Lab Safety

Dear Parents,

We are getting ready to conduct experiments and investigations in the lab, but first it is extremely improtant that we learn about lab safety. Being able to work in the lab is very beneficial, because the kids are able to see and conduct hands on experiments that enhance thier learning experience. Please talk with your child about the importance of this issue. I have included some helpful sites below.



Lab Safety Rules is the first site I would like for you to visit. Here you will find important rules to remember when working in the lab. These rules will help keep everyone safe when we explore new conceps.

At Frankenstein's Lightning Laboratory you will learn more about electrical safety by clicking on a character to decide what he/she is doing wrong.

Extinct Animals

Dear Parents,

During this next week, we will be studying extinct animals and comparing them to animals that are still living today. We will also be learning to draw conclusions about the past using fossils. Below are a few activities that I think you will enjoy.

To the right is a picture of an American Mastodon. Which animal alive today looks like the mastodon?

The first site that I have for you is called What a Bone Can Tell Us. Here you will be able to see pictures of fossils and hopefully learn some interseting facts.

Now lets go on a Fossil Tour! Here you will be able to see more fossils and learn the processes of becoming a fossil, staying a fossil, and also finding a fossil.

At the Endangered Species site, you learn what endangered species are and play a matching game. You will also see pictures of endangered species and learn why they have become endangered.

Adaptive Characteristics

Dear Parents,

We are now learning to identify adaptive characteristics of animals which help them survive predators and their enviroment. At the following web site, Animal Adaptations, you will not only find an explantion of what animal adaptations are, but you will be able to see some pictures of animals and learn about their particular adaptation.



Click here to view a slide show of More Adaptations. Here you will view the slide show, and then review what you have learned , and finally answer a few questions to see how you did.

Now that you know a little more about animal adaptations, I think you're ready to go on an Animal Adaptation Safari. At this site you will be able to read clues about certain animals and thier adaptations. Then you will make a prediction about what animal you think it is. Finally, you will be able to see the mystery animal.

By now you are getting pretty good at recognizing animal adaptations, so let's try Building a Fish to see if you can create a fish that will be able to survive in it's habitat.

Just for fun, here is one more Adaptation Game. This game is a little more challenging. You have to read the given clue about an animal's adaptation, and then decide why they have developed that characteristic.

Physical Properties of Matter

Dear Parents,

In science class, we are learning about the physical properties of matter, which is part of our science TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills). Your child is learning to observe and record changes in states of matter caused by the addition or reduction of heat. The three states of matter we are studying are: Liquids, Solids, and Gases.

Below are a few Internet Sites that you and your child can explore together.

What is Matter? Here you will be able to read about the three states of matter and their properties. The following is another great site to learn more about Solids, Lquids, and Gases.

Below is poem I found that I think you will like...

Magic Water (H2O)

When water freezes, or water boils, it gets a different name,
It turns to ice, It turns to steam
But it's water just the same!

At this next site, Changing State, you will be able to see what happens to water as it is cooled and heated.

Lets experiment even more with Liquids and Gases!! This site provides a great activity for you to categorize items, that we use and see just about everyday, as either a solid, liquid,or gas.

WELCOME

Welcome to 4th Grade Science with Mrs. Meiwes. Here at this site, you will find links to activities and other resources that you can do with your child. You will be able to see first hand what we are learning in the classroom. All of the activities and resources that you will see support what your child is learning during science class. Have Fun!!

Mrs. Meiwes