WEEK OF OCTOBER 13TH:

🔬 SCIENCE NEWS

Researching about Animals

Last week, students began researching an animal of their choice. This week, they’ll continue reading about their animals, write a few paragraphs about what they learn, and create a simple slide to present their findings to the class.

Coral Reefs

Later this week, we’ll finish the week by reading about the wonderful world of coral reefs and the many beautiful living creatures that depend on them.

🌎 SOCIAL STUDIES NEWS

Indigenous People's Day

We are beginning the week by learning about the Indigenous peoples of the Caribbean, particularly the Taíno and Kalinago (historically referred to as the Carib). We will explore how Christopher Columbus’s voyages opened the way for Spanish conquistadors and European colonization of the Americas.

As we examine this history, we will discuss the cruelty and violence many Indigenous peoples experienced, including the loss of lives through warfare, forced labor, and diseases brought by Europeans. We will approach these topics with care and respect, recognizing the profound impact colonization had on Indigenous communities.

Geography: Science and Social Studies

As we continue to study Geography, students will explore natural resources found in different regions, including renewable resources, which can be replenished, and non-renewable resources, which are limited.

How You Can Support at Home

• Ask your child what they’ve discovered about their chosen animal.

• Talk about natural resources you use at home and whether they are renewable or non-renewable.

• Invite your child to share something interesting they learn about coral reefs.

• On Thursday, students will bring home a study guide for our first science test. Test will be given the following Thursday. An email will be sent home Thursday with the link for the study guide for you to view. 

WEEK OF OCTOBER 4th:

🌎 SOCIAL STUDIES NEWS

Geography and U.S. Regions

Students are building their geography and map-reading skills as they explore the regions of the United States. They’re learning to use map features such as titles, scales, legends, and inset maps, and comparing the regions’ climates and landforms.

🔬 SCIENCE NEWS

Science: Biomes and Ocean Life

Students are learning how animals adapt to survive in their environments and how living things are connected to the places where they live. This week, they’ll explore biomes and the animals that live in different environments, then focus on the New Jersey seashore and sea life in the Atlantic Ocean.

In addition, since students learned about regional climates and how weather patterns differ from place to place. To connect with this topic, we also explored the water cycle!

Students saw firsthand how evaporation, condensation, and precipitation occur. They learned how water changes into water vapor, cools to form droplets, and returns back down in forms of precipitation. These observations helped students connect the movement of water to the weather and climates we experience.

It is so nice to see students getting excited about science, and seeing our fourth-grade scientists making connections and learning through observation!

🐟 UPCOMING RESEARCH PROJECT 🐟

Atlantic Ocean Sea Creatures 

Soon, each student will be assigned an Atlantic Ocean sea creature to research. Students will use a Chromebook in class for about 15 minutes each day to find information, record their findings on a physical graphic organizer, and then create a simple two-page presentation.

The project will help students practice researching, taking notes, and sharing information in their own words. We’re excited to see what they discover!

⭐ NEW JERSEY MAPS⭐  

Be on the lookout for our students' upcoming New Jersey projects!

We can't wait to share what our fourth-grade geographers discover about the Garden State! 🌳🗺️