Chavura (grades 3 & 4)

For the week of: May 3, 2010

Things you need to know :  summative project - Research Poster - of student selected energy source due Friday, May 7 (there will be class time to complete posters in class on Friday)

Central Idea :  Shock Me!  The hows and whys of energy and force

Inquiry Into: Comparative study of energy sources, alternative, nuclear, fossil, etc., and how forces and energy interact

Teacher Questions:

How does electricity work?

How are forces and energy related?

How do types of energy differ?

What is the difference between a series circuit and a parallel circuit?

How are magnetism and electricity related?

How does the generation of energy affect the environment?

This week students are learning about the: Each student is researching an area of energy that is of particular interest to them; we also continue to discuss the workings of magnets and coils in the production of electricity as well as discussing and debriefing the field study from last week to the nuclear power plant at McGuire Nuclear Station

Summative Project :  Research poster with notecards, references, and research questions due Friday, May 7; presentation of posters will be Mon. and Tues. May 10 and 11

Field Studies : Next week:  May 12 - 14, Earthshine ; 4th graders only

Spelling : individual  spelling lists as necessary/appropriate; quizzes on Fridays 

Vocabulary Wordly Wise : tests every Wednesday; new lessons completed and submitted every Friday

Writing : prep. for the WrAP tests (w/o) May 17; speed writes in class; additionally, study of notetaking (in conjunction with P of I research project) formulating viable and meaningful research questions.