STEM Fair Topics

** The following are the STEM Fair topics I receive on December 18th (due date). If your child's name is not on this list, I did not receive one from him/her. S/he received a zero for the first part of the STEM Fair project. Individual STEM Fair projects will start after Winter break. STEM Fair books and timeline will be sent home in Monday folders. Thank you. 

Nauman’s Class

No STEM TOPIC- MaKaila, Evan, Krystal, Bryce, Alyssa, Reginald

Waiting for topic to be turned into a question-Hayden

Which environmental pollutant, motor oil or used antifreeze has the greatest effect on plants?-Jordyn

Does the head of a bristle bot affect how fast it goes?-Jonathan

Does a plant grow best in sunlight or artificial light?- Taliyah

Does the type of water affect the growth of plants?-Countess

Which type of container keeps liquids hotter longer?- Joella

Do different watt light bulbs produce different amounts of heat?- Joshua

Does the different color light affect the growth of a plant?- Jasmine, Nevaeh

Does the material of a parachute affect how fast it drops?- Christian, Mitchell

Does recycled paper break down faster than newspaper?- Anjae

Does color affect the rate in which an ice cube melts?- Marty, Jerome

What materials melt an ice cube most efficiently?-Michael

Does the temperature of an area affect crystal growth?-Tylee

Does music affect plant growth?-Jaerel

What type of liquid will absorb the carnation the fastest?- Erielle

Do all liquids freeze at the same rate?-Wesley

What is the probability of reaching into a bin and selecting a particular color of M&M candy?- Robert

Kirchner’s Class

No STEM TOPIC- Walter

Do all liquids freeze at the same rate?-Mason

What is the probability of reaching into a bin and selecting a particular color of M&M candy?- Lacey

What material makes the best heat insulator?-Cristian, Destiny

Do all liquids freeze at the same rate?-Chris, Daija

Does iron rust faster in salt or fresh water?-Trinity

Which building design best withstands an earthquake?- Jesus

Does temperature affect the growth of sugar/or salt crystals?-Arielle

Does inflated basketballs bounce better than non-inflated basketballs?- Jordan, Taraun, Jayden B.

Do vitamins or fertilizers affect the growth of plants?-Rayna

What effects do the changes in the length of day and night have on household plants?-LeBarron

Does music affect plant growth?-Zackariah

What design shape supports a bridge the best?-Alayna

Do beans grow better in clay, sand, or potting soil?-Jadon E.

What are the most common sums of two dice when rolled?-Annabelle, Matthew

Do different color of light affect the growth of plants?- Kayla, Norlynn

Do heavier objects fall faster than lighter ones?-Lorena

How fast will gobstoppers dissolve in Sprite, vinegar, and water?-Tayla

How much garbage does your family produce over a month and what percentage is recycled or could be recycled?-Cameron

Does the area of a parachute affect how fast it falls?-Danny

Does hot water freeze at a different rate than cold water?-Maryah

THANK YOU

We would like to thank all the parents who donated treats for our holiday party! The kids enjoyed it and were "sugared up". We hope you all have a safe and happy holiday. Enjoy your time with family and friends. We will see your child in the new year.  Thank you again for your continued support:0) We are grateful for such concerned and involved parents. 

Mrs. Kirchner and Mrs. Nauman:0)

Today, Mrs. Naumen's homeroom signed up for their day to present their Revolutionary War character.
Their poster is due on the day they present.

4-Jan

MaKaila Luellen Wesley Wilson Nevaeh Chew Jordyn DeVille

5-Jan Michael Martin Joella Smith Jerome Owens Hayden Miller

6-Jan Marty Walcott Krystal Bryant Robert Richardson Christian Tibuni 11-Jan Alyssa Field Bryce Elaizier Jasmine Griffin Tylee Moore 12-Jan Mitchell Hood Countess Gordon RJ Williams Joshua Whitaker 13-Jan Evan Quiroz Taliyah Battle Anjae Scott Jonathan Collins 14-Jan Erielle Smith Jaerel Reyes

Social Studies Presentation

Today, Mrs. Kirchner's homeroom signed up for their day to present their Revolutionary War character. Mrs. Naumen's homeroom will sign up tomorrow!
Their poster is due on the day they present.

4-Jan

Jayden Bury

Cameron Blanding

Cristian Bowman

Jadon Evans

5-Jan

Chris Sanders

Rayna Martin

Maryah Wimbush

Norlynn Broadnax 6-Jan Lacey Banks LeBarron Gordon Matthew Collier Daija Allen 11-Jan Danny Castano Jesus Berlanga Riley Ruiz Taraun Carey 12-Jan Mason Samuels Jordan Madden Alayna Pratt Tayla Lawton 13-Jan Lorena Robles Destiny Wright Walter Higdon Arielle DeVille 14-Jan Trinity Battle Annabelle Hupp Kayla Ambris

Holiday Party

Thank you to those parents who are able to donate to our holiday party on Tuesday, December 22, 2015. We had some parents ask what else we are in need of.  There are 26 scholars in Mrs. Nauman's class and 28 in Mrs. Kirchner's class.

So far, we have
Plates, Napkins, Capri Sun and cookies


Thank you.
Kind Regards,
Mrs. Kirchner and Mrs. Nauman

Class STEM Fair (Mrs. Nauman)

Parents/Guardians

In Science, we have been conducting an in class STEM Fair project. I taught all 7 parts (Question, Hypothesis, Materials, Procedures, Variables, Results, Conclusion) of a STEM Fair project to scholars which will help when they start their own individual STEM projects after winter break. The "rough drafts" of each of these sections were taught in class and written in scholar's science journals. Each night, scholars are to rewrite it as a "final draft" and place it on their "trifold boards" in the correct place. In the end they will have a model of what a Science STEM Fair board looks like and where to place each section. If you have any questions, I have all the data charts and a model class STEM Fair board in my classroom that you may come and view at any time. The final trifold board is due this Monday, December 14, 2015. 
We will be working on the parts of a research paper next in class. Please don't hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or concerns. I know as a parent and a teacher, STEM projects are intimidating; however, I will not give your child anything I have not taught in class. 

Important Dates for next week

Important Dates for next week

• Thursday, December 10, 2015: Governing Board Meeting 4:00PM (media center) 
• Wednesday, December 16, 2015: Winter Concert: Grades K-3 9:00AM  Grades 3-8 6:00PM 
• Base Caroling (room to room): December 18, 2015: 12:30PM-1:15PM  (arrival times to rooms will begin in the blue hallway and proceed to the red side)  

Social Studies Research packet

I wanted to clarify the Research Paper Scaffold packet. This packet was discussed in detail with each class. It is to be used to assist in writing their Social Studies research paper. This is not a homework assignment. The students were instructed to use this in order to help them with their planning and organizing for their final paper. The second page will prove especially helpful. The students can use this page to help with their note taking. They can keep track of all the books and websites that they are using. They are able to write important facts from what they have read, as well as a summary of the notes that were found. This summarizing will help them to avoid accidental plagiarism. I would like to see their thinking and their organization. If they use any of the packet, I would like for them to turn it in with their paper, or with their poster board after winter break. Again, this is not a required assignment. The packet is simply for them to use in order to help organize their thinking and research!
Mrs. Kirchner

Important Information

Field Trip
Just a friendly reminder the field trip permission slip for January 15th was sent home again in your child's Monday folder. Please check this so if you would like to attend, you can sign and return to your child's teacher.

Scholastic Book Orders
Scholastic Book Orders were sent home for the month of December. All orders will be submitted on December 22nd! Mrs. Nauman's class code is JKKPC  and Mrs. Kirchner's class code is P7J6L if you would like to place an order online. Scholars who ordered this month received a James Patterson incentive and Snoopy erasers. Thank you to all who ordered. It is very much appreciated.

Parent Volunteers
We are in need of parent volunteers for the month of December. We need volunteers for door decorating for our upcoming BOX TOPS SNOWBALL FIGHT, which will start when we return from winter break.
We could always use assistance with filing, copying, etc. Please email Mrs. Kirchner or me to let us know what day or time works best for you. Thank you for your continued support and assistance.

Donations
We are in need of donations for our winter party on December 22nd.
Plates
Napkins
*Any food donations need to be store bought.
Capri Suns
Water
Oreos/Cookies
Cupcakes
Chips (Sun chips, etc.)

STEM Fair
We will be starting our independent STEM Fair projects after winter break. Scholars will have to select a topic prior to winter break. Due dates will be distributed once they are established by 3-5th grade team. Thank you.

Clarification on Upcoming Field Trip

There has been some questions regarding the upcoming field trip at the Housing Center. The field trip is a cooking class demonstration and the purpose(objective) is to promote healthy eating. The cost is $13.00. The cost is for the food for each scholar to prepare and then eat. Scholars will also receive their own salsa to take home and/or eat during lunch. 
There is also a typo in the year. At the top right of the permission slip, it states 1/15/15. It is supposed to read 1/15/16. I hope this provides clarification.
If you give permission for your child to participate in this field trip, please return a signed permission slip and the money in an envelope with your child's name. It will make it easier for Mrs. Kirchner and me to keep track of everyone who paid. Thank you for your continued support in Fourth Grade. :0)

Social Studies Project Sign-Up

Today in class, all students signed up for the person they were interested in researching for their Revolutionary War research report. This is the person they will research and write a paper about. This paper is due on December 23!
The students will present a poster and short speech as their character the week they return from winter break, January 4-8.

All students have received a packet of information regarding this project.

Student	Person Being Researched
Kayla Ambris	Molly Pitcher
Lacey Banks	Mercy Otis Warren
Trinity Battle	Abigail Adams
Jesus Berlanga	George Washington
Cristian Bowman	Benjamin Franklin
Norlynn Broadax	Betsy Ross
Zackariah Brutus	General Thomas Gage
Jayden Bury	Paul Revere
Danny Castano	King George III
Matthew Collier	King George III
Arielle Deville	Nancy Hart
Jadon Evans	Marquis de Lafayette
LeBarron Gordon	Thomas Jefferson
Walter Higdon	Paul Revere
Annabelle Hupp	Captain Thomas Preston
Tayla Lawton	Phillis Wheatley
Jordan Madden	Benjamin Franklin
Rayna Martin	Thomas Paine
Alayna Pratt	Abigail Adams
Lorene "Sophia" Robles	Elizabeth Cady Stanton
Riley Ruiz	King George III
William "Chris" Sanders	George Washington
Maryah Wimbush	Deborah Sampson
Destiny Wright	Betsy Ross
Taraun Carey	Henry Knox
Cameron Blanding	Benedict Arnold
Daja Allen	Betsy Ross
Mason Samuels	Samuel Adams
Taliyah Battle	Betsy Ross
Krystal Bryant	Deborah Sampson
Nevaeh Chew	Betsy Ross
Jonathan Collins	Nathan Hale
Jordyn Deville	Marquis de Lafayette
Bryce Elizer	Deborah Sampson
Alyssa Field	Betsy Ross
Countess Gordon	Benjamin Franklin
Jasmine Griffin	Abigail Adams
Mitchell Hood	John Adams
Jerome Linear-Owens	James Madison
MaKalia Luellen	Deborah Sampson
Michael Martin	Paul Revere
Jaydan McEachin	(not chosen yet)
Hayden Miller	Paul Revere
Tylee Moore	Deborah Sampson
Evan Quiroz	Thomas Jefferson
Jaerel Reyes	Captain Thomas Preston
Robert Richardson	Benjamin Franklin
Anjae Scott	King George III
Erielle Smith	Sybil Ludington
Joella Smith	Abigail Adams
Christian Tibuni	General Cornwallis
Marty Walcott	George Washington
Joshua Whitaker	Alexander Hamilton
RJ Williams	George Washington
Wesley Wilson	Henry Knox

Friendly reminders and updates

Scholastic Book Orders
Just a friendly reminder, I will place the Scholastic Book Orders for November on Monday, November 23rd. Scholars will receive their books after Thanksgiving Break. Thank you to those who have already placed online orders and who submitted flyer orders. It is helping to build our class library. If you would like to place an order, it is not too late. Our class code is JKKPC.

Honor Roll Assembly
We would like to thank all parents who came to support Fourth Grade in our First Quarter Honor Roll Assembly. We look forward to second quarter.

Parent Volunteers
Please email me if you would like to volunteer in my classroom. I am in need of changing bulletin boards after Thanksgiving, filing, copying as always and door decorating for the upcoming Box Tops Snowball Fight. If you would like to help, please email the day and time that is convenient for you. ~Mrs. Nauman

Assignments over Thanksgiving Break
From Mrs. Nauman- There will be 1 assignment over break. It is to color the geometric pattern we are working on in class now. Scholars are using class time to measure all the angles in the geometric pattern. We will continue to work on it Monday and Tuesday of this upcoming week. Scholars will have time to color in class, if they are finished measuring the angles. If you child is absent Monday and Tuesday, they will have to finish measuring and color this pattern over break.
   I want everyone to enjoy time with their families as this is important to all children and adults. If you have any questions or concerns, please email me. Thank you and I hope you enjoy your holiday and family time.

Chemistry Projects
Thank you for all the support from parents to assist your child on the Chemistry project. They look fabulous. My goal is to have them all graded by the time we return from break.

STEM Fair
     We will be starting our class STEM Fair project after break. Please look in your child's Science folder for their class model of the "trifold board". Scholars will start to think about what they would like to do for their individual STEM project and select their topic BEFORE leaving on Winter Break. If you would like to get a head start, please visit the following website and have your child fill out the survey. http://www.sciencebuddies.org/
    It will assist in determining some possibilities in projects, he/she might enjoy. If you would like to wait for the STEM Fair book provided by the school, this is fine as well. There is a list of topics in the book to choose from.
    It is my goal to make the STEM Fair process as seamless as possible for both scholars and parents.As always if you have any questions or concerns, please email me or call. Thank you.

Chemistry Project

Just a friendly reminder the Chemistry project is due this Wednesday, November 18th. Your child should have the slip of paper they chose 4 weeks ago. I have been receiving many emails asking about what element scholars have chosen. This was a project given 4 weeks ago. The following is the handout given to scholars. I have also given many scholars multiple copies (2 or 3) since they have lost the originals. The learning advice is what I will be looking at when grading scholars' books.

Atomic Structure

Web quest Project

Due: Wednesday, November 18, 2015

You are an author trying to increase the popularity of your children’s reference book series. To do this your publisher has indicated that there are not enough science books written specifically written for children on the topic of the periodic table.

Write a children book appropriate for a first or second grade child on the topic of the element you are assigned. The format of your book should include:

Cover: the book’s cover should have the name of your atom, your name, and class.

Table of Contents: One page long listing the interesting stuff you’ve put in your book and the page it can be found on.

Basic Information: On a separate page, discuss each of the 5 pieces of information listed below. 

1.  The atomic number, the atomic mass, symbol, a simplified drawing of the atomic nucleus (color code the particles).

2.  A short history of the element

3.  What it looks like in its pure form (computer picture or drawn) and its physical state at room temperature (solid, liquid, gas)

4.  Discuss how common the element is in nature and where it is commonly found.

5.  Discuss two common uses for the element.

Compounds that the atom can make:

Include 2 compounds that can be made using the element; giving their names, formulas, picture (chemical/molecular and common appearance) and what they are used for (1 page for each compound)

When your book is complete, it should be 9 pages long including the cover page.

Below is a list of teacher-approved websites to help you find the information you need to complete your children's book.

Remember: classroom handouts, worksheets, and your textbook are also great resources to help you with this assignment.

Web Elements
Links to Periodic Tables
LennTech Periodic Table
History of the Elements from Los Alamos National Laboratory 
History of Chemistry
Natural Science Page - Atomic Structure
Photographic Periodic Table
Environmental Chemistry.com's Periodic Table
Elementymology
Chem4Kids
ChemicalElements.com
Online College Libraries: Chemistry for Kids

Make a list of everything you need to know about the element. Use this checklist as you construct your book. Points will be deducted for missed information. Take a look at the grading rubric that is included at the end of the web quest so you have an idea of what you should include in your checklist

Learning Advice

Be sure that your project is:

Chemically accurate: now is not the time to make stuff up. While creativity is appreciated, don't lose points supplying incorrect information in trying to get the project done faster.

Neatly done: it doesn't need to be done on the computer, however, hand written books need to be written neatly with clear printing. White out is a bad thing. If you make a mistake on a page, start over!

Correctly spelled: one point will be deducted per misspelled word. If you are not sure about the spelling, look it up, or use spell check.

Done to specifications: the finished size should be 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches. That is the size of standard printer paper, folded in half.

Colorful: but not distractingly so.

On time: there will be a full letter grade deduction per day late.

Report Cards

First quarter report cards were sent home today. Please look for your child's report card and sign and return the envelope. Thank you.

Important Updates

Questions from Parent Teacher Conferences

If you would like the math instructional plan for your child based on the STAR test, please email me and let me know. I have made copies for those parents who asked during conferences and will send them home in this upcoming Monday folder. 

There was a question about reminders being sent home for parents to check the class blog when it is updated. In the bottom right of the class blog page, there is a "Followers" section. If you sign up to follow, you will receive an update every time we update our class blog.

We hope you found the conference page helpful and useful. Please don't hesitate to contact Mrs. Kirchner or me if you have any questions or concerns. We look forward to working with you as partners for the remainder of Fourth Grade. :0)

Thank you

We would like to thank all parents who were able to join us today for parent teacher conferences. Without you, we would not be able to support your child's education and academic success. If you were unable to set up a parent teacher conference due to slots being full, please email Mrs. Kirchner and I to set up a day and time. We are available Monday- Friday 8 am until 8:15am and Monday-Thursday 2:45-3:30pm. Thank you again for your continued support and Happy Veteran's Day!

Important Updates

Atomic Structure Project
The first Science project is due on November 18th. Please refer to the handout given with all the instructions and rubric. 
The science teachers are currently in the planning stages to host a STEM fair night for parents to review the process and answer any questions you may have about STEM. We are trying to have it at the end of November. Individual STEM fair projects will start after winter break. We will be conducting an IN CLASS STEM project starting December 1st. Please check the class blog for updates.

Scholastic Book Orders
The orders for November will be placed on November 20th! If you would like to order online, my class code is JKKPC! Again, thank you for your continued support in your child's education and love of reading!:0)

Donations
If any parents would like to donate electric pencil sharpeners to Mrs. Kirchner or me, it would be greatly appreciated. I currently am on the second one for the year. The first sharpener's motor made a humming sound and then quit. The joys of teaching:0)

Parent Teacher Conferences

Just a friendly reminder Parent teacher conferences are Wednesday, November 11th. We look forward to meeting with you to discuss your child's academic progress in Fourth Grade. We thank you for your continued support in your child's education.:0)

Scholastic Book Orders

Just wanted to send a shout out to all the parents who ordered in the month of October! The scholar's books came on Thursday. Also, the promotion for October was that EACH child received a book, even if they did not place an order. I gave each scholar a book by James Patterson. The new order forms were sent home in last week's Monday folders. The orders for November will be placed on November 20th! If you would like to order online, my class code is JKKPC! Again, thank you for your continued support in your child's education and love of reading!:0)