Ancient Civilizations: The Roman forum

Students in the 4th grade participated in an Ancient Civilization PBL: The Roman Forum. During enrichment sessions students assumed the role of a merchant during Ancient Rome where they conducted extensive research on products they would like to sell, where they would import from and location of their business. They also researched beautiful architecture for inspiration for their building models as well as mosaics to create mosaic "tiles" for their floors. With inspiration from our art teacher Mrs. Newcomb, students also drew and designed pottery with Ancient Roman influence. Students also had to research various gods and goddesses and decide which would be the best employees for their shops. The 4th graders wrapped up this great research project with a performance at the "Roman Forum" in our enrichment classroom where they read their persuasive essays on why all should visit their shops. And what's a Roman Forum without a little dressing up? Students dressed the part and enjoyed some refreshing grapes and the company of visiting parents and our principal, Mrs. Bell.

"Essential Question: How can you, as an Ancient Roman, create a product and gain customers by advertising in the Roman Forum?

Mission: You are a Roman living in Ancient Rome. Due to the increasing size of the Roman Empire, more and more goods are coming into the empire. You decide to take advantage of this growing opportunity and become a merchant. Since your parents were not merchants, you will be starting your business from scratch. This means that you need to create a product, find trade cities, build a store, as well as find the employees all on your own. You will travel to the Roman Forum to advertise your new store. You will need to create a persuasive speech about your product to convince your fellow Romans to purchase the commodity from you. "

Hunterdon County Enrichment consortium annual nature hike and pond study

4th Marking Period

Law Fair Club

3rd Marking Period

4th Grade Garden Research

During STEAM Team Building time, all fourth grade students are working together to research appropriate crops to plant in our school garden. Take a look at the Garden Page for periodic updates.

2nd Marking Period

Circuit Houses

During the fourth grade science unit on circuits, Mrs. Stettner and Mrs. Viteri brought students a STEAM Challenge: Create a circuit with a working switch in a room designed out of a cardboard shoe box.

09/29/16- Point Mountain Nature Walk & Pond Study

4th grade students were invited to participate in a nature walk and pond study at Point Mountain. This trip was offered through the Hunterdon County Enrichment Consortium. As only a limited number of spots were available, students had to write an essay on why they wanted to attend this trip. Essays were selected based on a rubric.

On this trip students surveyed a pond at the Teetertown Reserve. There students rotated positions around the pond to collect samples of the forms of life in the pond. Then the Hunterdon County Parks representative guided students to discovery on whether the pond was healthy or polluted based on the type wildlife found in the pond.

Students then retreated to a brisk Nature Walk up Point Mountain. When they reached the top of the mountain, they were given time take in their surroundings and then created a sketch oft the wonderful view.