Daily Archives: January 19, 2018

Strong and Stable Structures – Unit Test Next Week

Posted on by

Next Thursday (Jan. 25th), the students will have a test on our Strong and Stable Structures unit. There will be no homework duotang next week so that your child can review for the test. Students should take the time to complete and review their notes in their duotang (duotangs can be brought home this weekend). Duotangs will be handed in for marking on Jan. 25th as well. Students should be prepared to add detail to their answers on test day. Think “why?” or “how?” Please make sure the duotangs come back to school each day next week!

Your child can prepare for the science test by reviewing and answering the questions below:

  • Write definitions for the following words: structure, strength, stability, load.

  • Make a list of three natural structures and three man-made structures.

  • Understand the difference between tension, compression, torsion, and bending.

  • In class, we did an experiment with cardboard tubes of different heights. What did we learn about stability by doing this experiment?

  • In class, we tried to build towers out of 50 cue cards. What were two things that the winning group did well with their tower design to make it so tall and stable?

  • In class, we did an experiment where we attempted to increase the stability of a cardboard tube. What did we learn about stability by doing this experiment? (How can you increase the stability of tall objects?).

  • In class, we did an experiment with pasta noodles and marshmallows. What did you learn about strength from that experiment? How can you reinforce, or make structures stronger? What are struts and ties? What force does each deal with?

  • What properties of material do you need to consider when building the following: a) a car tire; b) a backpack; c) a roof for a house in Kanata, d) a baseball bat.

  • What will students have to consider if they want to do well in next week’s in-class structure-building challenge? How will they make their structure strong and stable? Use words like: struts, ties, layers, pillars, posts, beams, balanced, materials, tension, compression, torsion, base/foundation, etc. in your answer.

  • Mr. Brian Johnson, a structural engineer, visited our class before the holidays. What are some things he does as a structural engineer?

2-D Geometry on Test Wednesday

Posted on by

I just wanted to let you know that the students will be writing their unit test on 2-D Geometry on Wednesday (Jan. 24th) of next week. To help prepare for this test, the students are encouraged to complete the related practice questions online at the Nelson Math 3 website. Here’s the link:

http://www.nelson.com/school/elementary/mathK8/math3/studentcentre/studtryout.html

Once there, simply click on Chapter 7: 2-D Geometry, then complete the questions for each of the six lessons. We will be doing some of these in class before Wednesday…but it wouldn’t hurt to review them at home as well!

MFI Information Night -Thur., Feb. 8th, 2018

Posted on by

Parlez -vous Francais Do You Speak French

From Mrs. Burans:

I would like to invite you to attend a parent information session to learn more about our Gr. 4 MFI program. Please join us in our school library on Thursday, February 8th at 6:00pm. You’ll have the opportunity to hear a brief presentation, tour the school and ask questions. We look forward to seeing you.

Design a Company Logo

Posted on by
The students were placed into design and construction groups this afternoon for their final project in our structures unit. The first task for each group was to come up with a company name. The next step is to design a logo (using pencil crayons, markers, etc.) that represents their design and construction company. We discussed in class what makes an effective logo. Students were asked to come up with a logo idea for their company this evening on the paper provided. Tomorrow, they will share their logo idea with their group members, and the group will create a final company logo based on all of the members’ ideas. Remember: simplicity is best! The logo should have no more than three colours. How will the logo reflect the company name? How will it stand out?