The Big Trip!
4/29/2018
This week, the Fourth Grade took a trip to the Challenger Learning Center, in Kenai, Alaska, where they participated in activities related to science and engineering. The focus for the trip was on teamwork, but in the pictures below you can see that just because they were focused on learning didn't stop them from having fun! Day 1!Our first stop, once we reached Kenai, was for lunch. We'd been in the car for about three hours, and the students were ready to eat some high calorie lunches and then stretch their legs and burn off some stored energy! When we finally arrived at the Challenger Learning Center, we quickly checked in and the students checked out their new digs -- bunks that were built to resemble those that might be found in a space station! As might have been expected, students quickly staked out the top bunks, unpacked and then got down to business -- space business! Not much later, they found themselves in a rocketry class, where students broke into groups and started work on constructing their own rockets, propelled by air pressure. There were some bumps in the road to success, and not all of the groups had an easy time of it. Eventually, though, things worked out for everyone and after the successful completion of their first generation rockets, fourth graders built a second generation of rocket that was to be launched outside. In the video below, each student watches their creations rocket into the sky! And, after all of their hard work at rocketry, students were treated to a delicious pizza dinner! To cap off the night, before bed students reflected on their performance within the team. They were asked to write about two things they were proud to have done, and two things they thought they could have done better. Students were then asked to name, out loud, at least one thing they were happy with, but allowed to keep their two areas of improvement a secret. (With the understanding that they would work on those two areas through the rest of the trip!) Day 2!On the second day, after an early morning reflection on how they'd done the day before, students were ready to tackle another class -- this one focused on Climate Change. Students learned about the differences between weather and climate, and took a look at how humans have impacted the climate of the earth. They were then asked to take a closer look at the rise of the earth's temperature, by simulating climate change effects with a heat lamp. In a series of experiments, students predicted and then tracked the change of temperature on different colored pieces of paper. In the video below, students track the changes! On the way back, there was time for lunch at Chair Five, a restaurant in Girdwood owned by PNA parents! In the photo below, Jackson, Kenny and David pose with a newfound sense of camaraderie! For more information on the Challenger Learning Center of Kenai, Alaska, please hit the LAUNCH! button, below!
ERBs, Adobe Bricks & Steamboats
4/6/2018
This week, fourth grade pushed through ten (yes, you read that correctly, ten) ERB tests in four days. By the time that Friday rolled around, their brains were twisted into pretzels and it took a little fine tuning to bring the students back up to speed. In the photo above, the math class attempts to reboot their brains in an effort to remember how to properly behave in math class. Better luck Monday, I guess. Sorting Materials!Because our mornings were so packed with mind-bending tests, we tried to spend our afternoons doing as much physical activity as possible. One of the things we've been working on in science class is erosion. Last week, we collected materials with which to build (miniature) adobe bricks for (miniature) adobe homes. In the video above, fourth grade sorts through the materials they've collected. Dirt is placed in one bin, rocks in another, and straw and moss in another. Next week, the fourth grade will use ice cube trays to cast adobe bricks. Stay tuned for updates! A Photo So Good, |
Moving Up Week - Next Week! Students will be moving up to the next grade next week to try it on for size. During one Morning Meeting, students will spend time with their future teacher and learn all about their future grade. Get Your Tickets TODAY! We still have a few tickets available for the PNA Auction Gala on Saturday, April 21st, but space is limited! Head to our website to purchase individual tickets, or contact Annie or Tabitha for table availability. This is our largest fundraising event of the year, with a silent and live auction, seated dinner and drinks, and it is always an evening of fun, excitement, and magic. Don't miss the best auction in town! | No School Friday, April 20th We will not have school on Friday the 20th so we can transform the building into the magical space it will be for the Auction. We will NOT have EDP on this day, save for drop-in care while parents are assisting with setup. We Need Cardboard! Help our Kindergarten construct their castle for their Spring Sleepover. We are looking for large cardboard boxes - the bigger the better! We will be collecting them in the breezeway by the front entrance. Email Mrs. McCormick or Ms. Tabitha if you have questions. |
Martina Henke
Martina Henke has been a K-8 educator for 30+ years. A life-long learner, she loves working with kids of all ages, new technology, great books, fiber arts, and her wonderful family!
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