Ms. Guerrier
Dear Students, Parents and Guardians,
Welcome to a brand new school year! I am very excited to have the opportunity to work with all of you. There are many wonderful activities planned for this year. Once again, I will be teaching 2nd-5th grade science and 3rd-5th grade technology. I really hope you all enjoyed a well deserved summer vacation and are ready to have another successful school year!
Needed Supplies for Science
Due to the lack of storage space, I will be sending out monthly materials list needed for each unit of study.
TOP STORIES
1st & 2nd Week of School The first 2 weeks of school are extremely crucial. We get to know one another, learn about each other’s interest, expected activities, mandated curriculum, classroom and laboratory rules, safety procedures and needed materials for the months to come. Students will also be given a pre-assessment which will allow me to better understand the individual needs of each student, it will not be used toward report card grades.
3rd Week of School
Students will be introduced to the curriculum. All science supplies needed for the month for instructional purposes will be collected(Please refer to the supply list provided at the beginning of this newsletter). Students will need supplies in order to set up interactive class journals as well as their science fair journals.
As for technology, all students scheduled for technology 3rd-5th grade, will be required to create a google account in order to maintain an online portfolio. Students in the 4th grade will have many assignments geared towards preparing them for the New York State Science Written Test. 5th grade will be required to create a PowerPoint presentation, Prezi, Imovie or Glogster of their science fair projects along with a research paper, APA Style, which consist of a minimum of 2 type written pages, cover page, reference page (minimum of 4 sources). Students will be required to submit a draft along with the final typewritten paper. This requires that they have access to their work via the cloud or web.
4th Week of School- (Units of Study and Overarching Question)
Each grade will have been introduced to the unit of study.
2nd Grade- Forces and Motion (What causes objects to move?)
3rd Grade Science- Matter (What are some of the properties of matter?)
3rd Grade Tech- Computer Basic.
4th Grade Science- Animals and Plants in their environment (What roles do animals and plants play in their environment?)
4th Grade Tech- Internet Safety
5th Grade Science-The Nature of Science (How do scientists gather and share information?)
5th Grade Tech- Internet Safety
How to help your Scholars
It is important that all students practice skills taught in the classroom. For younger students, this provide them with opportunities to explore and discover. For older students, the emphasis is on formulating and investigating their own questions. Provide your children with opportunities to ask questions and investigate on their own to derive at a logical answer or explanation based on facts.
STEM Fair
Science Technology Engineering Mathematics
All Students Schedule for science will also be exposed to many STEM/STEAM activities and challenges based on their units of study. 2nd-5th grade students will all participate in the 2018 Fair. All projects must be completed at home.
Science Fair Assignment Due Dates
Due to the various class schedule, the submission due dates for different components of the fair are written in * week of... * however, students are responsible to submit assignments on the day in which their class is scheduled for science. Any late assignments will be deducted 5 points for each day late.
September- Students Prepare Science Fair Journals
Due: Week of the 15th ( 9/11-9/15)
October- Choose a topic and formulate a testable questions for your experiment. Identify the things you can change (Independent Variable) Things you can’t change ( Dependent Variable)
Due: Week of the 27th ( 10/23-10/27)
November-Background Research
Due: Week of the 17th ( 11/13-11/17)
December-Experimental Design and Procedures
Due: Week of the 22nd (12/18-12/22)
January- Data Tables
Due: Week of the 26th ( 1/22-1/26)
February-Planning Your Conclusion
Due: Week of week of the 16th ( 2/12-2/16)
March-Project Boards due with Science Notebooks
Due: Week of the 23rd ( 3/19-3/23)
April- Research Reports (4th-5th MLA format)
Due: Week of the 27th ( 4/23-4/27)
We are ready for another awesome STEM FAIR!
Welcome to a brand new school year! I am very excited to have the opportunity to work with all of you. There are many wonderful activities planned for this year. Once again, I will be teaching 2nd-5th grade science and 3rd-5th grade technology. I really hope you all enjoyed a well deserved summer vacation and are ready to have another successful school year!
Needed Supplies for Science
Due to the lack of storage space, I will be sending out monthly materials list needed for each unit of study.
- 2 Composition notebooks for Science, 2 Folders
- 2 bottles of Elmer’s School glue, 1 glue stick
- Ream of Printing paper or Cardstock
- 1 pack #2 Pencils and 1 pack of highlighter
TOP STORIES
1st & 2nd Week of School The first 2 weeks of school are extremely crucial. We get to know one another, learn about each other’s interest, expected activities, mandated curriculum, classroom and laboratory rules, safety procedures and needed materials for the months to come. Students will also be given a pre-assessment which will allow me to better understand the individual needs of each student, it will not be used toward report card grades.
3rd Week of School
Students will be introduced to the curriculum. All science supplies needed for the month for instructional purposes will be collected(Please refer to the supply list provided at the beginning of this newsletter). Students will need supplies in order to set up interactive class journals as well as their science fair journals.
As for technology, all students scheduled for technology 3rd-5th grade, will be required to create a google account in order to maintain an online portfolio. Students in the 4th grade will have many assignments geared towards preparing them for the New York State Science Written Test. 5th grade will be required to create a PowerPoint presentation, Prezi, Imovie or Glogster of their science fair projects along with a research paper, APA Style, which consist of a minimum of 2 type written pages, cover page, reference page (minimum of 4 sources). Students will be required to submit a draft along with the final typewritten paper. This requires that they have access to their work via the cloud or web.
4th Week of School- (Units of Study and Overarching Question)
Each grade will have been introduced to the unit of study.
2nd Grade- Forces and Motion (What causes objects to move?)
3rd Grade Science- Matter (What are some of the properties of matter?)
3rd Grade Tech- Computer Basic.
4th Grade Science- Animals and Plants in their environment (What roles do animals and plants play in their environment?)
4th Grade Tech- Internet Safety
5th Grade Science-The Nature of Science (How do scientists gather and share information?)
5th Grade Tech- Internet Safety
How to help your Scholars
It is important that all students practice skills taught in the classroom. For younger students, this provide them with opportunities to explore and discover. For older students, the emphasis is on formulating and investigating their own questions. Provide your children with opportunities to ask questions and investigate on their own to derive at a logical answer or explanation based on facts.
STEM Fair
Science Technology Engineering Mathematics
All Students Schedule for science will also be exposed to many STEM/STEAM activities and challenges based on their units of study. 2nd-5th grade students will all participate in the 2018 Fair. All projects must be completed at home.
Science Fair Assignment Due Dates
Due to the various class schedule, the submission due dates for different components of the fair are written in * week of... * however, students are responsible to submit assignments on the day in which their class is scheduled for science. Any late assignments will be deducted 5 points for each day late.
September- Students Prepare Science Fair Journals
Due: Week of the 15th ( 9/11-9/15)
October- Choose a topic and formulate a testable questions for your experiment. Identify the things you can change (Independent Variable) Things you can’t change ( Dependent Variable)
Due: Week of the 27th ( 10/23-10/27)
November-Background Research
Due: Week of the 17th ( 11/13-11/17)
December-Experimental Design and Procedures
Due: Week of the 22nd (12/18-12/22)
January- Data Tables
Due: Week of the 26th ( 1/22-1/26)
February-Planning Your Conclusion
Due: Week of week of the 16th ( 2/12-2/16)
March-Project Boards due with Science Notebooks
Due: Week of the 23rd ( 3/19-3/23)
April- Research Reports (4th-5th MLA format)
Due: Week of the 27th ( 4/23-4/27)
We are ready for another awesome STEM FAIR!
Saving Sam Collaborative STEM Challenge
Mission: Students were asked to save Sam from drowning by, getting the life preserver from under the boat ( Cup). Then, placing the life preserver around Sam's neck.
Challenge: Students were not allowed to touch Sam, the boat, or the life preserver with their hands.
Tools ( Technologies) made available: 4-5 Paper clips
Challenge: Students were not allowed to touch Sam, the boat, or the life preserver with their hands.
Tools ( Technologies) made available: 4-5 Paper clips
Science Fair Journal Preparation ( week of 10/6)
Next week, students will be working on organizing science fair journals. Each month, students will be given a worksheet to attach in their journals. All science fair assignments must be done in the science fair journals following the format indicated. Chosen topic and testable question are due the week of October 27th.
|
October Challenge:
Double Stuf Vs. Regular Oreos. |
As students continue to work on scientific inquiry and tools, they were challenged to answer wether "Double Stuf Oreos" had double the stuffing than regular Oreos. 2nd through 5th grade students put on their STEM hats and used various scientific tools and math skills to investigate and research this challenge.
2nd grade Student Oreo Cookie Advertisements
Making the connection
Students identified the question discussed possible solutions and made hypothesis. Next, they conducted investigations with the use of various tools. Students were asked to make accurate measurements and to be mindful of units being used. Last, students discussed outcomes and made their conclusions.
Students connected their scientifc findings with consumers by creating an advertisement using data, creative slogan, image and clear layout.
Students identified the question discussed possible solutions and made hypothesis. Next, they conducted investigations with the use of various tools. Students were asked to make accurate measurements and to be mindful of units being used. Last, students discussed outcomes and made their conclusions.
Students connected their scientifc findings with consumers by creating an advertisement using data, creative slogan, image and clear layout.
Exemplar 4th-5th grade lab report and advertisement
Reminder for 3-5th grade students: please bring in your science fair notebooks with your testable question.
If your question is not approved and I dont get to conference with you in class, make an appointment to see me during your lunch period. Sign up is located on my door. Find an opening and write your name on the calendar.
2nd grade
We will be choosing our questions in class, with the assistance of your teachers.
If your question is not approved and I dont get to conference with you in class, make an appointment to see me during your lunch period. Sign up is located on my door. Find an opening and write your name on the calendar.
2nd grade
We will be choosing our questions in class, with the assistance of your teachers.
November News
Students in 2nd-5th grade have been working very hard in science class.
2nd graders have just wrapped up our unit on rocks. Students students were very excited to learn that based on the various colors of rocks they are able to identify the number of minerals within a rock. We were also very pleased to discover that some rocks have hidden secrets. As we observed our rocks we found that by breaking it and looking inside, other vibrant colors are hidden within. These colors indicate that other minerals are found within our rocks.
* Note to parents* Lets encourage your child's love of geology by collecting rocks and talking about the physical properties. Also, taking a walk at central park and discovering more New York Schist. Students really enjoyed writing stories about when they found their favorite or new rock.
3rd graders have just wrapped up our unit on matter. We learned about the physical properties as well as the arrangement of molecules within each state. We really had a blast learning about Non Newtonian Fluids. Students learned that by mixing a solid and liquid we can then create a fluid that behaves as both a liquid and a solid ( Corn Starch and H20, Oobleck!) Students were fascinated at how the physical properties changed right before their eyes. We also discussed other Non Newtonian liquids and its importance to the food industry.
* Note to parents* Lets encourage your child's love of chemistry by allowing them to explore with other Non Newtonian fluids such as Ketchup, Honey and Cream. You may then have discussions about what makes them a Non Newtonian Fluid. The more we reinforce the better their understanding.
4th graders have just wrapped up our unit on animals and plants in their environment. While learning about different environments and animal adaptations students got to do research on 1 of four organisms; the earthworm, betta fish, hermit crab and fire belly toad. Students then created habitats using various plants ( Ferns, succulents) for their organisms. Despite the ending of the unit, students will continue to care for their habitats in order to gain deeper understanding of how an ecosystem works in order to maintain life.
5th graders are have wrapped up their unit on the Nature of Science and have started a really interesting and important project with CELF. The students are working on ways to improve the air quality within our environment. On a weekly bases, students go outside, to the school yard with a device called an Airbeam, where they are able to monitor the air quality within our school yard. They also check for other types of pollutants such as noise pollution, garbage, VOC from dust due to construction and toxins in our soil. The students make notes and document their observations as we continue to do research on the impact of these pollutants to our school community. At the end of our research study students will have an opportunity to present their findings to the CELF organization which is comprised of 7 other New York City Schools, Scientists, Professors, DOH and employees at a forum.
* Note to parents* Lets encourage our students with their research by allowing them to share what they have learned about various toxins that cause pollution in the atmosphere. Students are currently spending time trying to identify VOC's ( Volatile Organic Compounds). These are found in flammable liquids and many house hold cleaning products. Discuss other alternatives that could be used rather then those causing pollution in our atmosphere.
Students in 2nd-5th grade have been working very hard in science class.
2nd graders have just wrapped up our unit on rocks. Students students were very excited to learn that based on the various colors of rocks they are able to identify the number of minerals within a rock. We were also very pleased to discover that some rocks have hidden secrets. As we observed our rocks we found that by breaking it and looking inside, other vibrant colors are hidden within. These colors indicate that other minerals are found within our rocks.
* Note to parents* Lets encourage your child's love of geology by collecting rocks and talking about the physical properties. Also, taking a walk at central park and discovering more New York Schist. Students really enjoyed writing stories about when they found their favorite or new rock.
3rd graders have just wrapped up our unit on matter. We learned about the physical properties as well as the arrangement of molecules within each state. We really had a blast learning about Non Newtonian Fluids. Students learned that by mixing a solid and liquid we can then create a fluid that behaves as both a liquid and a solid ( Corn Starch and H20, Oobleck!) Students were fascinated at how the physical properties changed right before their eyes. We also discussed other Non Newtonian liquids and its importance to the food industry.
* Note to parents* Lets encourage your child's love of chemistry by allowing them to explore with other Non Newtonian fluids such as Ketchup, Honey and Cream. You may then have discussions about what makes them a Non Newtonian Fluid. The more we reinforce the better their understanding.
4th graders have just wrapped up our unit on animals and plants in their environment. While learning about different environments and animal adaptations students got to do research on 1 of four organisms; the earthworm, betta fish, hermit crab and fire belly toad. Students then created habitats using various plants ( Ferns, succulents) for their organisms. Despite the ending of the unit, students will continue to care for their habitats in order to gain deeper understanding of how an ecosystem works in order to maintain life.
5th graders are have wrapped up their unit on the Nature of Science and have started a really interesting and important project with CELF. The students are working on ways to improve the air quality within our environment. On a weekly bases, students go outside, to the school yard with a device called an Airbeam, where they are able to monitor the air quality within our school yard. They also check for other types of pollutants such as noise pollution, garbage, VOC from dust due to construction and toxins in our soil. The students make notes and document their observations as we continue to do research on the impact of these pollutants to our school community. At the end of our research study students will have an opportunity to present their findings to the CELF organization which is comprised of 7 other New York City Schools, Scientists, Professors, DOH and employees at a forum.
* Note to parents* Lets encourage our students with their research by allowing them to share what they have learned about various toxins that cause pollution in the atmosphere. Students are currently spending time trying to identify VOC's ( Volatile Organic Compounds). These are found in flammable liquids and many house hold cleaning products. Discuss other alternatives that could be used rather then those causing pollution in our atmosphere.
Science/STEM Fair is Scheduled for
Friday May 18th 2017
December
2nd Grade
During the month of December-February 2nd graders are learning about forces and motion. They get to explore how energy and matter interact through forces that result in changes in motion. They will be able to observe and describe relative positions between objects in their world. Exploring the observable effects of gravity and magnetism, manipulating and applying simple tools and machines as they are learning about the relationships between forces and motion.
3rd Grade
During the end of November-January, students explore how energy exists in a variety of forms. Students observe the results of simple energy transformations from one form to another in their physical environment. The safe use and respect of various energy forms is stressed in the classroom. They will be able to describe a variety of forms of energy (e.g., heat, chemical, light) and the changes that occur in objects when they interact with those forms of energy. The Students also get an opportunity to engineer their own roller coasters and identify where energy is being transformed from one area to the other.
During the end of November-January, students explore how energy exists in a variety of forms. Students observe the results of simple energy transformations from one form to another in their physical environment. The safe use and respect of various energy forms is stressed in the classroom. They will be able to describe a variety of forms of energy (e.g., heat, chemical, light) and the changes that occur in objects when they interact with those forms of energy. The Students also get an opportunity to engineer their own roller coasters and identify where energy is being transformed from one area to the other.
4th Grade
During the end of November-January, students will be learning about the characteristics and properties of electricity and magnetism. They will also explore the relationship between electricity and magnetism. The focus will be on simple circuits, conductivity and magnetic force.
During the end of November-January, students will be learning about the characteristics and properties of electricity and magnetism. They will also explore the relationship between electricity and magnetism. The focus will be on simple circuits, conductivity and magnetic force.
5th Grade
During the months of November-January, students will study the components of the lithosphere and the processes by which it will change over time. Through scientific inquiry, students may analyze data, explain using models and draw conclusions about events that change the surface of the Earth, and its consequences. Students will also continue in their research of air pollution in order to fulfill their project with CELF.
During the months of November-January, students will study the components of the lithosphere and the processes by which it will change over time. Through scientific inquiry, students may analyze data, explain using models and draw conclusions about events that change the surface of the Earth, and its consequences. Students will also continue in their research of air pollution in order to fulfill their project with CELF.
January
Welcome back to school! The month of January is packed with many fun and exciting experiments and activities. It is also the time for 2nd -5th grade to start conducting their science fair experiments in order to collect data.
2nd Grade
For the month of January all students will be working in their assigned groups on their investigative experiments. Parents are asked to donate 5 dollars in order to help assist in purchasing needed materials for their student groups.
For the month of January all students will be working in their assigned groups on their investigative experiments. Parents are asked to donate 5 dollars in order to help assist in purchasing needed materials for their student groups.
February
2nd Grade
It' s flu season and we are working very hard to keep our students healthy. I am asking for all 2nd grade girls to bring in tissues. All 2nd grade boys can bring in antibacterial wipes. This will allow us to keep our work locations clean and free from germs.
Also, over the vacation second graders are encouraged to talk to their parents about their science fair projects. This will allow them to become comfortable presenting to the class next month.
3rd Grade
In order to maintain a healthy environment, I am asking for 3rd grade girls to bring in hand sanitizer for our class. All 3rd grade boys can please bring in antibacterial soap for our science class.
Also, over the vacation 3rd graders can work on conducting their science experiments in order to collect data. Data can be collected in the science fair notebooks. Pictures/ photos, charts/ graphs, notes are all exceptable ways of collecting data.
4th Grade
4th grade is extremely important! All student will be taking the NYS Science exam this year. In preparation for this exam, 4th graders are expected to work on their science fair project along with a packet. It is really important that our students are successful.
In addition, I am asking that 4th grade students to bring in a reem of printing paper in order to print in the computer lab.
March
Great news scientist's, during the month of march we get to experience so many awesome things. We are wrapping up with our science fair projects, we have pushed our clocks forward and we are almost ready for state exams. That could only mean that we have worked really hard this year!
2nd Grade
We are currently working on learning about the needs of plants. The students are learning about the importance of plants in our environment.
Science fair news: the 2nd grade students will continue working on the science fair projects throughout the month of march. We may need extra time the first week of April to finish project boards in class. (Parent volunteers are welcomed for this activity. Feel free to email me if interested.)
3rd Grade
We are currently learning about simple machines leading up to complex machines. Students are also working on wrapping up their science fair project boards.
We are currently working on learning about the needs of plants. The students are learning about the importance of plants in our environment.
Science fair news: the 2nd grade students will continue working on the science fair projects throughout the month of march. We may need extra time the first week of April to finish project boards in class. (Parent volunteers are welcomed for this activity. Feel free to email me if interested.)
3rd Grade
We are currently learning about simple machines leading up to complex machines. Students are also working on wrapping up their science fair project boards.
4th grade
Reminder NYS Science written test will be June 4th 2018. Students will take the performance test in small groups between May 23rd and June 1st.
Reminder NYS Science written test will be June 4th 2018. Students will take the performance test in small groups between May 23rd and June 1st.
5th Grade
5th graders have been doing a great job doing research about air pollution in our community. We are in the process of finalizing our research and prepare our presentation for our symposium on April 28th.
5th graders have been doing a great job doing research about air pollution in our community. We are in the process of finalizing our research and prepare our presentation for our symposium on April 28th.
To all students and Parents;
Please remember to finish any missing work over the spring vacation. Late projects will be accepted after the break. Please refer to the rubric regarding scoring of late projects.
4th grade: You have been given 2 ways to practice for the NYS Science test, a packet and QUIA.com. All assignments will be collected upon return. Those who choose the online option, your work will be automatically saved and available for me to view.
Please remember to finish any missing work over the spring vacation. Late projects will be accepted after the break. Please refer to the rubric regarding scoring of late projects.
4th grade: You have been given 2 ways to practice for the NYS Science test, a packet and QUIA.com. All assignments will be collected upon return. Those who choose the online option, your work will be automatically saved and available for me to view.