Fishing Vest Project

The Fishing Vest Projects are just about done and ready for viewing!  The kids worked hard researching their chosen Great Lakes Fish.  The vests are a popular project for students every year.  It's always fun to see what creative choices they will choose to put on their vests.  Make sure to check them out in the hallway when you are stopping by Quincy!  They will be up until conferences so you'll have time to see what great artists, writers, and researchers your fourth graders are!

Area and Perimeter of Complex Figures

Here is a quick tutorial showing how to do the complex area and perimeter problems.  This is an extended core math GLCE, so not expected as mastery in fourth grade, but as introducing the concept.  Mastery will be expected in the higher grades.  Thanks for watching!

A student had this to say, "We have been working on area and perimeter in school. Here is a video to help you. most students have gotten confused when you try to add the numbers and split the shapes."

Fish Adaptation Station

Last Friday we had a great time doing this experiment in the classroom, "Do Fish Care How Cold it Is?"  . 
Fish, especially ones in the Great Lakes Ecosystem have some very special adaptations that help them survive the icy waters in the winter.  The students were collecting some basic water temp, breathing rate, and fish behavior activity data.  The students were very concerned about how cold these little fish were getting.  But, learned how these little creatures can quickly adapt to the changing temperature of the water.  Did you know gold fish can survive even after being frozen in ice!  Amazing!
 

Friends Goodwill and the Michigan Maritime Museum

It was another great trip to the Michigan Maritime Museum with another great group of students!   We learned first hand how important the Lakes were historically, and still today to the commerce and movement of goods throughout our country.  We unfortunately didn't get to sail due to the weather, another reminder of the dangers the early mariners faced while trying to do business and survive in this fledgling country, and our unpredictable Great Lakes.

New Richmond Sturgeon Hatchery - Kalamazoo River

We started the year off with a bang!  A field trip on the first Friday of the school year.  The students had a great time learning about an exciting fish in the Great Lakes. Our famous Lake Sturgeon!   We have been and will be exploring animal adaptations and the Great Lakes Ecosystem in the beginning of the year.   The fourth grade teaching team was invited to a special Lake Sturgeon Conference this summer, and had the opportunity to work with the actual scientists doing the research on restoring the Sturgeon to the Great Lakes.  It was a special treat to have this years group of students out to our local rearing facility; where the kids had the opportunity of touching and feeling an endagered animal that is protected. What a great day and start of the school year!

Electricity and Magnetism Show

A few years ago a parent built an electricity board for demonstrating the flow of electrons, and the power from a normal wall outlet.  Which they donated to me as a demostration tool for years to come.  It has been a highlight demonstration of our electricity studies each year.  This particular experiment dealt with testing different objects for their ability to conduct electricity.  We were looking at what objects are conductors or insulators.  The students enjoyed making their quess and testing whether it was true or not.  This is a bit dangerous, and yes "please don't try this at home."

Students have also enjoyed experimenting with building electrical circuits and testing how adding more batteries increases the power of the lightbulb.  This will culminate with students designing, wiring, and building a replica lighthouse of their choice from one of our regions in the United States.

Friends Good Will

What an experience!  It is amazing to see the students out on Lake Michigan raising sails and learning about how people, and goods moved during the 1800's.  We began studying the Northeast Region this week, and how immigrants first came to America on sailing vessels like The Friends Goodwill.  The staff at the Michigan Maritime Museum does an amazing job recreating this time period for the students.  They use old nautical language and dress in 1800's style sailor suits.  The chance for students to relive history in this way represents the ultimate learning experience in my opinion.  Not only is this trip a fantastic experience for anyone, but the team building that takes place among the class as they raise and lower sails, help to pretend to load the gun, and learn knot tying skills is unmatched on any other field trip I've been on.  This is our culminating trip of the year, and it ties together our beginning of the year studies of the Great Lakes and our end of the year study of the Northeast Region.  I feel so fortunate that we can provide these types of experiences for kids.