Fourth Grade Water Cycle

 Recently, the students participated in an enjoyable water cycle game demonstrating the movement of a molecule of water through the system.  I attach the materials and procedure:
https://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/NR_WQ_2011-13.pdf

Great Ocean Conveyor Belt

A very important but little-known network of currents constantly circulates the water in Earth's oceans. What's more, these currents redistribute heat, moving it from the tropics toward the poles, and keeping some regions far more habitable than they would be otherwise. In this audio segment from National Public Radio, scientists discuss the hypothesis that global warming might be causing the Great Ocean Conveyor to slow, and may ultimately cause it to shut down.

Examine Global Surface Currents

Part I   INTERACTIVE

http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/ess05.sci.ess.earthsys.globalsurf/

 

Part II AUDIO
http://www.teachersdomain.org/asset/ess05_aud_convey2/

 

 

 

Posted by Calvin

Minerals and Crystals

Mia and mica.

The fifth graders at Redeemer Lutheran learned about minerals and their properties when Mrs. Keyburn, the elementary science enrichment teacher, brought out many different kinds of rocks for the 5th graders to explore, study, and learn about. Some of the rocks she brought out were gneiss, feldspar, granite, and calcite. Ethan found a website that pronounces names of things outloud. Here's the website  http://howjsay.com/index.php?word=gneiss
Mrs. Keyburn explained where all these rocks were formed, and whether they were intrusive(underground formation) or extrusive(above ground formation).

  We looked at the crystal shapes in calcite, galena, halite, iron, feldspar, mica, and other minerals.  Then we identified minerals present in granite. 

Reported by Emily



Ainsley's rhombic dipyramid.      photo by Serenity

Land Down Under

The Land Down Under is a place where kids of all ages can play with friends, search for acorns, and play in the leaves.

 

Posted By : Travis

Note by Mrs. K:  I thought this would be a good time to introduce Together with All Creatures: Caring for God's Living Earth.  A Report on the Commission of Theology and Church Relations.  The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.  April 2010.  All LCMS churches will have this on file.  I'll be writing brief excerpts from this publication with most of the posts.  Today's meditation:
God has called us to care for His Earth as creatures among fellow creatures in anticipation of its renewal in Christ and completion by the Holy Spirit.  (p. 2)

Third Grade Paper Making

Each year the third graders make paper for a (surprise) Christmas gift for their parents. This is a great team project; students mastering the complicated steps of paper production, students helping other students and recognizing their own potential for leadership and support of others.

Besides, it's lots of fun!

Here's a SHOUT OUT to Doug Hamm, Jenna's father and Rainbow Room volunteer.  Weekly, he arrives with an "and what are we doing today, Mrs. K?"

and a total willingness to try new things with us.