_We have new living organisms in our classroom! Welcome: BESS BEETLES!
We are currently studying Life Structures in our most recent science unit. Students work with living organisms to explore different functions: growth, survival, and reproduction. Students have been comparing the properties of seeds and fruits, germinate seeds, and grow plants hydroponically to observe plant life cycle. They have maintained crayfish and now Bess beetles, and will observe and compare their structures and behaviors. Students were introduced to the Bess beetles this week during the first investigation. They noted their observations and gently handled their new beetle-friends. I too conquered my fear of the patent-leather-looking beetles!

In Science we are studying Life Structures. Crayfish were delivered to each 4th Grade classroom. We are learning about their habitats, behaviors, the physical structures, and how to care for these living organisms. With crayfish experience, Jaheim, helped me get them nestled into their new home. We now have class pets... Welcome to our classroom Crayfish (or crawfish as we call them in Kansas!)!

We have been working hard to learn our multiples facts. We use songs but sometimes the best tricks are the ones you always have with you...

Jan-Paul (Mrs. Smith's Class) taught our math class a trick that he uses to remember the multiples of three. We drew the lines on the creases to divide his fingers in thirds to show how he uses them to count by threes.



Thank you for the excellent math trick, Jahn-Paul! You taught your fellow students (and me!) something new.

Bester Students had the opportunity to spend an evening with their families learning all about Science! S.T.E.M. stands for: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics. The evening started with a nice dinner and was loaded with lots of different Halloween costumes to celebrate Science night. Classrooms were filled with different science experiments and families were able to participate in three different types of experiments. It was a fun night celebrated with students and families who were excited to learn together. Look forward to another S.T.E.M. Night in the spring!

The 4th Grade took an early morning field trip to the William Brish Planetarium at WCPS. The field trip accompanied our Sun, Moon, and Stars science unit. The students spent the morning with Mr. Chris Kopko and played along with his interactive game show while they learned about the motions of the Earth: rotation and revolution. Students were able to use clickers to participate in the game show and select their own answers.

The 4th Graders have been learning the phases of the moon in science. Here they are showing what they know by sequencing the phases of the moon during a reading activity.