4th Grade News

Welcome to the 4th Grade Blog! We are going green this year. We will be adding important information to our blog to keep you informed on what is going on at RCE. Please check us out regularly to find out what is going on academically in each subject area.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Math and Science updates

Math

Fourth graders have been working with equivalent fractions this month. We have learned how to identify or make an equivalent fraction both with manipulatives and
mathematically. Please have your child show you how the multiplication table/chart can be used to identify equivalent fractions. This is amazing! It can also be used to find the simplest form (lowest terms) which is an area of fractions we are currently learning. We are also comparing and placing fractions on a number line and determiningg which fractions are greater than, lesser than or equal to others. We will be moving into improper fractions and mixed numbers soon.

Another area we are continuing to visit is two digit by two digit multiplication. This is a big step for fourth graders and takes lots of practice. We are currently using the model of using partial products to arrive at the final answer. Practice a couple of these problems with your child nightly to help increase his/her proficiency and accuracy.


Science

We just had a great time exploring and classifying rocks in the Geology lesson at Hands on Science last week. We really appreciate the parents who helped plan, set up and teach this fun unit!
In our science curriculum, we have also been discussing Recycling, Reusing and . This went along with our green week at RCE last week. Fourth graders made recycling posters to help remind everyone the steps they can take to help.

This month we have been exploring habitats and biomes. We discussed the characteristics of climate, plant and animal life for each biome and how they interact with each other. The students have found this interesting and some have done additional research to share with the class.

Science Fair is coming up and we hope your child chose to participate in this fun event! We are looking forward to see what our junior scientists have discovered
On January 28th.