Junior Rangers

Ranger Monique came to Rio Vista today to perform the Junior Ranger Ceremony and give students their badges.

    1.  Math Mr. Spaulding:  p. 547-548.
                   Mrs. Thompson: p. 565-566.
                   Ms. Nuzum:  p. 503-504.
     2.  What does it mean to be a Junior Ranger?
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Is Time Travel Possible?

    1.  Math Mr. Spaulding:  p. 541-542.
                   Mrs. Thompson: p. 547-548.
                   Ms. Nuzum:  p. 489-490.
     2.  If you could time-travel, where and when would you go?
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Our Senses

     1.  Math Mr. Spaulding:  p. 533-534.
                   Mrs. Thompson: p. 539-542.
                   Ms. Nuzum:  no homework.
     2.  If you had to give up one of your senses, which would it be?  Why?
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Combinations

Sienna's Tree Diagram

Imagine you have three different flavors of hot chocolate, three different toppings and two different sprinkles.  How many different combinations are there if you take one of each category?

One way to solve combination problems like this is by making a tree diagram, like Sienna has done in the picture above.

     1.  Math Mr. Spaulding:  p. 535-536.
                   Mrs. Thompson: p. 535-536.
                   Ms. Nuzum:  chapter test.
     2.  What is your favorite thing to do as a family?  Explain.
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Band Concert Great Success

First and second year band members played a concert for us today.  They also got a chance to go on a bus and perform at Piru school in the morning.  Second year band members also went to play at Mountain Vista and San Cayetano.

     1.  Math:  Hot Chocolate Math.
     2.  Pick one of your drafts.  Take it home to revise and rewrite.
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

What are polygons?

Students sometime get the idea that math is only about numbers - take two numbers and do something to them to get a third number, such as 2 + 2 = 4.  But that is only a small part of mathematics.  Another important area of math is the study of shapes.  It is a fourth grade standard to be able to classify shapes by properties of their lines and angles.

     1.  Math:  Newton's Cross.
     2.  How do you know when something is unfair?  Explain.
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Gold Rush Routes

Fourth graders are learning about California history.  An exciting and important part of California history is the Gold Rush.  There were three main routes to get to the California gold fields:  Overland, via Panama, or the long way around Cape Horn.  We will simulate this during our Rio Vista Gold Rush coming up Friday June 3.  Come and join the fun!



Homework for today:
     1.  Math: naming polygons worksheet.
     2.  What is your favorite thing to do on the weekend?
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Mathematical Practices

Our new California State Standards for Mathematics include standards for mathematical practice.  These standards are designed to support the development of students’ broader mathematical understanding.  .

     1.  Math: angles worksheet.
     2.  What is the best toy that you have?  What makes it the best?
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Changing Standards

Our new California State Standards in math are very challenging.  The emphasis is on being able to use mathematical reasoning to solve complex real world based problems.

     1.  Math: no homework today.
     2.  If you could open your own store, what would you sell?  Why?
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Mathematical Formulas

Mathematicians love formulas.  Formulas give easy ways to solve certain problems.  The area of a rectangle can be determined by using a simple formula - multiplying the length times the width.



     1.  Math: Area and perimeter of rectangles worksheet.
     2. Is it better to be a teacher or a student?  Explain.
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Area

     1.  Math: Area and perimeter of squares worksheet.
     2. What is the biggest difference between third grade and fourth grade?
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Perimeter

Area and perimeter are important fourth grade concepts.


     1.  Math: Perimeter worksheet.
     2. What five words best describe you.  Explain.
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Cinco de Mayo

Happy Cinco de Mayo.  We have a celebration at Rio Vista this evening from 5:00 to 8:00.  There will be live entertainment and delicious food.

     1.  Are dogs better than cats?  Explain.
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Do Animals Think?

  
     1.  Math: Units of length worksheet.
     2. Can animals think?  Explain.
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

To measure or not to measure, that is the question.

     1.  Make a list of different things that are measured in your kitchen (e.g. cans of soup) and what those measurements are.
     2.  Why can't children vote for president?
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Principal's Day 2016

Today we are Celebrating National Principal's day.  Thank you Mrs. Garnica for all you do for us!

     1.  Math all groups:  measure your bedroom.
     2.  Is it better to be the oldest, the youngest, or an only child?   Explain.
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.