Beyond The Desk

Oobleck, of course. No idea how it got there though!

Today, students were practicing what it means to be a scientist (as well as making a mess, which is always fun!). They have been exploring the scientific process, experimenting, asking big questions and being creative. Students were given a mysterious substance supposedly found in Mr. H’s backyard. We had a great time experimenting with it and studying it’s properties. Do you remember what properties are? We can find the properties of objects around us by using our 5 senses; what we see, feel, hear, smell and taste. So,

Properties are the things or words we use to describe different objects so we can tell them apart.

We played with and investigated the properties of Oobleck to help us understand what made Oobleck different from other substances like water or play-do. The students had some wonderful properties you discovered as you worked with the Oobleck.
Next we will hold a scientific convention to decide upon some “truths” about Oobleck and come up with a set of laws that are true about Oobleck. We are now into the design phase of the process.

You can check out some pictures below in our freshly created Oobleck Video.

Oobleck, of course, is a real substance. It’s very distinctive property of being both a solid and a liquid has made scientists curious for a long time. When left alone, Oobleck will act like a liquid. However, when squeezed, hit or pushed on, it will suddenly act like a solid, cracking and breaking under pressure. Scientists still do not know why it does this.

If you have lots of time and lots of Oobleck, you could do this:

Here is a video showing what Oobleck does when you put it on top of a very loud speaker!!! What do you notice? Would water do this is you did the same thing? Why don’t you try it and find out?

Happy second day of school!

We had a wonderful day yesterday getting to know your child! Mrs. Koopman and myself were both tired but excited to start a new year!

Coming home today will be our first and only paper newsletter for the year. It will be in your child’s planner. It has lots of great information about the year, an intro from our new teacher, Mrs. Koopman and and form for you to fill out and return. If you could take some time to fill that form out, and send it back as soon as possible, that would be very helpful to us. You can also see a copy of the newsletter below:

2015 First Day Newsletter

Thanks for visiting! It’s great to see you!

It is so wonderful to be starting off another year with bright and curious minds. I truly believe that this is going to be a year of growth and learning for not only your child, but also for myself!

If you have not had a chance to see the beautiful new interiors of the classroom yet, please stop by. The new look makes the rooms come alive and helps our classroom be a place where curiosity and creativity can thrive!

This blog is going to be an important place for information. I do not typically send home newsletters as the blog is far more convenient and timely. Please make sure you check it out frequently for information about projects, things we are learning, homework, and other important items. There is also lots of great links to sites to expand and continue your child’s learning outside of school. Some of the links are sites we will also be using in school.

One important note that I wanted to share with you is that we have a student this year with a nut allergy. As we want to be sensitive to the needs of our students, I would like to please ask that you not send food items that contain nuts.

I am looking forward to great year. If you have any concerns or just want to stop and say hi, please feel free to stop by after school.

Welcome to Grade 4!