4th grade memories

Since this is your last official blog post of the year, I thought it would be fun to take some time to reflect back on the year and share some of your favorite 4th grade memories. What will you remember most about 4th grade? What were some of the highlights?

Mother's Day

Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May and was first observed in 1907.

• What is special about your mother?

MSP!!

The MSP starts on Tuesday! Many people get test anxiety, which means feeling nervous before a test. What are some good strategies that you can share with your classmates to feel calm and ready for the days of testing ahead of us?

Earth Day

Earth Day is celebrated on April 22nd. Think about some ways that YOU can help the Earth. Write at least a paragraph describing things you can do!  

Space Shuttle Launch

The Columbia Space Shuttle was the first space shuttle. It was launched on April 12, 1981 and it returned on April 14 after orbiting the Earth 36 times.

Imagine that NASA has selected you for the next space mission that will last over 6 months. You are allowed to bring 5 personal items with you (food and clothing will be provided by NASA). Which items would you choose and why?

April Fools!

April Fools' Day is observed on April 1 and is sometimes referred to as All Fools' Day. On this day, people play harmless pranks on others or try to get them to believe ridiculous things.

Write about the best April Fools' Day joke that you have played on someone, or write about a joke you would like to play on someone. (Remember that your joke must be safe and not hurt anyone's feelings, and you must write at least 5 sentences.)

Freedom of Speech?

A famous Supreme Court case is Tinker v. Des Moines Independent School District, from 1969. Read the background of the case and the Supreme Court's ruling, then discuss your thoughts and ideas about the case and the ruling. Do you agree or disagree with the court's decision? Why or why not?

Background
In December 1965, John and Mary Beth Tinker and their friend Chris Eckhardt wore black armbands to school in to protest the war in Vietnam. School officials told them to remove the armbands, and when they refused, they were suspended. With their parents, they sued the school district, claiming a violation of their First Amendment right of freedom of speech. Ruling
The Supreme Court sided with the students. Students and teachers still have their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the school, the Court said. The Court did not, however, grant students an unlimited right to self-expression. It said First Amendment guarantees must be balanced against a school's need to keep order: As long as an act of expression doesn't disrupt classwork or school activities, or invade the rights of others, it's acceptable. Regarding the students in this case, they only were wearing a black armband and weren't causing any disruptions or invading the rights of others. They caused discussion outside of the classrooms, but no interference with work and no disorder.

Magical Rainbow

On the way to school you see a rainbow. When you touch it, you suddenly find yourself in a magical world. Describe this world and tell what you do there.

Einstein's Birthday

The scientist Albert Einstein was born on March 14, 1879 in Germany. At an early age, Einstein showed a great interest in math and science. He built models and mechanical devices for fun and began to show a talent for mathematics. Einstein is widely regarded as one of the most influential and best known scientists and intellectuals of all time. He is often regarded as the father of modern physics. Einstein received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921.

• How and why is math important to everyday life and jobs?

The Telephone

The inventor Alexander Graham Bell was born on March 3, 1847 in Edinburgh, Scotland. He is best known for his development of the telephone. Alexander Graham Bell's mother and wife were deaf, and this influenced his life's work. His research on hearing and speech led him to experiment with hearing devices. Alexander Graham Bell was awarded the first U.S. patent for the telephone in 1876.

Describe how life would be different if telephones had never been invented

President's Day

Presidents' Day is celebrated on the third Monday in February. Presidents' Day is intended to honor all of the American presidents, but most significantly George Washington, who was born on February 22, and Abraham Lincoln, who was born on February 12

Imagine you have been chosen to interview President Obama. Plan your interview by writing down 10 questions that you would like to ask the President.

What is love?

What is love? How do you know someone loves you? What's a specific example you've seen of love?

Please write five thoughtful sentences about love and examples of love you've seen. Remember to use complete sentences and proper spelling and grammar.

Inventor's Day

In recognition of the great contributions that inventors have made to the world, National Inventors Day is celebrated on February 11. This date was chosen because Thomas Edison was born on February 11, 1847. Thomas Edison was an American inventor, scientist, and businessman and is known as one of the most prolific inventors of all time. Edison invented more than 1,200 items, including the light bulb and phonograph.

What do you think is the most important invention of all time? Why? (remember to write at least 5 thoughtful sentences)

Black History Month

Black History Month is celebrated in February in the United States in recognition of the achievements made by black Americans and the important role of African Americans in U.S. history.

Using the list of 500 Biographies of Famous African Americans, choose one person who interests you, read about them, and then write a summary about them. You may NOT do a person that someone else has already done, but there are 500 to choose form, so that shouldn't be a problem!

Remember, a good summary contains a topic sentence and 3-5 important detail sentences. Also, remember to put things in YOUR OWN WORDS!

Halfway

We are officially halfway through the school year. Reflect back on the first 90 days of school. What were some of your favorite moments? What's been the most challenging? What are you most looking forward to for the next 90 days?

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. He is best known for being a prominent leader in the advancement of civil rights in the United States and around the world, using nonviolent methods. In 1955, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led the Montgomery Bus Boycott and in 1957 he helped to found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. In 1964, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his work to end racial segregation and discrimination through civil disobedience and other nonviolent means. He was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. Martin Luther King Day was established as a federal U.S. holiday in 1986 and it is observed on the third Monday of January each year. Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed on January 20, 1986. Martin Luther King Day was officially observed in all 50 states for the first time in 2000.

Beginning with the words "I Have a Dream," write your own speech about your hopes for our world and its people.

Newton's Birthday

Isaac Newton was born on January 4, 1643 in Woolsthorpe, England. He was an English physicist, mathematician, and astronomer. He is considered by many to be the greatest scientist of his time.
Isaac Newton discovered the Law of Gravitation. This discovery started with an apple falling from a tree.

• Why do you think Newton's discovery of gravity was important?

Visit Wikipedia's Isaac Newton's Page to learn more information about this influential scientist.