#4thchat is a hashtag for teachers or anyone to talk about educational issues relating to 4th grade. Using #4thchat will create a network of 4th grade teachers or teachers working with 9-10 year olds across the world. We welcome anyone who 1. teaches 4th grade 2 .Works with 4th grade students and or 4th grade teachers 3. Likes 4th grade teachers (Groupies are encouraged).
Some days are easier than others! We are wrapping up the semester in the next month, so it is a lot of writing right now! Just time consuming! #4thChat
Malinda from NC here!
What a perfect topic for tonight as I have been prepping for my next science unit on force/motion and review for the year before state testing!
#4thchat
I teach in Jackson, not very close to the suburbs of Detroit. However, I grew up in the Redford/Livonia area and my family is all near Royal Oak and Beverly Hills. #4thChat
Oh my - We are looking at getting over 20 inches tonight into tomorrow night! Last 2 storms we lost power - charging everything up tonight just in case. #4thchat
A1: Asking the questions instead of answering them all the time. SS often take some time to adjust but they learn to ask clarifying questions of each other too! #4thChat
#4thchat A1: When it all doesn't fit then choose the hands on experiment, let Ss do the sci process and ask Qs and answer them. Make sure there is wonder. Often sci class is ELA and sci background knowledge.
A1: I have to say that my students are VERY inquisitive this year and have TONS of questions for each science unit/topic that we have covered this year. Ask, ask away! We can learn together! #4thchat
A1: Studies suggest that students become better problem solvers--and even raise their IQs--when they are taught principles of logic, hypothesis-testing, and other methods of reasoning. #4thchat
A2: I always tell my students about the things I wonder. I ask them what they think of my wonderings and let them share theirs. As @MysterySci says, "Stay Curious"! #4thChat
A1: I have the students pose most of the questions during class. We also have an "I Wonder" wall. If students have a question that maybe we are not discussing, I have them post it there and research the question later. #4thchat
#4thchat A2: I wonder aloud about things and don't answer/discuss for a few days. Why do I have to add water to the fish tank? Where does the snow go even though we stayed below freezing? Why is electricity and water ready to go when I turn them on? Fun when S answers first.
Have to say for years I was so guilty of this (and calling it science). It's important to share info to gain background knowledge, but that could be gained thru hands-on! #4thChat
#4thchat A2: When talking about connections between academics and STEM careers, I point out that scientists are paid to be curious. Give example of how this can be a career. Many first gen future college Ss in my school.
I've found that sometimes the Ss are very inquisitive (or at least vocal about it) while other years the class is more passive. Glad you have the wonderers! #4thchat
A1: I have the students pose most of the questions during class. We also have an "I Wonder" wall. If students have a question that maybe we are not discussing, I have them post it there and research the question later. #4thchat
#4thchat A3: My Ss like to bring me things to look at for the class to see on the smartboard with this: Zoomy™ Handheld Digital Microscope - Learning Resources® https://t.co/1VX5xf3OcV
Mystery science is exactly what many teachers need to start to feel more comfortable teaching science instead of being overwhelmed by lots of prep. And students learn through genuine inquiry. #4thchat
#4thchat A3: My Ss like to bring me things to look at for the class to see on the smartboard with this: Zoomy™ Handheld Digital Microscope - Learning Resources® https://t.co/1VX5xf3OcV
A2: Modeling NOT knowing everything and admitting it. Looking to find answers together. #4thchat Here's an excellent article: Curiosity: The Force w/in a Hungry Mind: https://t.co/dtGinOHJjZ#4thchat
A3: when I taught 7th grade I had a vocab wall that ss could always turn to. And our milkweed bugs lives inside ziploc bags that were pinned to an interactive bulletin board. Always something new to observe that way! #4thchat
#4thchat A3 Another mobile makerspace item for science bellwork littleBits: Award-winning electronic building blocks for creating inventions large and small https://t.co/S6esks9qSm
A1- sorry I’m a little slow- 2 year old learned how to crawl out of crib! I try to create lessons that are more exploratory than modeling. I give ss the concepts and materials and I see what they come up with. I also have a cookie cutter part for those who struggle. #4thchat
A3: I keep a triple beam balance out and find that students are always measuring items. I always have science picture books out. I usually have a living organism in the classroom. This year I am collecting sciency items to keep around for observation. #4thchat
My Science Pages https://t.co/jbVwaKXVME from Anatomy to (sorry) Winter Storms. Science teaches students how to solve problems, it helps them learn about the world and how to find answers to their tough questions. #4thchat
A4: Mine are CONSTANTLY talking!! But seriously, they have enjoyed making/collaborating on/sharing #GoogleSlides and/or @Buncee of their learning. #4thchat
I give them time to explore and I sit next to them and model thinking out loud and being aware of what I’m thinking. Oh, and modeling how to write what I’m thinking. #4thchat
A3: I set up 2 high powered microscopes w/ various slides. Kids were fascinated. Lots of building & science kits (from my own kids when they were little). #4thchat
#4thchat A3: My Ss like to bring me things to look at for the class to see on the smartboard with this: Zoomy™ Handheld Digital Microscope - Learning Resources® https://t.co/1VX5xf3OcV
#4thchat A3. This year I also put out the science materials for makerspace bellwork. For example why are magnets only during the magnet lessons. Let Ss start the day talking about what they observe. Have them build circuits outside of science lesson time.
Or create a GDoc with table and put students’ name in each cell so they know where to add their thinking. Have a template and make a copy each time you want to gather responses from your class. #4thchat
A5: I try to connect to the @MysterySci as Brain Breaks, read/write about topics in literacy, incorporate skills into math problems, and collaborate with the STEAM teacher. #4thchat
#4thchat A5. Skyping or GHO with scientists are natural ways to connect the academic areas. They all talk about how they read, write, communicate, use math, their region of the US, even code.
#4thchat A6 Check out "Math Moments" here. The rest is on my to look at list too. Creating Math Moments That Matter | Ontario Teachers' Federation https://t.co/NF6vwwOFAM
A1- sorry I’m a little slow- 2 year old learned how to crawl out of crib! I try to create lessons that are more exploratory than modeling. I give ss the concepts and materials and I see what they come up with. I also have a cookie cutter part for those who struggle. #4thchat
A3: I keep a triple beam balance out and find that students are always measuring items. I always have science picture books out. I usually have a living organism in the classroom. This year I am collecting sciency items to keep around for observation. #4thchat
A7: Invite people from your local agricultural center, local colleges and universities, any kind for business that has a connection to science. #4thchat
My Science Pages https://t.co/jbVwaKXVME from Anatomy to (sorry) Winter Storms. Science teaches students how to solve problems, it helps them learn about the world and how to find answers to their tough questions. #4thchat
#4thchat A7 I use this more for Skype/GHO but if you live in a nonrural area there are a lot of resources here. Find a Role Model | FabFems https://t.co/vNpq4OT6al
a6: I have done different things with vocab. I have done friends, acquaintances, strangers to see what they already know. We also use interactive word walls. While students explore when they deceive or use a word I will often rephrase with the science vocab. #4thchat
As a middle school teacher, it makes my heart so happy to see upper elementary Tt doing so much science! Just by exposing them to science skills puts them at an advantage! Studies have shown that if you want to boost boost Math and ELA scores, focus on sci skills! #4thchat
#4thchat A9. I think one aspect of mindset is important. STEM was not taught well for all before (still isn't?). So many Ts would have been great scientists given the chance. Caution against stating what "you can't do" or "never did" be present with your Ss thinking.
A8- we are one to one so we use tech all the time. Simulations where I give them concepts and ask them to explore and figure out, review materials like #quizlet and #quizziz and #peardeck as well as ways to communicate like slides, #adobespark#lucidpress and #padlet#4thchat
#4thchat A9 When I was an engineer it was no accident that we only had one woman engineer in the company. It's not good for business and not good for half of our Ss.
Sadly, I think it took a back seat for many years. Focus has always been on ELA/Math. But I think folks totally see importance of making sure time is spent exploring the different sciences. #4thchat So many students say it's their FAVORITE subject!
