Putting the Scientific Method into Play

Fourth graders have been investigating the theory and application of the scientific method. The scientific method is a series of steps that scientists use to find answers to their questions. Students learned that although all the steps are most often present, scientists often need to manipulate the order of the steps and sometimes go back and do them them again in order to form accurate conclusions. The basic steps in the scientific method are question, research, hypothesize, experiment, analyze, draw conclusions, and communicate results. Recently, students were presented with three different floor surfaces and a rubber ball and tasked with applying the scientific method. Students began by generating a question and worked through the steps of the scientific method the form valid and supported conclusions.

Investigating Science

What is a scientist? Our fourth graders are discovering inquiries scientists make, methods they use to answer and share inquiries and the many tools they use. In a recent investigation, students were given several materials including a rock, a penny and tissue paper. Students were also given hand lenses and microscopes to investigate and draw observations on each object. What was the best tool to investigate each object? Through trial and error, our fourth graders soon discovered that the right tool is needed to create complete and accurate observations. Later students were also tasked with finding additional tools and the function of each. Students soon discovered how graduated cylinders, beakers, soil probes, scales, various measurement devices and even laptops aid a scientist in discovery.

Back to School, Back to Knitting

The fourth graders have once again embarked on their knitting journey. Every year the fourth grade class learns how to knit hats and scarves using looms. The finished products are then donated to Mercy Learning Center when the weather starts to get cold. Knitting is a mindful practice, helping to alleviate some of the stress from busy days; and it’s fun too!

JV Soccer Season!

The third and fourth graders are in the midst of the soccer unit in PE class, working daily to improve their passing, receiving, and shooting skills and to experience first hand, team work and good sportsmanship. Those students who in addition, participate on the JV team, provide an opportunity for authentic assessment, a luxury for PE teachers. The effort given in PE class translates to the soccer fields after school in their games where they demonstrate what they have learned…and they are having a ball!

TLS Comes to Lower School

Do you feel stressed? At times, we all do, including our children. Optimal learning and healthy relationships cannot happen when our bodies and minds are stressed. Therefore, this year we have introduced TLS into the third and fourth grade curriculum. Transformative Life Skills or TLS is an evidence-based lesson in self resilience, self awareness, emotional regulation and healthy relationships. TLS includes active yoga postures, breathing techniques and centering meditation. Every week students are invited (but never required) to participate in brief lessons in how to de-stress, refocus attention and center our bodies and minds. Students are taught that the techniques practiced in whole group lessons can be used anytime and anywhere. One such technique pictured here is called deep belly breathing where students simply focus on the expansion and contraction of their belly while taking long slow breaths. Already students have been spotted practicing TLS on their own and reflecting on the calmness they experience after TLS practice.

Mapping the Garden

In early May, third and fourth graders were challenged to use a map to record plants growing in the Unquowa Garden. They identified over 40 varieties of vegetables, fruits, flowers and herbs. Students enjoyed smelling herbs in our “tea” garden by rubbing their fingers on the leaves of lemon balm, chocolate mint and lavender. Come tour our garden. There are raised beds of sugar snap peas, purple pac choi, Easter egg radishes and yellow wax beans. In addition, there are many varieties of flowers including snapdragons, sunflowers, nasturtium and French marigolds.