Fourth graders are writing, computing, researching and investigating as they prepare for their 3rd and final exhibition of their 4th grade year.

Many students have reached their goal of Multiplication Master as they demonstrate their proficiency with multiplication facts.  All students are beginning a review of fractions and the study probability.

Fourth grade scientists are investigating biomes and comparing criteria like temperature, humidity and precipitation between biomes, and will be building cell models soon.

Student poets are writing and sharing original poetry.   Students recently wrote couplet poems entitled “I Made a Mistake.”  Look for student poetry and writing to be added to our Fourth Grade web page.

Students are moving from critical readers to blooming playwrights as we read, analyze, and author a play based on the folktale, “A Grain of Rice.”

The Number Project

January 28, 2010-Number Paragraph draft-due

February 11, 2010-Final Number Paragraph due

February 26, 2010-Final Project due

I   Research
You have chosen a number to research.  You will need to explore the following areas in regard to your number.  Classify your number as:
•Prime or composite
•Even or odd
•Abundant, deficient, or perfect
•A symbol in another number system (both ancient and            modern)
In addition include the following information in your presentation:
•the complete factor set of your number
•the proper set of factors for your number
•your number squared
•your number cubed
•your number with two different place values
•your number in words
•your number in expanded notation
•your number written in french or spanish
•at least 3 other significant facts about your number
II Write
There are many resources available to you in the classroom library, and you are encouraged to seek other sources such as the public library or Internet sites.  Some class time will be used for your work on this project, however you will also need to work on it at home.  When you have gathered all of the information that is available on your number, write at least one paragraph sharing what you have learned.

III Present
Design a creative and original presentation for your number.  Examples will be exhibited in class.  Pay close attention to making your number project attractive and inviting.  On Monday, February 18th you will begin practicing your presentation for exhibition.

We are at the halfway point of our school year – it is hard to believe how far our fourth graders have come!    Please replenish your child’s school supplies – pencils, erasers, erasable pens, colored pencils are greatly needed.  We would like our students to be able to do their work well, and to do that, they need these essential supplies.

Fourth Graders are moving along – doing research and drafts for their State Brochures.  Students are gaining knowledge about their state resources, history, geography, capitals, and more.    For the second exhibition, each student will assume the role of a State Specialist and Regional Expert responsible for writing and designing a state brochure.  The following pages are in their brochures:

• What is the history of____________________?

Students will highlight significant events of their state’s history and identify where the events took place.   Information will include the date of statehood, historic sites, and important landmarks.

• What comes from____________________?

Students will give examples of natural resources grown, or raised, as well as manufactured products.

• What is there to see in ______________?

Students will provide examples of state land forms, water forms, and national parks.

• What are the numbers in___________________?

Students will give statistical information about their state including      population facts, climate, and capital city and its location.

• State Trivia for _______________________

Students will include interesting state facts, unique qualities of their state, and noteworthy people.

In addition, students will produce an illustrated report about an “Incredible Person” from their state.  In Art students will create landscapes representing their states.  In Community Service Learning, students are understanding the use of persuasive language by developing ads for their states.