Welcome!

Welcome grade 4 class to the learning zone! My name is Ms. Logozzo and I am looking forward to embarking on a new journey with all of you. I want to begin with thanking each one of you for visiting the learning zone and working towards making this an interactive learning community. I have lots planned this school year for all you enthusiastic and eager students. Parents and students, please feel free to post any comments or questions at any time.

The learning zone has been set up to inform students and parents about current events, announcements, and course material related to the grade 4 classroom. Please find attached a variety of links suitable for both students and parents. I encourage each one of you to visit this site frequently since information will be posted regularly. The learning zone is open to suggestions so please feel free to post your comments.

Learning is an ongoing process that should not be limited to the classroom. I hope each one of you embraces this opportunity to expand your knowledge and acquire new skills. Let's work together and have a fantastic school year!

Sincerely,

Ms. Logozzo

Student Explorers

Hello Grade 4 Students,

I have attached links on the left hand side that may be of interest to you. Here you will find links to Tumble Books Library, Nelson Math, Royal Ontario Museum, Lego, National Geographic, and Sports Illustrated. Please feel free to explore the different links on your free time. I would love to hear your feedback so feel free to post your opinions about the links. Enjoy and safe exploring!

Exploring for Parents

Hello Parents,

This post is specifically for all you parents who have some extra time and want to explore the Internet. I have attached some links that are specifically intended for parents. The links include information from the Canada Science & Technology Museum, Ontario Ministry of Education, Scholastic Canada, and TVO. The links are located on the left hand side under "Parent Links." Please let me know if you have further questions and enjoy!

Resource Link

This post outlines some resources that you may use as you are completing homework or assignments. The dictionary will help you with your spelling and vocabulary. You may use the curriculum documents to learn more about the grade 4 course material. Finally, you may use this multiplication table to assist you with your math homework. If you would like to see any other resources please let me know.

Introduction to Fractions

Welcome to the Math Corner. Here is where you can find everything you need to know about grade 4 math. I encourage each one of you to refer to these posts throughout the year.

Today's lesson focused on fractions. By the end of the fractions unit you will be able to represent fractions using concrete materials and standard fractional notation. In addition, you will be able to explain the meaning of denominator and numerator. Once the concept of fractions has been obtained you will be asked to compare and order fractions according to size and the number of fractional parts.

So far we have learned that the denominator represents the number of fractional parts of a whole or a set. A numerator is the number of fractional parts being considered.

For example:



Try this fun and interactive fractions game. Get ready to take some pizza orders!

If you are still having some trouble try these fractions worksheets to help you or you can come and see me. Good luck!

Stem-and-Leaf Plots and Bar Graphs

Today we learned how to collect and organize discrete primary data and display the data in charts, tables, and graphs such as a stem-and-leaf plot and bar graph. Below you will find a summary of what we learned today to help you prepare for your upcoming Data Management test.

A stem-and-leaf plot is a type of graph that summarizes a set of data. The data is arranged by place value. The digits in the largest place is referred to as the stem and the digits in the smallest place are referred to as the leaf (leaves). The leaves are always displayed to the left of the stem. Stem-and-leaf plots are a great way to organize large amounts of information. I have provided an example below.

Data: 12 15 15 16 16 17 18
20 20 20 20 22 25 26
30 31 31 31 33 35 35 38
48 48 49


A bar graph is a type of graph that visually displays information using a series of bars or rectangles. Refer to example below.

The bar graph shows the total number of student absences on different days of the week over a single semester at an Ohio middle school. The height of the bars represents the number of absences.



Try this quiz to help you with your bar graphing skills.

Tomorrow we will be collecting data by conducting a class survey. The topic will be favourite meals and favourite ice cream flavour. If you have any ideas please let me know, I am open to ideas. See you tomorrow!

Reminder: Math Test on Thursday! (Come see me if you would like to review any concepts you are having difficulties with).

Introduction to Light and Sound Unit

Attention all grade 4 scientists! We will be starting our Science & Technology unit on Light and Sound this coming Monday. It will be an exciting unit that will teach you all about the characteristics and properties of light and sound. Throughout the unit we will explore a variety of concepts that will allow you to become experts in the area of light and sound. By the end of the unit you will come to understand that light and sound are forms of energy, that sound is created by vibrations, and that light is required to see. We will end the unit by completing a research project. Stay tuned for the research project topics.

Here are some quick facts to introduce you to our Light and Sound unit. Enjoy!

Ø Light is energy that travels in waves.

Ø Light speed is the fastest mode of travel.

Ø Light travels in straight lines.

Ø Light is reflected when it bounces off an object and travels in different directions. Mirrors reflect light.

Ø Light is refracted when it travels through an object and is bent.

Ø Light is transmitted when it passes through an object.

Ø Sound is energy produced by vibrations.

Ø Sound travels through solids, liquids, and gases.

Ø Frequency=pitch.

Please visit the Science Spot as an introduction to our Light and Sound unit. Looking forward to tomorrow!

How is Light Reflected?

Today we learned about light and the different ways light can be transmitted. In case some of you left class today without grasping all the concepts I have outlined the main ideas. I encourage all of you to explore the link below which builds on today's lesson.

Reflection occurs when light bounces off objects. How much reflection depends upon how even the surface is. If the surface is rough, the light scatters. If the surface is smooth and flat, the light will bounce off it at equal angles. That is why a flat mirror reflects a good likeness of the object being reflected.


Refraction occurs because light bends. A lens is a piece of transparent material. It is usually made of glass and has at least one curved surface. Look at the convex and concave lenses below.



The following link will direct you to the Bill Nye the Science Guy website. There is a video on light optics, bending, and bouncing that I think all of you should take the time to watch because it will build on today's lesson. Enjoy!

Science Reminder

Please remember to bring a musical instrument to class tomorrow for our science lesson on sound.

Light and Sound Research Project Topics

Dear Students and Parents,

Over the next few weeks we will be working on a research project for our Light and Sound unit. I will be guiding the students through the research process. I have listed the following research topics that the students may choose from. If there is a specific topic that you do not see on the list but wish to explore please let me know. Let the exploring begin!


What careers involve the use of light or sound?
How is light abused in homes and communities? Develop a plan to conserve light in your local community.
Investigate how sound is transmitted and is used as a means of communication.
Explore the use of light throughout history.
Explore what materials sound can travel through. How does the type of material influence its speed?

**Your Light and Sound Research Project is due May 1st**