|
Featured Grade Level
May 2007
Grade 3
|
Chemical Testing
During our chemical test unit, we explored 5 unknown solids through a series of investigations of their physical properties. We applied the knowledge that we gained combined with our background knowledge to determine the identity of the unknown chemicals. |
 |
 |
 |
February 2007
Grade 2
A major concept in second grade is telling time. The students need to be able to tell time to the hour, half-hour, and five minute intervals. As a grade level, we expounded this concept by constructing our own clock quizzes. The students had to choose a theme for their clocks and write word problems that correlated with their clocks. After the students created their word problems, they typed them on Alphasmarts. An alphasmart is a portable keyboard that can connect to the teacher’s computer to be printed. During the Mt. Lebanon Public Education Celebration at the Galleria, the second grade clocks will be displayed. The celebration will be on Sunday June 3rd from 12:00-5:00 PM.
This project meets the following standards:
1.1 Learning to Read Independently
1.4 Type of Writing
1.5 Quality of Writing
2.3 Measurement and Estimation
2.5 Mathematical Problem Solving and Communication
3.7 Technological Devices
January 2007
Grade 1
This month, we have begun our study of families now and long ago. This is a cross-curricular thematic unit that addresses standards in the following areas; math, history, economics, geography, arts and humanities, civics and government, science and technology, and reading, writing, speaking, and listening. In math, we graph data from informational surveys that the students have completed with their families. We use a wealth of literature and trade books that depict immigration now and long ago. Map skills, as well as the economic and social reasons, that lead people to immigrate are a focus in this unit. The children also use the survey data to create two reports about their families now and long ago. The unit culminates in a Family Museum Night, where the children perform songs, poems, and speak about their families now and ling ago. Children bring in artifacts that celebrate their own family history. Our final event of the unit is a fieldtrip to Meadowcroft Village in the spring. Over the years, this evening has become a Washington School Tradition! This is an age appropriate vehicle for children to learn and celebrate their heritage.
November - GRADE 4
|
Electric Circuits
The fourth graders are in the process of studying Electric Circuits. The students are introduced to the basic properties of electricity and learn about electric circuits and the parts of a light bulb. They will also learn to distinguish between conductors and insulators. The students will learn a ‘secret language’ which they will use to draw a plan for wiring a house with switches and lights. |
S.4.C Physical Sciences
Forms, Sources, Conversion, and Transfer of Energy
Recognizes basic energy types and sources, or describe how energy can be changed form one form to another
Module links
Ø identify energy forms and examples (e.g. light, heat, electrical)
Ø describe the flow of energy through an object or system (e.g. feeling radiant heat from a light bulb, using a battery to light a bulb or run a fan)
Ø recognize or illustrate simple direct current series and parallel circuits composed of batteries, light bulbs, wire, and on/off switches
S.4.A Physical Sciences
Processes, Procedures, and Tools of Scientific Investigations
Apply skills necessary to conduct an experiment or design a solution to solve a problem
Module links
Ø Generate questions about objects or events that can be answered through scientific investigations
Ø Design and describe an investigation to test one variable.
Ø State a conclusion that is consistent with the information/data.
Identify appropriate instruments for a specific task and describe the information the instrument can provide.
Module links
Ø Identify appropriate tools or instruments for specific tasks and describe the information they can provide (e.g. making observations)
Systems, Models and Patterns
Identify systems and describe relationships among parts of a familiar system
Module links
Ø Identify the parts of a circuit
Use models to illustrate simple concepts and compare the models to what it represents.
Module links
Ø Identify the symbols for the parts of the circuit and explain what they represent.
Ø Use a circuit model to demonstrate how electricity would run through a house.
October - Grade 5
|
MICROWORLDS
The fifth graders are in the process of studying Microworlds, using and exploring with microscopes. We are learning what makes things magnify and why somethings will magnify while others won't. Our observation skills are improving as we make inferences based on what we see and what we know. |
|
PA Standards
|
Standard |
Module Link |
|
3.1.4 Unifying Themes |
Students Will: |
|
A. Systems |
Know that natural objects and human made objects are made up of parts |
|
C. Patterns |
Patterns that occur in nature |
|
E. Change |
Recognize change in natural and physical systems |
|
|
|
|
3.2.4 Inquiry & Design |
|
|
A. Nature of Scientific Knowledge |
Provide clear explanations for observations |
|
B. Process Knowledge |
Describe objects using 5 senses |
|
C. Scientific Method |
Use elements of scientific inquiry. |
|
|
|
|
3.3.4 Biological Issues |
|
|
B. Structure and Function |
Know living things are made up of parts that have specific functions. |
|
|
|
|
3.7.4 Technological Education |
|
|
B. Information Technology |
Select appropriate instruments to study materials. |
|
|
|
