have and comments or questions, please post them below. 

 
~Ms A-P

One Stop Resource Spot!

Grade 4s, here are some useful links that can be used for upcoming classroom activities and culminating assignments. I have provided you with three essential web-based search engines in which you can use to research information. Remember class, research can be fun and I have provided you with fun, easy and up to date ways to search the web. Feel free to browse these sites and post any comments or questions you may have in the comment section below.

•  Word Central
• In this Website, you can search for words in the dictionary and thesaurus and explore  rhyming words. This is a great tool for you to use to help you clarify any misinterpretations or misunderstanding of words. Be sure to refer to site as a resource tool for reading and writing activities.
• Ask Kids
•  Ask kids.com is a site in which you can access information quickly and easily. This tool can help you research information for Math, Science, History and Language Arts and also allows you to explore areas of entertainment such as movies, games and activities. Ask Answers for Kids is an excellent source for educational questions and answers. 
• AOL Kids
•  This search engine is designed for kids to research information on-line. You can use this tool to search subject-related resources, games and activities. 

Useful Links for Parents and/or Guardians:

The following list provides you with useful resources that can help your children continue their learning at home.  I have also provided you with links to some of Ontario's most recognized galleries and museums. For the most part, the content presented throughout these resources can essentially apply to the curriculum expectations that I will cover throughout this school year. Stay tuned for further announcements on our classroom curriculum content. I will continue to post information to keep you updated on curriculum based resources and activities. Feel free to browse these links and post any comments or questions you may have.

• Health Canada: Canada's Food Guide 
• Google Earth 
• EQAO-Parent Resources
• Canadian Geographic

~Ms A-P

Welcome!

Welcome to my Grade 4 Blogging Web-page! This will be a useful resource to all of my students, parents and/or guardians to keep up to date and well informed of classroom tasks and responsibilities. All assignments and activities will be posted on this blog regularly. This site was designed to help keep my students and their families updated on our accomplishments throughout the school year, as well as share important information about our classroom.

With today's rapidly growing technological advances, it is important for me to adapt to and apply technology within my teaching! I am excited to teach this Grade 4 class using technology and I strongly encourage my students to learn, share and collaborate with me and fellow classmates. 

If you have any questions or comments you wish to reveal, please feel free to post them here, and be sure to check in regularly!

I am looking forward to teaching, sharing and learning with technology!

Notice: 

Before you begin your virtual learning experience, please take the time to browse the KidsSMART website.  This is a great resource you and your parents and/or guardians to learn about safe internet searching, gaming and sharing. The information and quizzes available on this site will be covered in class this week. So please be prepared to have a classroom discussion on internet safety.

~ Miss A-P