Posts made in February, 2013

Patterns help us solve problems.

Posted on Feb 21, 2013 in Maths

Patterns help us solve problems.

In this math unit, we learned about patterns. We learned to find and create many types of patterns. We made repeating patterns and growing patterns with numbers. We worked out the rules and used these to make predictions. We even learned to solve patterns with algebra. We especially enjoyed working in groups to solve problems with matchsticks. Some of them were hard but our patterning skills helped us. Have a look at our patterns video below! By Na Youn, Hyun Seo & Kaopoon...

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Field Trip to the Fire Museum

Posted on Feb 21, 2013 in Natural Forces

Field Trip to the Fire Museum

On the 6th February, Grade 4 went to the Beijing Fire Museum. We saw a 4D video of a fire explosion and experienced many types of simulations. In each simulation, we practiced evacuation and emergency procedures. In a fire, we learned to stay calm, find an exit and crouch down low. Luckily, Jack saved us by calling 119. We also learned that if your clothes catch on fire, you should stop, drop, roll. It is important to know what caused the fire and to know your own address to tell the emergency service people. In the earthquake simulation, we felt earthquakes of magnitude 1, 2 and 5 on the Richter Scale. We learned how to cover our heads and find a safe place inside the building. We also learned that being in a triangle can be safe so that debris doesn’t fall on your body. We practiced evacuating to a clear area away from rubble and falling debris. Lastly, we went on the subway. We learned how to evacuate from the subway, too. We learned to find the door on the front carriage and crouch down low to escape the smoke. We had a great day at the Fire Museum. The simulations were really exciting and we have lots of great knowledge about how to act in emergencies. By Kota & Joshua...

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Talking Tsunamis with Mr. Masuda!

Posted on Feb 21, 2013 in Natural Forces

Talking Tsunamis with Mr. Masuda!

Two weeks ago, Mr. Masuda came to our class to talk about a natural disaster in Japan. He told us about a huge tsunami that hit Fukushima in 2011. The tsunami caused great damage to the city and citizens in Fukushima. The earthquake had a magnitude of 6.5 on the Richter Scale, which then became an enormous tsunami. Mr Masuda was living in Hawaii but he knew many people in Japan. He also told us about his friend who lost his family in the tsunami. Fortunately, this man found his family, after months of searching, and he lived happily again. But it was so awful when he told us that the man had to search in gyms full of dead bodies. We thought about how awful it would be if we lost our families and were left alone. We also learned that the shape of Japan’s coastline made the tsunami much bigger, because the wave sped up as the water rushed in towards the land. We also learned where Tokyo was placed and some geography about Japan. Mr Masuda told us that Japan has had lots of earthquake before and will continue to have them, because it is on the edge of a tectonic plate (Pacific Plate). We were proud to share our knowledge of why earthquakes happen with Mr Masuda. Thank you, Mr Masuda, for giving us your time and telling us all about this natural disaster. We learned a lot about the impact of tsunamis from you. By Geon Woo, Diana &...

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Reading many genres!

Posted on Feb 6, 2013 in English, Storytelling

Reading many genres!

During our story telling unit, we all completed Reading Contracts. We were able to choose our own fictional books to study, as long as they met 2 important criteria: – a different genre for each book – books which matched our individual reading level Each person read at least 3 chapter books in a 5-week period. After reading each book, we chose response tasks. We could choose to respond to plot, setting, character or theme. Some people wrote letters to characters, re-wrote scenes in new settings, changed the ending of the story or blogged as if they were the author. Our responses showed deep understanding and great creativity. If was wonderful to read a range of genres and be so independent in our learning!         Which was your favorite book?  Write a recommendation. Try to persuade other people in the class to read it.  ...

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