Physical Education

Our fourth graders have officially powered through the Energizing Everything unit! It was incredible to see them master the concepts of energy transfer and collisions through our hands-on investigations. Now, we are ready to "flip the switch" as we transition into our next Mystery Science adventure: Electricity, Light, and Heat. Over the next few weeks, students will dive into the mechanics of circuits, how light behaves, and the ways thermal energy moves between objects. This unit is always a class favorite, as it helps students understand the invisible forces powering the gadgets and appliances they use every day.

Science

We've finished our Sound unit, where students learned that all sounds come from vibrations. They also experimented with pitch and volume. Now, we're starting our new unit on Energy! Students will investigate how energy is stored and how it makes objects move. They'll explore how collisions transfer energy and will design and build their own chain reaction machines to put their learning into action. Get ready for a November full of exciting physics!

Innovation Lab

We are continuing our Design Thinking Challenge in partnership with the ADI Foundation, in which students design an assistive device for a person with specific physical, social and emotional disabilities. Students learn to build empathy as they design a solution to help someone with other abilities than themselves. The first step in the process is a deep dive into research. As part of researching physical limitations, students went through a series of simulations. Without using their fingers, students had to log onto a computer, thread a pipe cleaner through a spool or log into a computer, sign their name, or build a simple cardboard cube. They also had to arrange a color pattern with their eyes closed following their partner’s directions to be able to understand the challenges people who are visually impaired face. At the end, we reflected on the way it feels to live with physical limitations. Now students are learning the ins and outs of Google Slides in order to put together their presentations. The entries are due February 15, 2026.

Art

Fourth graders are creating functional clay tic-tac-toe boards, learning how everyday objects can be both useful and works of art. Students practiced essential ceramic techniques including slip and score, hand-building, and adding texture and sculptural details based on preliminary sketches. This project emphasizes form, function, craftsmanship and the true art of being creative! Next, students will work independently on a self-guided negative space collage, focusing on composition, contrast, and spatial awareness.

After reading the first book in author Adam Gidwitz’s Unicorn Rescue Society series in anticipation of his visit to the Ramaz LS this week, fourth graders further prepared through an investigation of authoritative information on the internet. Students explored Adam’s official author’s website and discussed how an author decides which information to make available on a public website. Students also workshopped questions in preparation for the Q&A session after Adam’s presentation. The work all culminated in a wonderful visit with a world class author.

Library

Music

Fourth graders are deepening their musical understanding through singing, movement and ensemble work. Students are practicing rhythmic and melodic accuracy while developing strong listening skills and ensemble awareness. A folk song the class has been learning has traveled beyond the music room and into the hallways, filling Ramaz with the sounds of music class. Students are about to begin learning repertoire for Zimriyah, applying these skills to group singing that emphasizes collaboration, expression, and confident performance.

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