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)