Grade 4 Camp Presentation

Grade 4 will be going on Camp from January 13th - 14th. Please look through these slides to find out more information about what we will be doing!

Learning from a Physicist

Today 4HR spoke with Dr. Anthony Boyd via Skype. He is a physicist who works at a Naval Research Laboratory near Washington, DC. He talked with us about how he became a physicist, what his work day looks like, and answered our questions.

This is what we learned today:

- For a short time, we are stronger than gravity (lifting foot off ground)

- If there was no gravity, there would be no friction. The exception is in space when planets can rub against each other.

- If there is too much friction, we can't move.

- If there is no friction,  you would slide a lot.

- Friction always works in an opposite direction.

- There is a relationship between the moon and tides.

- Gravity is stronger than friction

- Gravity is an attractive force, so it pulls not pushes.

- We need to gravity to stay down.

- Even if the mass is different, in space objects falls at the same rate.

- You can fit more than 1,000 Earths inside Jupiter.

- There is only one kind of gravity. Sometimes it is safe, sometimes it is dangerous.

- People can't combine their strengths to push ourselves to space.

- Floods are connected to high tide and low tide.

- If there was no gravity, it would be hard to breathe because dust particles would stay in the air.

- We are pulling against the Earth, but since the Earth's mass is so much greater, the Earth pulls us.

- Momentum doesn't help us gain acceleration, but it does help us gain velocity.

- We need a lot of space to get out of the Earth's gravity.

- Distance affects gravity and mass affects gravity.

- When an object is falling, air resistance is pushing up against the object. When there is larger surface area, there is more air resistance.

Potential and Kinetic Energy to Simple Machines

4HR is investigating into How does the transfer of energy impact the motion of an object? In watching this video, we see how objects transfer energy from potential to kinetic energy. What happens as a result?

Later this week we will revisit this video, looking for simple machines. What do you already know about simple machines?

Partial Quotient and Math games

4HR is learning how to use the Partial Quotient Method to divide large numbers. Here is a tutorial explaining the steps to using the Partial Quotient Method.

In class you will be practicing the Partial Quotient Method, as well as reviewing all operations and pattern finding. Go to this link to practice the Operations and Algebraic Thinking games.

Applying Understanding of Friction

Today we are going to make predictions as to what surface would allow a skateboarder to travel the furthest. Let's play Friction Ramp to determine how friction affects are everyday lives.

Now let's watch Magic School Bus Plays Ball to find out how friction impacts sports.

Visualizing Wonder

Today 4HR read a passage from Wonder by R.J. Palacio and stopped to envision. This strategy helped us to understand the main character, Auggie Pullman's, daily reality and empathize with his struggles.

"In the hallways, which were always crowded, my face would always surprise some unsuspecting kid who maybe hadn't heard about me. The kid would make the sound you make when you hold your breath before going underwater, a little "uh!" sound. This happened maybe four or five times a day for the first few weeks: on the stairs, in front of the lockers, in the library."

Here is what 4HR envisioned:

I can picture the kids in the hallway, with surprised and shocked looks on their faces. I can hear the gasping noises they make as Auggie walks by. I can picture Auggie walking in the hallway, head-down, speed walking to get to his classroom. All around him, I hear the thumping of his classmates shoes. I can feel him wishing to be ignored, and wanting to duck and cover his face.

What do you envision with this passage?

Tuning in to Forces and Motion

Question: How could you move a ping pong ball one meter without using your hands?

Today 4HR delved into science. We designed, hypothesised, constructed, revised, tweaked, and tested our constructions. 

Key vocabulary we used were: weight, speed, momentum, gravity, slant, ramp, roll, bounce, incline, decline, launching, touch, friction, push, pull, hit, stretch, elastic, and rubbery.

Watch these videos to find out the thinking behind our constructions.