9/9 What is science?
9/12 Marble and ramp lab
9/13 Topic 1 Lesson 1
9/20 Topic 1 Lesson 2
9/26 Topic 1 Lesson 3
9/30 Topic 1 Lesson 4
10/16 Topic 2 Lesson 1
10/23 Topic 2 Lesson 2 and 3
10/28 Topic 2 Lesson 4
11/15 Topic 3 Lesson 1
11/20 Topic 3 Lesson 2
12/2 Topic 3 Lesson 3 part 1
1/13 Topic 4 Lesson 2
2/6 Topic 4 Lesson 3
3/5 Topic 5 Lessons 1 and 2
3/27 Topic 6 Lesson 1

 

We are always looking for fun and interesting things to play with in the science lab.  The following items are in low inventory and need to be replenished.  Would you consider helping out by donating?

• Masking tape
• Paper towel/toilet paper rolls
• Bottle caps
• Paper clips
• Saran Wrap
• Tin Foil
• Gallon Zip Bags
• Sandwich Zip Bags

The science fair is in March but the fourth grade does not submit the traditional science fair project.  This year, the students will complete the engineering design process!  Students will follow the STEAM methods of Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, and Improve to create their own prototype from a cooling fork, to waterproof boot covers, sock assistant, seat covers, and so much more!  Students will complete much of the project in class but will have to do the design and build part at home.  We will begin the process in January which gives about two and a half months to plan and prepare!  

Want to check out some Engineering vidoes?  https://pbskids.org/designsquad/

• It is okay if you abandon your first prototype idea and switch to another one.  Just remember to have everything in your science notebook!
• 1/10/2020 Today the students heard what the science fair is about and what is expected of them.  They will be using the backs of their science notebooks to write down important information and will need the notebooks the day of the science fair as part of the judging to show their journey and process. We read how to brainstorm an idea for a prototype and began writing down a "bug list" to define problems we want to fix.  By 1/17/20, we will narrow down our bug list to three different possibilities.
• 1/17/2020 Today the students began narrowing down their bug list to three different bugs.  After they chose their three bugs, they wrote down two reasons why the "bug" was a problem.  Students used this template to write down their reasonings. As they were doing this, students began to think about which ONE bug they would like to try to solve.  Many students moved on to the next step which is to then come up with at least three different ways they could solve the bug.  By 1/24, we will begin researching materials and designs to help solve our bugs.  Students may work in their notebooks at home.  
• 1/24/2020 Students will continue to come up with different ways to solve their problem.  At this point, they will be given a "contract" that must be filled out and returned by no later than 1/31/20. 
• 1/29/2020 Students were conferenced with again to discuss their ideas for the prototype.  The contract is due 1/31/2020. 
• 2/7/2020 Students should be up to the design process of their prototype.  What does it look like?  What materials are you going to use to build?  What are the measurements?  Some students will begin to peer edit and give their ideas about what they like about the prototype and what they would add/take away from it to make it better.  This will be the last step that we do in school before students should begin building the prototype.  When we come back from break, students should have first design complete so that we can discuss what worked and what needed to be fixed. 
• 2/15/2020 Students should begin to work on building their prototypes. Keep in mind what worked and what needs to be fixed.  These papers should be filled out and glued into the science notebook.  We will discuss the building process on the 28th of February. 
• 2/24/2020 For those students who are finished with the building process, they may begin filling out this paperwork which discusses any problems that they may have faced during the building process.  
• 2/27/2020  Here is a picture of a sample of what your board can look like.  You may do it exactly as I have here or you can change it and make it your own!  Just remember to put the important information on the board!
• 2/28/2020 Teacher conferencing with students to make sure the prototype is coming along.  At this point, the students really need to be up to the building process to not leave anything for the last minute. 
• 3/6/2020 Students sat with other students and were able to get some peer advice from each other.  
• 3/9/2020 Students went to the PREP science fair to gather last minute ideas about their prototypes and boards.  
• 3/12/2020 Students received a "Judge's grading sheet" so they know how they will be judged.  Students practiced their speeches in front of other students, gathering feedback on how to perfect their presentation!